Watershed Stories

Keep up with the work of Ausable River Association staff. These stories share information about our stewardship and monitoring work, natural stream restoration, and culvert replacement techniques by highlighting specific projects in the Ausable and Boquet River watersheds of northern New York. They also give you fun facts about the plants and wildlife that live in these watersheds, as well as tips for enjoying responsible, low-impact recreational opportunities.

Apr

2021

Best Stargazing Near Lake Placid

The Adirondack region, including the Ausable and Boquet watershed, boasts some of the darkest skies in the eastern United States. Stargazing is an excellent activity to experience during mud season, so read on to learn more about stargazing, and get our picks for the best places to view the night sky near Lake Placid.

Recreation

Mar

2021

What Language Do Rivers Speak?

Geomorphology. I first heard the term when registering for classes in my undergraduate geology program at Kent State University. I was 19 years old.

Geomorphology

Mar

2021

Explore the Watershed: Roaring Brook Falls

Get out and Explore the watershed! There's so much to see and do along the Ausable River corridor. If you and your housemates are feeling cabin fever or just want a change of scenery, pack a lunch and a thermos of hot cocoa and take a ride along the river. One adventure may take you to Monument Falls and the West Branch Ausable River, another to the Ausable Marsh and the shores of Lake Champlain. Today, we’re exploring the waterfalls and mountains in Keene Valley.

Recreation

Feb

2021

Best Places to Ice Skate Near Lake Placid

If you've read any of our recreation blogs, you can tell that there are some great winter activities to pursue in the Ausable watershed, including around Lake Placid. Let's add one more! Here are our picks for the best places to ice skate near Lake Placid.

Recreation

Feb

2021

Why Build Large Culverts?

Working with many partners, Ausable River Association staff developed a model for replacing undersized and deteriorated culverts on streams and rivers that pass under roads. Since 2014, working with local crews and with funds from public and private...

Restoration

Feb

2021

Where the Forest Meets the Stream

At the Ausable River Association, we focus our ecological studies of the river on two ecosystems: the forest, or riparian, ecosystem and the stream ecosystem. More and more, our research is showing that the interface between forest and stream ecosystems, so often treated separately, is critical to the health of both. In order for trout to thrive, they need cool temperatures, a variety of aquatic insects to eat, and areas of cover from predators. The best fish habitats have healthy adjoining forests or riparian buffers. When a strong riparian buffer is established, a double bonus comes in the form of excellent habitat for birds, pollinating insects, and habitat for more mammals and amphibians. But it goes further.

Ecology

Feb

2021

Best Cross-Country Skiing Near Lake Placid

One of the best ways to enjoy Adirondack winter months is cross-country (nordic) skiing. Even with a small amount of snow, you can take advantage of the exercise benefits and pure fun of gliding across perfectly formed ski tracks. One of the biggest challenges of nordic skiing near Lake Placid is deciding where to go. Wonder no more! Here are our picks for the best cross-country skiing in the Lake Placid area.

Recreation

Jan

2021

Explore the Watershed: Ausable Point in Winter

Get out and explore the watershed! There’s so much to explore along the Ausable River. If you and your housemates are feeling cabin fever or just want a change of scenery, pack a lunch and a thermos of hot cocoa and take a ride along the river. One adventure may take you to Jay, another to Keene Valley. An excellent option is following the river to its mouth! State land at the confluence of the Ausable River and Lake Champlain provides ample access to get out and stretch your legs. The Ausable Point Campground adjoins the Ausable Marsh Wildlife Management Area.

Recreation

Jan

2021

Living a Land Ethic