Dear Readers:

The ice on Lake Champlain is breaking, the days are getting longer, and the birds are returning from their winter migration—spring is finally upon us, and the staff at All Points North is eager to help celebrate its return!

Our three spotlight stories are all geared toward getting you excited about nature and the resurgence of life that comes with this time of year. First, take a trip to Bee Country with Eva Mizer as she meets with local bee keepers to discuss the benefits of apitherapy, the medicinal use of bee products. Feel like getting out there on your own? Let Felicia Bonanno tell you about Bear Cub Adventure Tours, a Lake Placid organization that uses the Adirondacks as its classroom. If you don’t feel like getting that wild, follow Adam Patterson as he discovers one man’s dream to start a botanical garden featuring the native flora of the Adirondack region.

As always, our spotlight stories are just the beginning of what All Points North has to offer! Take a gamble with Caitlin Fitzpatrick’s story on Saratoga Spring’s historic Canfield Casino, a place where high rollers tested their luck in the late 1800s. If you enjoy history, but on a more worldly scale, let Jamie Thomas tell you about local author Douglas Skopp’s historical novel Shadows Walking, a tale that delves into the life of a man who becomes a doctor for the Nazi regime. Perhaps you prefer your information to be a bit more current? If that’s the case, Liz Davidson has what you’re looking for in her story on how local farms are staying afloat in a time when large-scale, government subsidized agriculture is the norm. Speaking of recent news, Nicole Weber has investigated the discovery of a large female sauger, a catch that might mean the population of this native Lake Champlain fish is not as low as previously thought. Still looking for something with more of a spring-y feel? Then take a trip to Vermont with Elaina Robinson as she takes a look at the ins and outs of the state’s maple industry. Also be sure to check out our reviews for the best advice on all things local!

Shaun Kittle

Editor-in-chief