Demographics of the Adirondacks

        Something I noticed on our field trip to the Adirondacks was how small the schools were. I can't remember the town, but one school building even doubled as town offices, and the offices were using rooms that had clearly once been classrooms. I had forgotten this observation until I came across an article written by Phillip Terrie, author of Contested Terrain, about demographics in the Adirondacks.
        A study done by the Center for Applied Demographics at Cornell University (CAD) found two demographic trends within the Adirondack Park. The first trend was an increase in the average age of residents in Adirondacks towns, and the second trend was a decrease in the number of children Adirondacks school districts. These two trends show that fewer people are settling down in Adirondacks. Participants in the Adirondack Demographic conference are quick to blame this finding on the the existence of the Adirondack Park and the Forest Preserve. As more and more land becomes public, it takes away opportunities for residents in the park. There is less land to settle on or make a living. Industries, such as logging and especially mining, prompted schools to be built but are no longer prominent in the park. These are logical conclusions but Terrie finds that they are not grounded in actual evidence.
       While there is no denying that towns in the Adirondacks are struggling, the park is not to blame because the trends noticed are also happening in other parts of the country. Rural towns all over are struggling to keep up with the rest of the U.S. Although Terrie does not present a solution for the Adirondacks to solve this problem, he acknowledges that accusing the Adirondack Park for causing these demographic changes is a waste of time. This is not a problem unique to the Adirondacks and therefore cannot be blamed on the Adirondack Park or Forest Preserve. As we move forward in class, especially as we discuss the residents of the park, it will be important to keep in mind what issues are and are not unique to the Adirondacks because it influences how the issues should be handled.

Decreasing populations is a widespread problem in the US. 

Works Cited

Terrie, Phillip. "Adirondack Demographics: Don't Blame the Park -." The Adirondack Almanack. N.p., 18 Oct. 2015. Web. 30 Oct. 2015. <http://www.adirondackalmanack.com/2015/10/adirondack-demographics-dont-blame-the-park.html>.

My First Hike & Summit

       The first hike I ever went on was on the Pitchoff Mountain hiking trail, barely four miles from the Adirondack Program’s Mountain House.  I was five years old and on vacation with my family in the Adirondacks, having my first real taste of the outdoors after growing up in New York City.  The trail was nearly seven miles and had an elevation rise of sixteen-hundred and fifty feet along a rocky and boulder-filled ridge-line.  I scampered along with my twin sister, struggling at the steep sections where I could barely reach up to where I was supposed to step next.  Our parents lifted us over those, and we continued on our way until we reached the viewpoint.  We turned to go back down, and I remember that going down was much more fun than going up because we got to slide down the steep rocks and jump from rock to rock when our parents judged it safe enough.  When we reached the trailhead at the end we were exhausted.  We took naps.

          The next day, I summited my first mountain: Whiteface.  I wasn’t tired at the end of this one, solely because the trek was only a steep quarter mile from the parking lot.  Because my sister and I were five and had no idea of what we should and shouldn’t do atop the mountain’s alpine ecosystem, we happily ran around, ignoring the “endangered plant species; stay on bare rock” signs that endangered our fun.  I’ve always remembered the view from the top: the peaks and lakes and woods seemingly running on for endless miles in all directions.  By the time I returned with this class on our field trip, I had forgotten that Whiteface was the mountain I'd summited that day.  I found myself looking at the same view that had been my first summit view all those years ago.  At first I thought it was déjà vu, but then I realized the special place I had returned to.

         As soon as I got service on my cell-phone I texted my mom asking her if she could find any photos of that day, and now just this week she sent me these two images:

Me and Dad

Taking in the ADKs on Whiteface's summit

Prisons

Prisons in the ADK

Located in the Northeastern tip of the Adirondacks, Clinton Correctional Facility is infamous for its frigid temperatures, earning it the nickname “Little Siberia”. While it has been mildly known for its Siberian esque winters, it is now much more well known, as two inmates from the maximum security prison escaped this past June. Richard Matt and David Sweat dug a tunnel through the prison walls (quite similarly to the movie The Shawshank Redemption) and eventually led themselves to a manhole and escaped into the street. While Matt was killed and Sweat captured around three weeks after their escape, their plan to survive and never get caught rested on the climate of the Adirondacks.

