Champlain-Adirondak

Champlain-Adirondack is a biosphere reserve spanning millions of acres across New York and Vermont. It contains thick coniferous forests, numerous lakes, and freshwater wetlands that shape this northeastern landscape.

The area was nominated by the US State Department in 1986 and officially designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1989. This recognition marked the start of international cooperation to protect these northeastern ecosystems.

Forestry and tourism shape the Adirondack region, while agriculture and small manufacturing define the Vermont side near Lake Champlain. These different activities show how communities here balance nature with their livelihoods.

Visitors can access trails, nature centers, and research facilities throughout the reserve. Summer brings outdoor recreation opportunities, while fall offers spectacular foliage colors in the forest.

The reserve signed a Joint Declaration with Italian protected areas focused on sustainable mountain development. This international partnership shows how reserves work together across continents to better understand mountain ecosystems.