Ampersand Mountain near Tupper Lake has 360 views of the Adirondack High Peaks but is a good example of erosion

Ampersand Mountain

from Tupper Lake, crossroads of the Adirondacks

Ampersand Mountain was originally covered with a heavy growth of trees. Verplanck Colvin, a surveyor, had the trees cut on the mountain summit so he could use it as one of his triangulation points. The summit today is bare, a classic illustration of what happens when trees on a mountain top are cut. Erosion sets in and not a tree, tree stump or even a plant is left on the summit. All the soil has washed away and nothing but bare rock is left.

The trail begins on the south side of Route 3, about 14 miles east of Tupper Lake. Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) signs mark the beginning of the trail which leads gradually through the hardwood growth for about a mile and then climbs sharply. The ascent from there to the top is abrupt, about 1800' of elevation in 2.7 miles.

Friends of Dyken Pond Center Present Backyard Foraging: Wild Edible Plants with Sean Rowe

It has been said that nature is like a banquet. You just have to know where to look. This series of classes goes beyond your average plant walk. Students in this course will learn the basics of the art of foraging including how to safely identify edible species for the dinner table and how to avoid the poisonous look-alikes. Each class will have students gathering a handful of delectable goodies from the landscape and learning identification skills, harvesting techniques and tips to properly prepare each of them. Each month will cover different, seasonal plants and plants will not be repeated from one month to the next. Each class is designed to either stand alone or be taken as a continual series of knowledge and information.

Sessions are as follows:

June 14 and /or July 12

Fees and Times: $20; $15 members ($35 both classes) 11am-4pm

Pre-registration is required and space is limited to 10 participants.

Please register early by calling the Dyken Pond Center at 658-2055, or send an e-mail to dykenpond@fairpoint.net

Participants must dress appropriately for being outdoors and bring a lunch and drink.

Sean Rowe has studied wild edible plants at Tom Brown's Wilderness Survival School and Hawk Circle and also teaches wild edible plant and survival skills courses at Hudson Valley Community College.

Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center

475 Dyken Pond Road

Cropseyville, New York 12052

518 658-2055

www.dykenpond.org

THC Annual Potluck Picnic at Grafton Lakes State Park on Saturday, June 6th, National Trails Day

Saturday, June 6: National Trail’s Day

Trail work to be done at Grafton Lakes State Park. Please arrive at 0900 at the Maintenance Building to register. We will be given our trail assignment at this time.

Saturday, June 6: THC Annual Potluck Picnic at Grafton Lakes State Park

The Grafton Lakes State Park opens at 0900 and closes at dusk for hiking, boating and swimming. We are once again at the Amphitheater Pavilion (by the Beach).

Our activities are:

· At 0900 we will meet at GLSP Office and join with volunteers across the US on National Trails Day.

· Car shuttle from Mill Pond Parking Lot will start at 11am and end at noon to bring those who chose to the Amphitheater.

· Noon to 1pm Pot Luck appetizers.

· 1pm Pot Luck salads, desserts and treats along with THC supplied hot dogs, hamburgers, cold drinks (lemonade and bottled water) and condiments.

· Please bring your own wine, beer or other choice.

· Lawn chairs and games are recommended.

· 2pm short THC meeting.

· Enjoy the park for the rest of the day.

· Please call Doree Cox at 658-2643 to let her know how many people are coming and what your contribution to the picnic will be (appetizers, salad or dessert). Please leave a message if Doree doesn’t answer.

· The new Taconic Hiking Club t-shirts and sweatshirts will be available for sale at the picnic. Checks may be made payable to Phil Fountain.