It is suspected that the two began their digging tunnel in the early winter, working at night while guards suspected they were sleeping. They also are believed to have finished their tunnel in the spring, but did not leave at the first chance they had, rather they waited until early June to make their escape. While most prisoners would not have the patience to wait when presented with the opportunity to escape, Matt and Sweat were two cunning prisoners in extraordinary circumstances. Clinton Correctional Facility receives around 80 inches of snow per year, with more snow accumulating in mountainous regions nearby. Surviving on the run would be practically impossible in the winter or spring, thus the two inmates strategically choose to escape during the start of the tolerable weather for the region. Sometimes it feels the same here at Hamilton College, but at least we’re not in prison!

While Clinton Correctional Facility’s security lapse may have taken center stage in the recent discussion about prisons in the Adirondacks, there are quite a few other prisons in region. When New York State started to crack down on drugs in the 1970’s, prisons soon began to fill up. The New York Corrections department became the largest employer in the state as workers transitioned from working class jobs in factories and mines to working in prisons. Part of the boom was due to the vast expanses of cheap land, with people in the area willing to take jobs. What was not considered when developing the prisons in the region was the idea of whether the park was intended for this use. Typically there is a debate about whether a business should be allowed to develop in the park, however, the state owns half the park so it has the right to do as it wants. Prisons have now become a fixture in the park to the dismay of some who claim that the park should be free of criminals and stay ‘forever wild’. However, the state owns much of the park and operates the correctional facilities, so it doesn’t look like any change is coming soon.

Works Cited

Mann, Brian. "Hard Times in 'Siberia'" Adirondack Explorer. N.p., 1 Sept. 2013. Web. 29 Oct.

2015.

Rashbaum, William K. "New York Prisoner’s Keys to Escape: Lapsed Rules, Tools and Luck." The New York Times. The New York Times, 20 July 2015. Web. 29 Oct. 2015.

"Suffer for Your Art"

There is something about struggle and hardship that leads to the creation of great art. The Adirondacks are notoriously unforgiving to its inhabitants and as a sort of coping mechanism, has inspired countless works of music that work to capture these raw human emotions.

Using intense emotional experiences to fuel creative development is nothing new. From the ancient Greeks using political tension to inspire lyrical plays to biographical singer-songwriters such as Paul Simon, an emphasis on some of the harsher elements of the human experience come to the forefront of masterpieces. This is perhaps due to the psychological tendency to rationalize difficult experiences. If this is the case, then it is easy to understand the massive music library that has been generated out of the common struggles of Adirondack residents.

One of the struggles that pervades most American folk music is the difficulties of being an immigrant. The partial assimilation of these populations that were brought into the region and expected to figure out the intricacies of American culture from a remote position were able to hold onto their culture through their music. Perhaps deriving some of their form from Celtic ballads, the Adirondack ballad is a prime example of a combination of struggles manifesting themselves in a deeply enjoyable work of art.

What made these testaments to struggle so pervasive was their emotional universality in addition to the use of music as a sort of social currency, carrying musicians throughout the Adirondacks from one rural meeting place to the next. This "un-selfconscious and communal activity" helped residents understand the circumstances they were surrounded by, while still allowing these overworked woodswomen and woodsmen to blow off some steam.

I am curious what the early Adirondack history would have looked like without music. Would depression have been even more pervasive in the region? Would the legacy of these loggers been largely forgotten? What would we have known of the dangers of early logging without these important primary sources? I, for one, and happy that these questions do not need to be answered. Instead of dwelling on these hypothetical questions, we are instead able to turn to the well preserved works of Adirondack music to gain a perspective on what these trying times were like for the people living through them.

