New York

Northern New York's Adirondack Mountains and the six million acres of the Adirondack Park evolved from a rugged, forested wilderness into a playground for the wealthy. Great camps where out-of-state tourists stay in luxury stand alongside economically struggling communities. Although some look to the Adirondack Park as a model for preservation, others, especially year-round locals, are critical of the park's persistent poverty marked by blatant inequality. These disputes are imbedded in the history of the region, as the creation of the park and expansion in the nineteenth century led to layers of land use regulation and bureaucratic control that resulted in competing special interests. Local author Andrew Egan explores the park's roots, how it became a rich man's paradise and the challenges facing the local community.

Formed by glaciers more than twelve thousand years ago, Lake Ontario has captivated nature lovers for generations. Unique among the Great Lakes for having once been connected to the sea, fossils from ocean life have been found near the lake's shores. Damage done to Lake Ontario's ecosystem from centuries of human activity was center stage in the fight to pass the Clean Water Act and the restoration that followed. From incredibly diverse bird migrations in the spring and fall to the squalls and lake effect snow in winter, each season offers a rich ecological tapestry. Author Susan P. Gateley charts the natural history of Lake Ontario from its ice age origins to the climate and habitat challenges it faces today.

Discover the fascinating history of the Bronx River and the ways this small waterway influenced and was affected by the people around it.

The Bronx River flows 23 miles from its source in Valhalla to its mouth, the East River in the Bronx. This waterway was used for centuries by Native American tribes for drinking, food and transportation. They called it ""Aquehung"" meaning a fast stream flowing along a high bluff. After the arrival of Europeans, though, the Bronx River suffered as industry prospered. It powered mills and, unfortunately, became a dumping ground for all kinds of waste. Its appearance and ecosystem were forever changed. However, community members are now again attempting to alter the river - only this time for the better - by helping it recover.