Dive into the heart of the Lake George watershed with the Lake Protectors Podcast! Join us as we explore the vital work being done to preserve and protect the Queen of American Lakes. Each episode features conversations with dedicated environmentalists, local leaders, and passionate community members who share their insights on conservation efforts, water quality, and sustainable practices. Discover the challenges and successes faced in safeguarding this treasured landscape and learn how you can get involved. Together, let’s ensure that Lake George remains clear and clean for generations to come!
Photographer Luke Dow discusses his family's history with Lake George and how his photography work showcases his dedication to preserving the lake's natural beauty in this interview.
5 Nov 2025
16 | Fall & Winter Safety in the Adirondacks with Forest Ranger Chelsea Geyer
Forest Ranger Chelsea Geyer discusses fall and winter safety in the Adirondacks, providing practical advice for responsible exploration and environmental protection in an interview.
24 Sept 2025
15 | How the Lake George Chamber Champions the Lake
Megan Seeley, Marketing Director, discusses how the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce bolsters the local economy by championing the preservation of Lake George in this interview.
20 Aug 2025
14 | The Fight Against Marine Debris
Host [Host Name] interviews Ashley Sullivan, Executive Director of the Rozalia Project, about combating marine debris and protecting water quality through hands-on action and education.
2 Jul 2025
13 | Clean, Drain, Dry: The Battle Against Invasive Species in Lake George
Ben Marshall from the Lake George Park Commission elucidates the Lake George Boat Inspection Program and its vital role in preventing invasive species, ensuring the lake's ecological health in this interview.
4 Jun 2025
12 | How Hands-On Learning Shapes a Generation of Environmental Stewards
Jine Andreozzi, Executive Director, discusses how Camp Chingachgook's outdoor education programs cultivate environmental stewardship in young people through hands-on experiences, creating lasting memories and a sense of responsibility in this interview episode.
21 May 2025
11 | The LGA’s Summer Events Lineup
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 (https://lakegeorgeassociation.org/events)
Music by King Pong
7 May 2025
10 | Lake George: A Pioneer in Smart Lake Technology
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/ (https://www.jeffersonproject.live/))
The Jefferson Project at Lake George (https://dfwi.rpi.edu/jefferson-project-lake-george (https://dfwi.rpi.edu/jefferson-project-lake-george))
2 Apr 2025
9 | Beneath the Surface: Plant Surveys and Underwater Wonders with Nick Rowell
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/) ( https://warrenswcd.org/lake-bottom/)
Warren County Soil & Water Contacts (https://warrenswcd.org/contact/) (https://warrenswcd.org/contact/)
Music by King Pong
5 Mar 2025
8 | Hemlocks Under Siege!
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/)(https://www.imapinvasives.org/)
HWA Monitoring Weekend (https://lakegeorgeassociation.org/events) (https://lakegeorgeassociation.org/events)
Adkinvasives.com (https://adkinvasives.com/) (https://adkinvasives.com/)
Pesticide applicator list (https://adkinvasives.com/data/files/Documents/Terrestrial%20Contractors%20List%202023%20WEB.pdf) (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) (https://www.adkinvasives.com/Get-Involved/Volunteer/Forest-Pest-Hunting)
Volunteer with APIPP (https://www.adkinvasives.com/Get-Involved/Volunteer/) (https://www.adkinvasives.com/Get-Involved/Volunteer/)
Music by King Pong
5 Feb 2025
7 | A New Era: Dr. Brendan Wiltse Takes the Helm at the LGA
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Brendan Wiltse, the brand-new Executive Director of the Lake George Association. Dr. Wiltse shares his journey to Lake George and his vision for the lake and the LGA. Emphasizing the LGA’s Science to Solutions approach, we chat about bridging the gap between research and actionable environmental protection strategies. Tune in to hear how Dr. Wiltse is working to protect Lake George while addressing the growing pressures of climate change and helping other communities implement sustainable solutions.
Show Notes:
Experimental Lakes Area (https://www.iisd.org/ela/) (https://www.iisd.org/ela/)
LGA Names New Executive Director (https://lakegeorgeassociation.org/news-events/news/lga-names-new-executive-director) (https://lakegeorgeassociation.org/news-events/news/lga-names-new-executive-director)
Mirror Lake Progress Highlighted at Annual Salt Summit (https://www.adirondackexplorer.org/stories/mirror-lake-progress-highlighted-at-annual-salt-summit#:~:text=Salt%20concentrations%20in%20Mirror%20Lake,Lake%20Placid%20are%20paying%20dividends.) (https://www.adirondackexplorer.org/stories/mirror-lake-progress-highlighted-at-annual-salt-summit#:~:text=Salt%20concentrations%20in%20Mirror%20Lake,Lake%20Placid%20are%20paying%20dividends.)
Music by King Pong
22 Jan 2025
6 | The Goldfish Dilemma: When Pets Become Pests
On a spring day in 2023, Lake George Mayor Ray Perry was out for a walk through the West Brook Conservation Park when he spotted goldfish in one of the stormwater retention ponds. In this episode, Jim Lieberum from the Warren County Soil & Water Conservation District returns to tell us the story of a released aquarium pet and how that became an active infestation threatening the lake. In this engaging discussion that highlights the intersection of environmental stewardship and community action, we’ll learn about the complexities of managing invasive species and the importance of proper re-homing and disposal of non-native animals and plants.
