Today the Adirondacks are the destination for enthusiastic and athletic individuals from around the world. They come here wishing to feel the thrill of adventure that only our unique winter landscape can offer. Whether you are into skiing, ice climbing, nordic skating, or snowshoeing, many excellent opportunities await the winter visitor. 

But what of Adirondackers from a century ago? Did these hardy inhabitants of our rustic frozen landscapes hole up inside, huddling next to the crackling fire, waiting for the spring thaw? 

Skiing is wonderful. It's common to see small children happily taking turns down the slopes, and this can form the basis for a ski-loving companion to think "anyone can do it." But it's not for everyone.

There are plenty of good reasons you might not want to join your downhill-loving clan at the moment. At the same time, you don't want to spoil anyone's fun.

Wave farewell as they catch the shuttle bus to the mountain, and discover your own way to have fun in the snow. Here are some ideas.

Boreal birding is fantastic in the western Essex County towns of Newcomb and Minerva. There is substantial boreal habitat and much of it can be accessed along roadways for easy car-birding. For a quieter experience, there are many trails where a hiker can wander in captivating boreal forest or paddle calm waters.

Spring is a lively time at The Wild Center. From the season's beginning, with the sap rising in the maple trees, to the end, where wildflowers bloom and the lake completes its thaw, every little change is critical.

This cycle of the season is an important part of nature waking up from the sleep of winter. During winter, the dormant maple trees store energy in long starch molecules. When nights are cold but short and days are long and warm, the tree reacts to the approach of spring by turning that starch into shorter, and more abundant, sugar molecules.

Which is how we get our maple sap.