REI Closing for Black Friday

Black Friday is notorious for being the kickoff day for Christmas shopping. Full of great deals, and sales beyond compare, it exemplifies the heart of American consumerism – and just after a day spent giving thanks for what we have (oh the irony…). However, this year, major outdoors store, REI has announced that it will be shaking things up a bit. REI will be closing for black Friday, and instead, paying its employees to go outside, while encouraging its customers to do the same. REI sent an email announcement Monday October 26th, to its members, citing the John Muir quote, “Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home” (1901).

Advertisement on the REI website inviting customers to join them outside on black Friday

While John Muir spearheaded conservation efforts on the west coast, I think that his quote can apply to the Adirondacks as well. 1901 was a peak time for the industrialization of society, and also a peak time for tourism in the Adirondacks. Adirondack tourists during this time would use the mountains as an escape from the stress of industrial life to get back to nature in the woods, now, REI is working to bring back this mindset.

The beauty of the Adirondacks as a park, is that they provide a place for any member of the public to get outside and enjoy nature. As we discussed on Monday, even if that was not the original intent when the park was created, they serve that important purpose now. And as our society continues to industrialize and grow, these parks remain ever more important. I hope no one ever has to live to see the day when REI or any company cannot launch an operation to get outside because there would be nowhere to go.

I think it says a lot that a major corporation is willing to risk potentially one of its most profitable days just to make a statement about getting outside. However, it also is really impressive to me as a customer, because it shows how committed REI is to their product and mission. For a company that sells outdoors gear to demonstrate that it really does value the outdoors and values the fact that their employees value the outdoors is very telling. I feel like more and more, companies do whatever they need to do to make the most profit, but REI is making a statement that I feel like could have a big impact.

Of course, when it comes to large companies, it is easy to think everything is a marketing ploy – and maybe it is, we’ll never really know. As Forbes points out, through closing on black Friday, REI is appealing to their “customers’ desire for authenticity” as well as their “customers’ search for an attached meaning” (Forbes). It remains to be seen whether REI will be able to use these factors to make up for their losses on the biggest shopping day in America.

I hope everyone takes the initiative to #optoutside this black Friday. Take advantage of the awesome resources that surround us in all places across the US. Even if you don’t have the Adirondacks in your backyard, I encourage us all to take a walk, spend time with family, or participate in some activity to help take you back to nature and away from the consumerism of our society.

Works Cited:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/micahsolomon/2015/10/27/rei-opts-out-of-black-friday-closing-143-stores-and-paying-employees-to-opt-outside/

Ghost Stories of the Adirondacks

It’s that time of year: leaf piles, cider, trick-or-treating, and, of course, ghost stories! As it turns out, the Adirondacks are the backdrop for many supernatural tales.  Of all the haunted stories and places, one seemed to be the creepiest: Beardslee Castle.  Before the building was even erected in Little Falls, there was a history of death on the land.  During the French and Indian War, the ground served as a storage area for munitions and powder.  Native Americans snuck into this supply, and it is said that their torches ignited the powder and caused a deadly explosion.  Some believe that their spirits could still be lingering in the area.  

Beardslee Castle (Photo Credit: http://visitadirondacks.com/area-adk/top-5-haunted-places-the-adirondacks)

The building itself was constructed in 1860, and many horrors took place within its walls. The building caught fire twice (once in 1919 and again in 1989), and Pop Christensen, an owner of the castle, hung himself in the building.  The spirits, however, are not constrained to just the inside of the building.  In the 50s, reports emerged of a bright light on Route 5 chasing drivers down the road. This light caused several fatal accidents, and a survivor of one crash reported that “a light rushed out of the trees and blinded her husband.”  More recently, a couple driving past the castle hit a young woman who stepped out onto the road.  A car driving in the opposite direction verified that they had witnessed the accident.  When the two parties checked the area of the accident, there was no body and the car sustained no damage.

The presence of ghosts was verified in the 80s, when a ghost hunter determined through whisperings caught on a tape recorder that there were at least two spirits haunting the building.  One was Pop Christensen and the other is said to be “Abigail,” a bride who died the night before her wedding.  Ghost hunters today are still interested in the site, as the Castle was featured on the History Channel in an episode of “Haunted History.”  Did somebody say field trip!?

