POTSDAM -- Launching in September, the online publication Birch Magazine is seeking local contributions that highlight the arts and lifestyle of the North Country.

Named after the hardy birch tree which is one of the first species to repopulate decimated areas, the editor of Birch Magazine says the publication seeks to celebrate the independent and artistic spirit that has made the North Country what it is today.

“The North Country has a long history of pioneering personalities and utilizing the natural resources that are so abundant here” says Birch founder and editor Ryan Meashaw.

“Our aim is to highlight that determination and celebrate the wonder that is the North Country of Upstate New York. It really is an awesome place to live, work and play and we want to expose that to locals and visitors alike.”

Published quarterly at BirchMagazine.com, the magazine is aiming to engage and involve local people in expressing what is noteworthy to them and the community.

Subscribers will see submissions from local artists, photographers and others. There will be specialty columns such as one on gluten-free baking, and short character sketches in the “People of The North Country” series. It can be read in its digital version online as well as downloaded as a pdf for a small fee.

There will also be advertising opportunities available in the digital issue and on www.BirchMagazine.com/.

If you are interested in getting involved or would like more information, email editor@birchmagazine.com. They are also on Facebook: http://fb.com/BirchMagazine.