Hilary Smith is laser focused on a single mission, one shared by many in the North Country: ridding the Adirondacks of Invasive species and educating folks about what they are and how to fight them.

Without those combined efforts, Schroon, Paradox, Loon, Brant and Longs Lakes might be destined for the tourism scrap heap – so chocked with invaders that they no longer become viable to use.

Smith, who directs the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program, a partnership program housed at the Adirondack Chapter of The Nature Conservancy in Keene Valley, will be the guest speaker this Friday at the Annual Schroon Lake Association General meeting.

The event will also feature a screening of the film Lake Defenders.

From SLA President Mark Granger:

“Come hear about these threats to our beautiful waters and what the Schroon Lake Association and other groups are doing to fight it. See what you can do”.

The event takes place this Friday (July 11) evening at 8pm at the Schroon Lake Central School’s Auditorium.

And SAVE THE DATE: A WEEK FROM SATURDAY IS SLA’S BIGGEST FUNDRAISING EVENT OF THE YEAR: THE 46TH ANNUAL SCHROON LAKE CRAFT FAIR (Saturday, July 19, 10am - 3PM in the park above the Town Beach.