March 7, 2017 5th Annual Lake George Hike-A-Thon Registration Opens
For Immediate Release: March 7, 2017
Bolton Landing, NY – The Early-Bird Registration period is open for the Lake George Land Conservancy’s (LGLC) 5th annual Lake George Hike-A-Thon. Set for July 5, 2017, the event organizers are anticipating nearly 750 hikers, paddlers and volunteers. Free t-shirts are given to those who register by April 30; thereafter shirts may be purchased.
The Lake George Hike-A-Thon is a free, one-day event held each July 5th, created to showcase the LGLC’s parks and preserves around Lake George as free public resources, and to promote an appreciation for the outdoors and for the protection of the land that protects the lake.
As in past years, hikes and paddles take place simultaneously all around Lake George, culminating with aerial photography of each group by Carl Heilman, II, who will be flying in a helicopter piloted by Bruce Mowery of North Country Heliflite.
The event has grown from including nine hiking locations in 2013 to nearly 20 this year. New for 2017 is the addition of Partner Sites, which includes YMCA Camp Chingachgook in Fort Ann, the Charles R. Wood Nature Park in Lake George, and Up Yonda Farm Environmental Education Center in Bolton.
“Every year has had changes and additions to improve the event’s appeal,” said LGLC Communications and Outreach Manager Sarah Hoffman, “but I was most excited to announce the addition of our Partner Sites for 2017. The response has been great already, and people are amazed to see how big the event has grown.”
In addition to the Partner Sites, other new options for 2017 include the LGLC’s Godwin Preserve in Bolton, and the return of Peggy’s Point in Hague.
“We really want to make sure people of all abilities can participate in the Hike-A-Thon,” explained Hoffman, “and Peggy’s Point is an accessible site that offers easy access to the lake. We’re also promoting this site as a dog park for the day, and we’ll have special activities and treats geared towards dogs and their owners.”
All of the offered sites allow dogs, with the exception of YMCA Camp Chingachgook and Up Yonda Farm, which is important for many hikers.
“I’ve had people back out of joining a hike in the past after learning they couldn’t bring their dog with them,” said Hoffman. “Dogs can be great hiking companions, and we want to promote the fact that all of the LGLC’s preserves allow dogs, though they must be on a leash.”
The LGLC is also seeking Hike-A-Thon volunteers. Especially with the ever-growing list of sites, a large crew of volunteers is needed to help lead hikes and keep things running smoothly on the ground. For those who want to be part of the event but are unable to hike, joining the Ground Crew is a great way to get involved. Further information is available at lakegeorgehikeathon.org/volunteer.
The 2016 Hike-A-Thon is made possible thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, including the Lake George Mirror, as the event’s media sponsor, Carl Heilman, II/Wild Visions, Inc., Bruce Mowery of North Country Heliflite, JUST Water, Cedar Graphics, and the Town of Bolton.
To register for the Hike-A-Thon and for more information visit lakegeorgehikeathon.org, or contact Communications and Outreach Manager Sarah Hoffman at 518-644-9673, or email shoffman@lglc.org. Fans may also follow the Hike-A-Thon on Facebook: facebook.com/LakeGeorgeHikeAThon.
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