Intervale Lowlands preserve

Lake Placid, New York

Organization Description:

Intervale Lowlands is a 135-acre private nature preserve in Lake Placid, NY along the West Branch of the Ausable River. It is comprised of forested areas, grasslands, wetlands, and aquatic habitats that support more than 150 species of birds, including rare forest breeding raptors. Intervale Lowlands has been preserved by Nancy and Larry Master through a conservation easement held by the Lake Placid Land Conservancy. Intervale Lowlands aims to partner with local and regional nature centers, conservation organizations, universities, and individuals through education, outreach, and scientific research.

At Intervale Lowlands Preserve, we document phenological events of trees, insects, and amphibians. Events include flowering, bud break, leaf senescence, and emergence of certain insect species, and first occurrence of frog and toad calls. Several phenology trail projects, including Intervale Lowlands Phenology Trail, focus on long-term monitoring, are accessible by students and the larger community, and offer excellent educational opportunities.

Organization Goals:

• Long-term monitoring

• Climate adaptation

• Regional research

• Public engagement  

Phenology Project:

Intervale Lowlands Preserve is located just outside of the village of Lake Placid. The trail is open to the public by appointment only. During the year, the Intervale Lowlands Preserve intern collects data on the trail's 40+ species. Students from local colleges and high schools visit the preserve throughout the spring to learn about phenology.

To learn more or get involved:

Website: Intervale Lowlands Preserve

Coordinator: Ezra Schwartzberg, local entomologist and owner of Adirondack Research LLC, ezra@adkres.org