Lake Protectors

This week on Lake Protectors, we’re joined by Luke Dow of The Lake George Steamboat Company and Luke Dow Photography as he shares his family’s local legacy, his passion for photographing Lake George, among other things, and his commitment to keeping its waters clean. Discover how Luke’s work on the lake and behind the lens reflects a deep dedication to preserving Lake George’s natural beauty. Listen now!

Show Notes:

Luke Dow Photography (http://lukedowphotography.com/)

Luke Dow Photography Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/LukeDowPhotography/)

Luke Dow Photography Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/luke_dow_photography/?hl=en)

Music by King Pong (Soundstripe code TFNLHDOXAOLPOTYZ)

As the seasons change around Lake George, so do the ways we enjoy the outdoors, and the precautions we need to take. In this episode, we’re joined by New York State Forest Ranger Chelsea Geyer to talk about staying safe during fall and winter adventures. From hiking and sharing the woods safely during hunting season to preparing for shifting weather, Ranger Geyer shares practical tips to help you explore responsibly and protect both yourself and the environment. Listen now!

Show Notes:

NYS Forest Rangers (https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/public-safety/forest-rangers)

Become a Forest Ranger (https://dec.ny.gov/about/employment/explore-career-descriptions/forest-ranger-1)

Music by King Pong (Soundstripe code 3QSCT6U7ZJA2TMSD)

In this episode of the Lake Protectors Podcast, we’re joined by Megan Seeley, Marketing Director for the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce, to explore the vital connection between a healthy lake and a thriving local economy. Megan shares what the Chamber does to support the region, the resources it offers to residents and visitors, and why protecting Lake George is essential, not just for the environment, but for the future of tourism and business in the area. Listen now!

Show Notes:

Lake George Chamber (https://lakegeorgechamber.com/)

Music by King Pong (Soundstripe code JZBNA7FYBOLW4EHP)

This week, we're joined by Ashley Sullivan, Executive Director of the Rozalia Project, an inspiring organization focused on removing marine debris from waterbodies and protecting water quality through hands-on action and public education. From aboard their sailing vessel, American Promise, Ashley and her team travel the New England coast conducting beach cleanups, engaging communities, and gathering critical data to reduce pollution in our waterways. Tune in to learn how their science-based approach is making a real difference and how you can be part of the solution, whether you're lakeside or oceanside. 

Show Notes: 

Rozalia Project (https://www.rozaliaproject.org/) 

Music by King Pong (Soundstripe code EAM55BQYSATE0BQL) 

In this episode, we sit down with Ben Marshall from the Lake George Park Commission to discuss the Lake George Boat Inspection Program. Ben talks about the origins of the program and how it's grown to become a crucial tool in the fight against invasives.  With five strategically located inspection stations, the program ensures that boats, trailers, and equipment arriving in Lake George are free of harmful species like Eurasian watermilfoil. Tune in for this insightful conversation on the ongoing efforts to keep Lake George beautiful and invasive-free!

Show Notes:

LGPC Contact (https://lgpc.ny.gov/contact)

LGPC Boat Inspections (https://lgpc.ny.gov/lake-george-boat-inspections)

Inspection Stations (https://lgpc.ny.gov/inspection-station-locations)

Music by King Pong

In this episode, we sit down with the Executive Director of Camp Chingachgook, Jine Andreozzi, to talk about the power of outdoor education in shaping the next generation of environmental stewards. Serving over 2,000 kids and teens each year on the shore of Pilot Knob, the camp offers everything from hiking and sailing to stream science and art- giving young people a hands-on connection to nature outside of the classroom. Jine shares how these experiences create core memories, develop new skills, and inspire a deeper sense of responsibility for the changing world around us.

Show Notes:

Camp Chingachgook (https://www.lakegeorgecamp.org/summer-programs) 

Floating Classroom (https://lakegeorgeassociation.org/floating-classroom)

Music by King Pong

This week, we’re diving into all the exciting events the Lake George Association has planned for the 2025 summer season. From parties to fundraising events to community science programs, there are opportunities for everyone to get involved! 

Show Notes:

LGA Events https://lakegeorgeassociation.org/events

Music by King Pong

This week, we dive into the Jefferson Project—a collaborative effort between Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), the Lake George Association (LGA), and IBM that's turning Lake George into the smartest lake in the world. Our guests, Mark Lucius and Maria Pelusi, break down how cutting-edge sensor networks, ultra-high-frequency data modeling, and advanced forecasting tools are helping us better understand and protect our beloved Lake George. To learn more, join us in Lake George on May 15th for the LGA’s annual Lake Protector Summit featuring our keynote speaker, Dr. Kevin Rose, Director of the Jefferson Project. 

Show Notes:

Jefferson Project Live Dashboard (https://www.jeffersonproject.live/)

The Jefferson Project at Lake George (https://dfwi.rpi.edu/jefferson-project-lake-george)

This week, we sit down with Nick Rowell from Warren County Soil & Water for a deep dive—literally and figuratively—into the hidden wonders beneath the lake’s surface. Nick shares his unique perspective as a diver, having spent 12 years conducting plant surveys in and around Lake George. Shout out to the “School of Bob” Bombard for teaching him everything he knows about plant identification! We explore the innovative use of video to document underwater ecosystems, and Nick reveals some fascinating stories from his dives. Tune in for a journey into the depths of Lake George!

Show Notes:

 A Freshwater Perspective ( https://warrenswcd.org/lake-bottom/)

Warren County Soil & Water Contacts (https://warrenswcd.org/contact/)

Music by King Pong

Join us this week as we welcome Tammara Van Ryn, recently retired Director of the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP), and an expert in invasive species management across the six-million-acre Adirondack region. Tammara shares her passion for protecting our natural landscapes and discusses the challenges posed by invasive species, particularly the notorious hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA). Tune in to learn how you can get involved in protecting Lake George and Adirondack forests and ensure the longevity of these incredible ecosystems. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review!

Show Notes:

iMap invasives (https://www.imapinvasives.org/)

HWA Monitoring Weekend (https://lakegeorgeassociation.org/events)

Adkinvasives.com (https://adkinvasives.com/)

Pesticide applicator list (https://adkinvasives.com/data/files/Documents/Terrestrial%20Contractors%20List%202023%20WEB.pdf)

Forest Pest Hunters (https://www.adkinvasives.com/Get-Involved/Volunteer/Forest-Pest-Hunting)

Volunteer with APIPP (https://www.adkinvasives.com/Get-Involved/Volunteer/)

Music by King Pong