Upper Saranac Foundation

08/28/2026

Volunteers Needed: Help Support the 90-Miler on Upper Saranac Lake

Each September, hundreds of paddlers take on the legendary Adirondack Canoe Classic, better known as the 90-Miler. This three-day, 90-mile race follows the historic Northern Forest Canoe Trail from Old Forge to Saranac Lake, passing through some of the Adirondacks’ most iconic waterways.

On Sunday, September 13, the race will pass through Upper Saranac Lake. At the request of Northern Forest Canoe Trail Race Director Jordanna Mallach, the Upper Saranac Foundation is helping recruit safety boat volunteers to support paddlers and help maintain a safe environment during this portion of the race.

What’s Involved
• Boats in place by 8:00 AM — rain or shine
• Plan for approximately 3 hours on the water
• The commitment may be longer if the race start is delayed due to fog
• A volunteer safety boat meeting will be held online

Wednesday, September 9 at 7:00 PM. Attendance is not required; all information will be provided by email afterward.

This is a great opportunity to support one of the Adirondacks’ most beloved traditions while helping ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for paddlers on Upper Saranac Lake.

Interested in volunteering? Contact 90-Miler Race Director Jordanna Mallach at [email protected] or 518-378-8089.

We hope you’ll join us on the water!

08/27/2026

Our Aquatic Invasive Divers have expanded management efforts to include Weller Pond, thanks to the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program support

08/25/2026

Join us for AWI’s first annual Adirondack Lake Mixer & Awards Celebration as we honor Guy Middleton, Executive Director of the Upper Saranac Foundation, with a 2026 Adirondack Watershed Impact Award!

For decades, Guy has been a dedicated leader in protecting the health of Upper Saranac Lake and advancing science-based stewardship of its watershed. We’re excited to recognize his tremendous contributions and celebrate the people making a difference for Adirondack waters.

📍AWI Paolozzi Center at Paul Smith's College
📅September 3 | 5–7 p.m.

Come celebrate with us! Tickets are available now, link in comments.

08/24/2026

When Heavy Rain Falls: Let Nature Do the Work

Intense rainstorms are becoming more common, making it increasingly important to understand how our landscapes manage stormwater.

Fortunately, the Upper Saranac watershed still has extensive forests, wetlands, and other natural areas that can absorb, store, and slow stormwater, helping reduce flooding and protect our lakes and streams.

Wetlands are especially important. They temporarily store water during heavy rain, slow runoff, and allow water to infiltrate into the ground. In contrast, roads, rooftops, and parking lots quickly turn rainfall into runoff.

We can work with nature by protecting wetlands and forests, maintaining vegetated buffers, using rain gardens and swales, and minimizing impervious surfaces. These low-impact practices can reduce flooding while also limiting sediment, nutrients, road salt, and other pollutants entering our waterways.

The more we let nature slow it down, spread it out, and soak it in, the better we protect our watershed.

08/17/2026

Join the Upper Saranac Foundation on Thursday, August 27, from 5:30–8:00 p.m. at the Santa Clara Town Hall (5359 NY-30, Saranac Lake) for an informative evening on how properly functioning septic systems protect your property and our watershed. Learn about septic system maintenance, repair, and replacement options, available funding for septic system replacement, and practical steps you can take to safeguard water quality. Hear from professionals in engineering, conservation, and public policy, ask questions, and find out if you may qualify for financial assistance to upgrade your septic system. Pizza and light refreshments will be provided.

08/16/2026

Before sunrise, Watershed Stewards were already at work at Back Bay, preparing to protect Upper Saranac Lake as anglers arrived for the Upper Saranac Lake Bass Tournament. Boats and trailers began arriving around 5:00 a.m., with many coming directly from Lake Champlain, where numerous aquatic invasive species (AIS) are present but have not yet been found in Upper Saranac Lake.

Stewards inspected each vessel and trailer, removing any plants, animals, or other material that could introduce AIS to the lake. The tournament also provided an opportunity to speak directly with anglers about the importance of Clean, Drain, and Dry practices and the role each boater plays in preventing the spread of invasive species.

The tournament, which attracted more than 20 teams competing for cash prizes and the title of Upper Saranac Lake Bass Tournament Champion, is an important opportunity for AIS education and prevention. Steward coverage continued after the tournament, with returning boats inspected to ensure they were clean before heading to their next destination.

The Upper Saranac Foundation (USF) is proud to partner with the Adirondack Watershed Institute at Paul Smith’s College on this important protection effort. The Upper Saranac Watershed Stewardship Program provides coverage at the two NYSDEC public boat launches serving the watershed—Back Bay on Upper Saranac Lake and Fish Creek Public Campground—and maintains a hot-water decontamination unit at Back Bay.

Under current NYSDEC regulations, motorized boat users launching into Adirondack Park waters must carry certification showing that their vessel has been inspected and cleared of AIS.

Through early-morning inspections, decontamination, and continued education, Watershed Stewards help ensure that Upper Saranac Lake remains protected for anglers, boaters, wildlife, and future generations.

08/14/2026

Early mornings on Upper Saranac Lake

08/07/2026

Healthy lakes create unforgettable moments. Together, we're protecting the waters of Upper Saranac watershed for generations to come.

08/06/2026

08/02/2026

The Upper Saranac Foundation is proud to partner with the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation to help protect one of the Adirondacks' most iconic species—the common loon.

Again this summer, USF and ACLC deployed an avian guard at a vulnerable nesting site on Upper Saranac Lake. The temporary structure provides shade during extreme heat, helps conceal the nest from predators, and improves the chances of successful hatching.

While New York's adult loon population has made an impressive recovery over the past two decades, nesting success continues to face challenges from flooding, shoreline disturbance, predators, and increasingly unpredictable weather.

Upper Saranac Lake is also proud to be recognized as a Certified Loon-Friendly Lake, reflecting our commitment to loon conservation through stewardship, education, and community involvement.

By protecting nests and promoting responsible recreation, we're helping ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the haunting call of the common loon across Upper Saranac Lake.