Ah!…. A chance to learn about Adirondack Fire Towers! These mountain-top sentries have a particular fascination; and, of course, incredible views! The Adirondack History Center Museum received an Education and Outreach Grant from the Champlain Valley National Historical Partnership to sponsor a series of classes and hikes focused on the historic role of Adirondack fire towers in forest stewardship.
There are three choices of dates to attend the Adirondack Fire Tower Exploration Program; July 11th, 25th or August 17th. Naturalist David Thomas-Train will lead the program which begins at the Adirondack History Center Museum at 10 a.m. on each of the dates.
The morning session at the museum will unveil Adirondack Fire Tower history and make use of the museum’s newly expanded “in house” fire tower exhibit. Participants at the morning session are invited to take a guided hike up Poke-O-Moonshine Mountain in Chesterfield to examine the restored fire tower there.
Hikers will learn about Poke-O-Moonshine’s natural history and the fire tower’s role in protecting the surrounding forest along the way. At the top, the restored “Fire Finder” map and interpretive photographic panels in the cab of the fire tower will further enhance this one-of-a-kind educational experience.
Everyone is invited to the morning session. Those wishing to go along on the climb should be at least 14 years old and in the physical condition to endure a sustained, steep hike. Hikers should plan on dressing appropriately and toting along food and plenty of water. If you are up to carrying more, I’d highly recommend a camera and maybe binoculars too!
Space is limited for the hike. Reservations are required so be sure to sign up soon. The cost is $15 for the entire day including the hike, or $5 for just the morning session at the museum. For more information contact the museum which is located at 7590 Court Street in Elizabethtown, (518) 873-6466, echs@adkhistorycenter.org.
The fire tower education program is offered in cooperation with the Adirondack Fire Tower Association and the Friends of Poke-O-Moonshine. You may want to apply your knowledge and add to your collection of Fire Tower experiences by planning a day- hike up Belfry Mountain at a later date.
