The only independent, nonprofit news organization solely dedicated to reporting on the Adirondack Park.
Melissa is a journalist with experience as a reporter and editor, combined with work for nonprofits. As the Explorer's digital editor, she serves as editor of Adirondack Almanack.(com) and helps manage the Explorer's website. When not online, she enjoys hiking, camping and other outdoors activities, and spending time with her husband, their twin daughters, and rescue animals -- two dogs and two cats. Sign up for Melissa’s newsletter
By Melissa Hart
March 31, 2021
Recent NYS DEC Forest Ranger actions Town of KeeneEssex CountyWilderness Rescue: On Mar. 25 at 5:14 p.m., DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a hiker reporting he was concerned that his 18-year-old friend was lost after the pair were separated on the trail for Mount Marcy in the High Peaks Wilderness Area. After…
By Melissa Hart
March 12, 2021
Even though Maple Weekends are again canceled, the trees are still tapped and sap has begun flowing.
By Melissa Hart
February 13, 2021
Communities rally to save their banks, a moving tribute to Adirondack legend Pete Hornbeck and more from the past week
By Melissa Hart
February 8, 2021
Check out the new "Harvest of the Month" column brought to us from Adirondack Harvest
By Melissa Hart
February 4, 2021
After our recent snowstorm, it's time to hit that fresh powder! Here are a few ideas for a variety of ski outings.
By Melissa Hart
January 30, 2021
Bernie Sanders' mittens went viral recently (and we couldn't resist joining in on the fun). But it turns out Vermonters aren't the only ones who appreciate warm mittens.
By Melissa Hart
January 23, 2021
A group has formed to advocate for a constitutional amendment as a way to save Debar Pond Lodge from demolition
By Melissa Hart
January 16, 2021
This week, the news from Washington, D.C. shook many of us out of the shut-in induced doldrums.
By Melissa Hart
December 26, 2020
No doubt about it, 2020 was a wild year. In the spirit of "wild" we bring you 5 wildlife-themed stories that ran on the Explorer website this year.
By Melissa Hart
December 25, 2020
On this Merry Christmas morning, we present five heart-warming stories from this past year