Rooted in the St.Lawrence

06/01/2026

To our supporters, followers, and community members,

After a great deal of thought, I have decided to make some changes to Rooted in the St. Lawrence’s social media presence.

After ongoing discussions with colleagues and continued conversations about the increasing role of artificial intelligence throughout social media platforms, we have decided to begin reducing our reliance on social media as our primary communication channel. As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply integrated into everyday online experiences, often through the simple use of social media itself, we believe it is important to establish communication methods that better align with our long-term goals and mission. As a result, Rooted in the St. Lawrence will begin transitioning its primary communications, educational content, updates, and announcements to our website while maintaining a limited presence on social media for event announcements and community engagement.

Moving forward, major updates, announcements, educational content, and organization news will be shared through our website and local media outlets such as North Country Now. Our page will remain active for event announcements and messaging, but it will no longer be our central hub.

I also want to be transparent about where we stand as an organization. To date, Rooted in the St. Lawrence has not received grants or donations. Every project, every event, every tree, and every step forward has been funded through my own personal finances. Until outside funding becomes available, I need to ensure that the resources I am investing are directed toward community programs, environmental initiatives, and the work itself rather than managing challenges that pull us away from our mission.

This is not a closure announcement. We are not stepping away. We are not shutting down. And we are certainly not abandoning the mission that brought us here in the first place.

What we are doing is taking a few steps back to create a stronger, safer, and more stable foundation for the future. Sometimes progress means slowing down long enough to make sure you’re building something that can last.

The work will continue. The mission remains the same. We are simply relocating our base of operations to a place where we can better serve our community with professionalism, efficiency, and security.

I appreciate everyone who has supported Rooted in the St. Lawrence from the beginning and those who continue to believe in what we’re building together. We will share more information as soon as the website is complete.

Thank you for your understanding, your patience, and your continued support.

– Adison Barton
Founder, Rooted in the St. Lawrence

05/30/2026

Join the Sustaining Ash Partners Network for a demonstration site tour on June 11, 2026 from 9:30 AM–2:00 PM at Brasher State Forest (St. Lawrence/ Franklin counties)!

✅ Participants will learn how partners are working together to conserve black ash trees and responding to the impacts of the emerald ash borer, an invasive insect that kills ash trees
✅ The tour will highlight long-term stewardship, cultural connections to black ash, and integrated pest management approaches
✅ Presenters include DEC, the Akwesasne Task Force on the Environment, and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe

The field tour is hosted by the Forest Stewards Guild, is free to attend, and includes lunch. Registration is limited to 25 people.

Check out the comments below for more information 👇

05/30/2026

As we head into the weekend, take a moment to remember that kindness and honesty matter, not just with people, but with all living things around us.

Every tree, bird, pollinator, and wild creature plays a role in the world we share. Small actions like respecting wildlife, caring for our environment, and treating others with compassion can make a bigger difference than we realize.

A healthy community starts with respect. Respect for nature. Respect for each other. Respect for the truth.

Let’s do our part to leave the St. Lawrence a little better than we found it.

Have a safe and peaceful Saturday. 🌱

- Rooted in the St. Lawrence 🌿

05/29/2026

🌲 Welcome back for Forestry Friday’s 🌲

One thing we’ve been looking into lately is the Miyawaki Method, a reforestation technique from Japan focused on planting native species densely together to help forests establish faster and more naturally.

In areas with heavy deforestation or major disturbance, planting a few small saplings here and there sometimes just isn’t enough to restore a healthy ecosystem. Methods like this aim to rebuild layers of forest quicker while improving habitat, soil health, and biodiversity.

Rooted in the St. Lawrence is currently experimenting with aspects of this method at a private location for educational and environmental management purposes as we continue learning about restoration practices that may benefit the North Country. 🌿

05/28/2026

🦉 Wild Roots Thursday 🦉

If you’ve ever been out in the woods at night around St. Lawrence County and heard a strange call that sounds like “who cooks for you,” chances are you were hearing a barred owl.

These owls stay here year round, even through the long North Country winters. They’re usually found in older forests near wetlands, streams, and quiet wooded areas where they hunt mice, frogs, and other small animals after dark.

Hearing one at night is one of those sounds that just feels like home around here. 🌲

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we remember and honor the men and women who gave everything for our country. 🇺🇸

As many of us head outdoors this weekend, let’s also show respect for the lands and wildlife around us. Please carry out what you carry in, stay mindful of fire safety, and avoid disturbing wildlife and natural habitats.

A little respect for nature goes a long way in protecting the forests, waters, and communities we all love.

Have a safe and meaningful Memorial Day weekend from all of us at Rooted in the St. Lawrence.

05/22/2026

🌲 Forestry Friday 🌲

A healthy forest is more than just trees. From the leaf-covered forest floor to the tall canopy above, every layer provides something important for wildlife.

Fallen logs shelter insects and salamanders, shrubs protect nesting birds, and mature trees provide food, shade, and homes for countless animals. Even dead trees play a role in supporting life.

The more diverse a forest is, the healthier it becomes for both wildlife and the environment around it. 🌿🦉

Can you name all six layers of a forest?

05/21/2026

Only ten left, five of each if anyone is interested in making St. Lawrence County a little greener and cooler. 💚

🌱 SAPLING AVAILABLE 🌱

Rooted in the St. Lawrence is excited to offer Red Oak and Pitch Pine saplings this season.

These native trees help support wildlife, improve local habitats, and keep the North Country beautiful for generations to come.

🌿 One order per household
🌿 Pick up or local drop off available
🌿 Limited quantities available

To place an order, message us your:

• Name
• Address
• Phone number
• Sapling choice
• Pick up or drop off preference

Thank you for helping restore native plants across St. Lawrence County 🌲

05/21/2026

Hey everyone!

I want to apologize for the all over the place schedule the past few weeks. Things have been absolutely hectic behind the scenes lately, and I’ve fallen behind on messages more than I wanted to.

We finally have some good news.

After almost 3 months of trying to figure out what bank and setup made the most sense for us, Rooted in the St. Lawrence officially has its bank account opened and ready to go. It feels really good to finally cross that off the list.

This week we’re also starting our grant applications, which is both exciting and slightly terrifying honestly, but it’s a huge step forward for us.

Over the next few days I’m going to be sitting down and getting back to as many messages, comments, and emails as I can. I appreciate everyone’s patience while things have been a little chaotic lately.

Thank you all for sticking with us while we continue building this from the ground up 🌿

05/18/2026

🌲 Rise & shine, North Country 🌲

The morning fog is lifting, coffee mugs are full, and somewhere out there a lawn mower already started at 7 AM. 😂☕

What part of the North Country are you calling home today?

📍 Massena
📍 Potsdam
📍 Canton
📍 Gouverneur
📍 Ogdensburg
📍 Norfolk
📍 Waddington
📍 Brasher

📍 Or maybe you’re out on a quiet back road where the deer outnumber the neighbors.

Check in below and represent your hometown 👇🍁