This is only one of many ghost stories that I found.  Check out these sites if you’re interested in learning more!
Top 5 Haunted Places in the Adirondacks
Lady in the Lake

Sources:
http://beardsleecastle.com/about/ghost-stories/

Sugar Maples in the Adirondacks

The sugar maple is one of the most economically, culturally, and ecologically important trees in the eastern United States. These trees are known for their high-quality wood, sweet sap, and the bright colors of their leaves as they change in the fall. The sap from these trees fuels the production of maple syrup, a multi-billion dollar industry. Additionally, the brilliant leaf colors attract tourists to the area in the fall, which many small businesses rely on. On an ecological level, these trees are fundamental to the hardwood forests because they cultivate more fertile soils and help maintain a greater biodiversity of plants and soil.

Recently sugar maples have shown signs of going through a period of decline. By analyzing growth rings from trees in the Adirondacks, scientists at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry were able to determine that sugar maple’s growth has been slowing down since 1970. Scientists have said that the reasons for this slow down are uncertain. Researchers have looked into the impacts climate change and acid rain on the sugar maples, but evidence does not suggest they are the main offenders of this decreasing growth. This does not completely eliminate climate change and acid rain as factors in the problem. Stressors such as these can make trees less tolerant of pests or diseases, which could contribute to their declining growth. A slower pace of growth is not a definite sign that the trees will die or that it is impossible for them to recover. However, this issue is still concerning because of the great importance of the tree in the North. If the trees continue to decline and ultimately die, the economy of the Adirondacks will be altered, along with the diversity of other plants in the area.

Some symptoms of sugar maple decline include reduced twig growth, reduced foliage growth, and early fall coloration. If the distance between the bud scars to the bud of a twig is less than five centimeters it usually indicates the tree is in trouble. Also, since maples normally change colors in mid-to-late September, if these colors appear earlier than usual—like late July or early August—the maple is most likely suffering from decline.

Early coloration 

Works Cited:

"Maple Decline: Various Factors." (1999): n. pag. Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Web. <http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/factsheets/mapledecline.pdf>.

"New Study: Adirondack Sugar Maples In Decline -." The Adirondack Almanack. N.p.,    21 Oct. 2015. Web. 29 Oct. 2015. <http://www.adirondackalmanack.com/2015/10/new-study-adirondack-sugar- maples-in-decline.html#more-56561>.

Part of the Club

            An embodiment of the Adirondack attitude, the 46er’s club serves the region through conservation and stewardship while simultaneously enjoying the mountains. In order to be eligible for club membership, a candidate must have summited all 46 of the Adirondack high peaks. As I’m sure the members can attest, this task is no small feat and thus results in a significant relationship between the climber and the park. It’s this relationship that stands at the core of the 46er mission.

           Despite having a name that suggests a slight bit of pride and exclusivity, the 46ers exist primarily to help the region they enjoy stay beautiful and pristine. The club prides itself on founding sustainable recreation principles such as “If you carry it in, carry it out,” and “Leave no trace,” (Hoody). Additionally, members log hundreds of hours volunteering on various trail crews. These trail crews are responsible for maintaining and bettering the hiking trails of the park. They clear blow downs, plow out trails, build and repair lean-tos, and ensure that trail markers are clear. So, while the club inherently attracts veteran hikers due to its prerequisite, it enables hikers of all levels to enjoy the park. 

 The coveted 46-R patch

http://www.wanderingwool.com/?paged=3

            For all the work the club takes care of, the only congratulations they receive is a small patch that members earn the right to wear. It’s this essentially thankless dynamic that turns the organization into something beautiful, much like the region that inspired it. I guess involvement in a club that enables the frequent visitation to and immersion in the Adirondacks is payment enough. In a sense, members have already received their real reward through the process of gaining admission into the club.

Works Cited

Hoody, Brian. "ADK 46-R." ADK 46-R. 2015.Web. <http://adk46er.org/>.

