At 4 pm, children can become Junior Watershed Stewards through a fun, hands-on program led by Annie Arnold, AWI Environmental Educator. Participants will explore what makes a healthy watershed, complete a Junior Watershed Steward booklet, and earn a certificate and button along the way.
At 5 pm, the focus shifts to the adults. Brett Wimsatt, AWI Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program Director, will talk about invasive species in the Adirondacks, why they pose a threat, and what boaters, anglers, and other lake users can do to help stop their spread.
Lija Treibergs, AWI Water Quality Manager, will look closer to home, sharing what years of water-quality data reveal about the waters around Old Forge and the factors that affect their health.
Maintain the Chain is a community initiative focused on protecting the lakes and watershed of the Fulton Chain and the Adirondack Park through lake stewardship, conservation, and education. AWI is a program of Paul Smith’s College dedicated to protecting clean water and healthy Adirondack ecosystems. Its work includes water-quality monitoring, aquatic invasive species prevention, education, and watershed stewardship throughout the region.
Both programs are free and will be held at the Old Forge Library, 220 Crosby Boulevard.