17 Apr Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism Commemorates Earth Day
Love Your ADK campaign encourages important environmental practices
The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) encourages all who appreciate the Adirondack region of upstate New York to celebrate Earth Day on April 22 by committing to principles that help ensure environmental sustainability and stewardship. Increased visitation during the recent total solar eclipse serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of environmental preservation.
Tens of thousands of people visited the Adirondack Park to witness the total solar eclipse. Local officials spent well over a year planning events with meticulous thought and coordination to minimize significant environmental impact on the region. ROOST collaborated with community organizers to ensure a responsible and informed approach to the eclipse event, emphasizing designated viewing areas as a way to minimize trail impact, reminding people to avoid springtime trails, encouraging adequate trash and recycling options, and supporting towns throughout the Adirondack Park with eclipse plans to ensure that visitors were well-dispersed throughout the region.
Sydney Aveson, communications coordinator at ROOST, expressed gratitude for the public’s respect for the environment during the eclipse. “We know that people who visit the Adirondacks appreciate the natural beauty of the region,” she said. “While not surprised, I was grateful to see our communities respected. The day after the eclipse in Saranac Lake, you wouldn’t have known that thousands of people had just come through. The success of the eclipse event serves as a testament to the power of collective action.”
ROOST is a member of the Leave No Trace organization, which educates outdoor enthusiasts about responsible outdoor recreation; its goal is to minimize human impact on natural areas. “The Adirondack Park was established in 1892 to ensure that this beautiful region would be protected for generations to enjoy; it has been at the forefront of sustainability efforts since its inception,” noted Jane Hooper, communications manager at ROOST. “To this day, ROOST and many other organizations continue to promote environmental care and stewardship. Leave No Trace principles provide the foundation for our Love Your ADK program. Our dedication to promoting these principles aligns perfectly with the Adirondacks’ ongoing commitment to environmental care.”
LoveYourADK.com offers information about caring for the region and encourages travelers to pledge their commitment to doing so. Love Your ADK is an effort spearheaded by local organizations and dedicated to fostering environmental consciousness among outdoor enthusiasts; ensuring that the Adirondacks remain beautiful for generations to come. It shares information about the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace and encourages taking a pledge to show their commitment.
According to Aveson, the organization invites individuals, businesses, and organizations to celebrate Earth Day by participating in the “Love Your ADK” campaign. “Earth Day is not just a single day of observance,” she said. “It’s an opportunity for all of us to reflect on our relationship with the planet and take meaningful action towards its preservation. We encourage those who love the Adirondacks to visit LoveYourAdk.com for additional information and to take the pledge.”
ROOST is offering a prize bundle for individuals who take the pledge. The prize includes an Adirondacks, USA water bottle, stickers, and an Adirondack Council Adirondack Map. The contest will run from April 15-27, with winners announced on April 29th.
The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is the destination marketing and management organization for Essex and Hamilton Counties, which includes the Lake Placid region, along with the communities of Lake Placid, Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake, all located within the Adirondacks in New York state.
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