Show Notes:
Adirondack Explorer: Lake George Takes a Creative Measure to Combat Invasive Goldfish (https://www.adirondackexplorer.org/stories/invasive-goldfish-lake-george)
8 Jan 2025
5 | Safety vs Water Quality: Finding a Balance with Chris Navitsky
Welcome back and Happy New Year, Lake Protectors! This week, we are joined by Chris Navitsky, the Lake George Waterkeeper, to talk about road salt and the impact it has on water quality. While road salt is necessary for safety, excessive use leads to environmental problems, including chloride accumulation in water, which disrupts lake turnover, harms aquatic life like zooplankton, and affects local infrastructure. Join us as we chat about the LGA’s Science to Solutions approach and community efforts that are making a real difference in the fight to protect Lake George and beyond. We will also hear from Craig Sandmann of Hilltip, a sponsor of the Salt Summit and manufacturer of snow and ice removal equipment.
Show Notes:
Road Salt Reduction: (https://lakegeorgeassociation.org/act-now/reduce-salt) https://lakegeorgeassociation.org/act-now/reduce-salt (https://lakegeorgeassociation.org/act-now/reduce-salt)
The Trouble with Road Salt: (https://lakegeorgeassociation.org/science-protection/citizen-science/trouble-winter-road-salt) https://lakegeorgeassociation.org/science-protection/citizen-science/trouble-winter-road-salt (https://lakegeorgeassociation.org/science-protection/citizen-science/trouble-winter-road-salt)
Salt Summit Sponsor: HillTip: https://www.hilltip.com/en/ (https://www.hilltip.com/en/)
Salt Summit Sponsor: Henderson Products: (http://www.hendersonproducts.com/) http://www.hendersonproducts.com/ (http://www.hendersonproducts.com/)
Music by King Pong (Soundstripe code 0CFI5NR6LGQL6PLH)
18 Dec 2024
4 | Stormwater Runoff with Jim Lieberum: “It all starts in the watershed”
This week we are joined by Jim Lieberum from the Warren County Soil & Water Conservation District to talk about stormwater! Learn what it is, why it matters for the ecosystem and practical things homeowners can do to help mitigate stormwater runoff on their property. Tune in to learn how we can all be better stewards of the land and make meaningful improvements for our environment. Remember, if everyone does a little better, we’ll all benefit! Don’t forget to like and subscribe!
Show Notes:
Cornell Extreme Precipitation (https://precip.eas.cornell.edu/#/)
Warren County Soil & Water Conservation District (https://warrenswcd.org/)
Music by King Pong
4 Dec 2024
3 | What is the Septic Inspection Program? with Randy Rath
In this episode, we’re joined by Randy Rath, a seasoned expert with over 23 years at the Lake George Association, now serving with the Lake George Park Commission (LGPC). Randy shares his insights on the vital Lake George Park Commission Septic Inspection Program launched in 2023, designed to protect our beloved Lake George. We discuss the inspection process, what homeowners can expect, and the importance of maintaining septic systems to enhance water quality. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review to help spread the word about protecting our precious lake!
Show Notes:
Septic Program FAQs (https://lgpc.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2023/05/septic-inspection-program-faq-5-24-23.pdf)
2023 Septic Program Final Report (https://lgpc.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2024/01/final-report-2023-lgpc-septic-inspection-program.pdf)
Septic Inspection Map (https://nyslgpc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/portfolio/index.html?appid=38b5b89ca0ae4949a60ac71f66bc74d4)
Lake Impact Fund (https://lakegeorgeassociation.org/lake-impact-fund)
Warren County Septic Replacement Grant (https://warrencountyny.gov/planning/lakeshoreseptic)
Washington County Septic Replacement Fund Program (https://www.washingtoncountyny.gov/1217/State-Septic-System-Replacement-Fund-Pro)
Essex County Septic System Replacement Grant (https://essexcountyny.gov/downloads/Planning/Essex_County_Septic_System_Replacement_Program/Septic_System_Announcement_Updated_(New).pdf)
Music by King Pong
27 Nov 2024
2 | The Lake Impact Fund Grant Program
Welcome back to Lake Protectors! In this episode, we sit down with the LGA’s Managing Program Director, Monika LaPlante to dive into the newly launched Lake Impact Fund—a brand new grant program designed to support our local community. This program is crucial for residents facing failed septic systems that impact the water quality of our beautiful Lake George. This episode is a must-listen for anyone living in the Lake George watershed who is committed to protecting our lake and community.
Don't forget to like and subscribe!
Show Notes/Links:
Grants: Lakegeorgeassociation.org/lake-impact-fund (http://Lakegeorgeassociation.org/lake-impact-fund)
Questions? Email grants@lakegeorgeassociation.org (mailto:grants@lakegeorgeassociation.org)
YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/7zFXA1uHCwU (https://youtu.be/7zFXA1uHCwU)
Music by King Pong
13 Nov 2024
1 | It’s Going to Take a Village to Protect This Lake with Dr. John Kelly III
Welcome to the inaugural episode of Lake Protectors! Join us as we sit down with Dr. John Kelly III, a passionate advocate for Lake George and the newly elected Board Chair of the Lake George Association. With a rich background in academia and a storied career at IBM, Dr. Kelly has deep roots in the Lake George community and a lifelong connection to its waters. Join us as we discuss the delicate balance of protecting this complex ecosystem, the impacts of climate change, and the critical role each of us plays in safeguarding the future of Lake George.
Tune in and discover how we can all be Lake Protectors! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review!
Show Notes/Links:
Road Salt Reduction (https://lakegeorgeassociation.org/act-now/reduce-salt)
Boat Inspection Program (https://lgpc.ny.gov/lake-george-boat-inspections)
Jefferson Project (https://dfwi.rpi.edu/jefferson-project-lake-george)
Music by King Pong
Who has been a guest on Lake Protectors
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Luke Dow
Chelsea Geyer
Megan Seeley
Ashley Sullivan
Ben Marshall
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
12 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 24 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
27
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
51
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