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Adirondack Mountain Club offers free summer programs

Explore the The Heart Lake Nature Museum (Photo provided — Diane Chase)

My family spends quite a bit of time at the Adirondack Club’s Heart Lake property. It isn’t dubbed the entrance to the High Peaks for nothing. With access to over 13 Adirondack 46ers, the Adirondack Loj, Heart Lake, and High Peaks Information Center property also offers free year-round programming. (Please don’t nit-pick. I understand that other mountains can be accessed through Heart Lake, there is just easier access elsewhere. Thank you for understanding.)

Though the ADK Club’s property is a northern access point for popular High Peaks hikes, there are also plenty of interpretive programs available that are meant to entertain people of all ages wishing to explore the natural world.

One “must see” section that we always make sure to put on our visitors’ schedule is a quick trip to the Heart Lake Nature Museum. This one-room museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with crafts and interpretive talks with the on-hand naturalist.

The exhibits and display cases focus on found objects from the area. It is a wonderful opportunity to ask questions about the flora and fauna observed on a nature walk. I usually stop in after a hike and compare photos of flowers with displays or ask the naturalist.

For the second year, a 10 a.m. Sunday Kids Program will be offered to youngsters at the Nature Museum. The naturalist will gear the activities based on the age of the attending children, ages 6-12 years of age. Teens are welcome to assist the naturalist and learn about nature from a different perspective.

I’m usually traveling with a group that consists of a variety of ages. Sometimes I like the ease of being able to go to one place and have events available for all levels and ability. The Heart Lake property has trail options for all levels. There is a wonderful handicap-accessible trail to a lakeside viewing platform. Yes, I saw a loon! There are also easy walks around the property as well as guided Mt Jo hikes to summit hosts.

If daytime is booked, attend one of the ADK Loj Wednesday evening campfires (8:30 p.m.) or a Friday evening night time guided hike. Saturday evenings are reserved for a naturalist lecture (8 p.m.) that ranges in topics from history to even live music.

Since an Adirondack summer is short and sweet, we consider our time valuable. We like to streamline and squeeze in as much fun as possible. The ADK Club’s Heart Lake free summer programming is just one element that is sure to satisfy.

Diane Chase is the author of the “Adirondack Family Activities” guidebook series, “Adirondack Family Time: Your Four-Season Guide to Over 300 Activities.” For more family-friendly activities go to www.adirondackfamilytime.com.

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