Things to Do (When Not in the Woods) in Keene Valley

Keene Valley is known for its ideal location in the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks. There are countless trails winding through the forests and many mountains easily accessible from the main roads. Other peaks only take a short drive to get to. Because of this, Keene Valley, cherished by artists, authors, and hikers alike, is always a hot destination for all kinds of tourists. Here are a couple touristy things to do in this magical town when you’re not in the woods.

The Mountaineer

            This store has been selling outdoor equipment since 1975. The gear and clothing you can purchase here are high quality. You’ll probably recognize most of the brands as renowned companies who’ve been catering to adventurers for many years. Hiking, climbing, skiing, camping, and fishing merchandise can all be found here. There is also a room full of books and maps, as well as an Adirondack children’s section. I would spend hours here are a kid, and one of my favorite things to do was to come here with my family and buy a “peak patch” once I’d climbed a mountain.

            The one significant downfall with The Mountaineer is that it is not cheap. The gear here is top notch so if you’re looking for something that will last you the rest of your life, and it’s something you known you’ll get a ton of use out of; get it at the Mountaineer. The price will be worth it. However, this is not a place to stop at if you need a temporary raincoat because you left one at home. Try the nearby hardware store and find a poncho instead, unless you want a really good and pricey raincoat. Still, don’t let this warning deter you! It’s a wonderful place to explore!

The Noon Mark Diner

            One word: “Pie”. This diner, besides serving all your typical mountain diner food, makes some of the best pie I have ever ever tasted. They also sell ice cream in the summer, a perfect reward after tackling a particularly rugged peak. It has a wonderful community feel, even though you’ll be surrounded by other tourists if you’re there at the height of the season. As their website playfully states:

            Hikers would be lost without the Noon Mark Diner, ice climbers chill-out at the Noon Mark Diner, folks on fishing trips have a bite at Noon Mark Diner, and skiers get a lift at Noon Mark Diner… Could be the home cooking, but it’s more than just that, it’s the warm, friendly “Adirondack” feeling-- and a delicious home-cooked breakfast, lunch or dinner served any time of the day.

            I think that’s enough said. It’s a great spot, check it out if you’re passing through or staying near by.

The Ausable Inn

            I have many fond memories of this lovely place. I’ve never actually stayed here over night, but looking at the pictures now, I can see that the rooms look marvelously comfortable. The food is, like the Noon Mark Diner, classic pub or diner food, though it’s a little nicer here. But the real appeal of this place is the cozy, Adirondack vibe. It's rustic, decorated with all sorts of treasures and artwork. In the winter, be sure to grab a spot by the fire for a really magical meal.

The Birch Store

            I have to put this here, because though it is a bit pricey, this store is one of my favorites in the world. If you like cute, quirky, classy things, this place is for you! It sells everything from cool rugs and bedding, to glassware and kitchen supplies, to funny sweet gifts for friends and family. There’s also a clothing section where I’ve found some great dresses and shirts over the years. They feature items from local artists and businesses as well as worldwide companies. It is enchanting. I often get the majority of my Christmas and birthday shopping done there, for men, women, and children alike. Definitely stop by and explore.

Sources:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g47987-Activities-Keene_Valley_New_York.html

http://www.mountaineer.com

https://vimeo.com/109084523

http://www.noonmarkdiner.com/aboutus01.html

https://www.facebook.com/AuSable-Inn-142842692427900/?ref=br_rs

http://www.thebirchstore.com

Photos:

http://www.townofkeeneny.com

http://www.adirondack.net/images/photo(12).jpg

http://www.mountaineer.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/StorefrontFallEdit.jpg

http://webbox.lafayette.edu/~reiterc/hikes/adir/2002/08b/wdscf0258.jpg 

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/88/a5/f1/88a5f1d0344e33869e99f1def10efeaf.jpg

https://www.facebook.com/AuSable-Inn-142842692427900/photos_stream?ref=page_internal

http://m5.paperblog.com/i/23/234610/my-favorite-shop-stop-in-the-adk-the-birch-st-L-DW2Hf4.jpeg

http://s3-media4.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/H3Iu3_H3Fo1qoYtBdalEzA/o.jpg