Patrick Sapling
Meet Patrick Sapling, a 30-foot-tall wooden sculpture created by internationally renowned artist Thomas Dambo. Kneeling among the boulders at The Wild Center, Patrick Sapling lifts a living sugar maple tree into the air — a gesture with a story to tell.
Patrick Sapling is the first permanent Thomas Dambo troll in New York State and a new, special part of The Wild Center’s 115-acre campus.
Come find him. And get to know the troll who has decided to make the Adirondacks his home.
Help Care for Patrick Sapling
Caring for the 30-foot-tall troll and the landscape around him takes ongoing work. Your support helps The Wild Center care for this permanent installation and keep it a lasting part of the Adirondack landscape for years to come.
Through October 31, every new gift to support Patrick Sapling will be matched dollar for dollar.
That means your gift can go twice as far. Help us care for this new giant among the forest.
Who Is Patrick Sapling?
Patrick Sapling is named in tribute to Patrick Dougherty, the American sculptor who has spent more than three decades creating monumental works from living tree saplings. Last fall, Dambo met Dougherty in North Carolina, the day before visiting The Wild Center, home to one of Dougherty’s few remaining permanent installations, Hopscotch. The encounter inspired the name and story behind Patrick Sapling.
The sculpture reflects that connection: a troll kneeling among the rocks of the Adirondacks, holding a young tree toward the light it will grow toward. Patrick Sapling represents the relationship between generations — the care needed to nurture something new and the responsibility to leave something meaningful behind.
A Patrick Sapling Poem
Every seed has been a sapling
Hanging in the branches dangling
Rattling in the storm and snapping
Crashing to the ground down cracking
Dashing in the sun light flashing
Gasping till the rain comes splashing
Latching while the roots grow hatching
Every tree has been a sapling
Fun Facts
About Thomas Dambo
Thomas Dambo is considered the world’s leading recycle artist, having been taught from a young age the value of recycling, sustainability, and unlimited imagination. Previously, Thomas has led a multifaceted life that allowed him to express his creativity via music, street art, and scenic design. After graduating from the Kolding Design School with a master’s degree in interactive design, Thomas began his current journey of using recycled materials to create colorful art installations, building the foundation for his artwork today.
Thomas’s high level of creativity drives the creation of highly interactive experiences, allowing users to express their own individuality on a large scale. From gardens made of recycled plastics to a functioning Christmas market made from commercial refuse, Thomas creates experiences that are immersive, interactive, and awe-inspiring. Today, Thomas is known internationally for his larger-than-life Troll sculptures made from recycled wood. With over 100 sculptures all over the world, these Trolls have begun to have a life of their own.
Thomas’ vision is to create art that inspires people to go explore, have adventures in nature, and demonstrates that trash can be turned into something beautiful.
Sponsors
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate ticket to see the exhibit?
No! A general admission ticket to The Wild Center includes access to the exhibit. We recommend purchasing tickets in advance online, as they may sell out on any given day. Get tickets at wildcenter.org/tickets.
Are you still accepting donations?
Yes! Keeping a giant outdoor sculpture in good shape takes ongoing care and maintenance. Generous friends of The Wild Center have offered to match new gifts toward a permanent Troll dollar for dollar, up to $100,000, through October 31. Donate here.
How does this fit The Wild Center’s mission as a science museum?
The Wild Center's mission centers on helping people understand and care for the Adirondacks and the natural world. Patrick Sapling is a sculpture about the act of planting, about intergenerational care for forests, and about the smallness humans feel in the presence of something older and larger (and maybe wiser). Those are deeply Wild Center-y themes, and deeply ecological ones.
Can I touch or climb the troll?
A touch or hug of the troll is permitted, but climbing is not recommended to protect visitor safety and ensure the sculpture's longevity.
Can I bring my dog?
Although we love pets, we do not allow dogs on our campus during open hours unless they are service dogs.
How far of a walk is it?
The Fen Trail was made to accessibility standards and can accommodate wheelchair users. While the trail is maintained, some areas may have exposed roots, uneven terrain, and gentle grades. Sturdy footwear is recommended. There is a lovely view of Patrick Sapling from a short distance on the trail, but the base of the sculpture is currently not accessible.
Motorized scooters and wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Check in with visitor services upon arrival.
What materials is it made of?
It’s constructed from local recycled wood and materials, demonstrating that waste can be turned into art. Thanks to Haselton Lumber, Specialty Wood Products, Martin's Lumber, Kentile Excavating, North Country School, and Jefford's Steel for construction materials.
How big is it?
About 30 feet tall
Will it be accessible in the winter months?
We’re working toward making this happen!
Where else can I see Dambo’s work?
While Patrick Sapling is the first and only of Dambo’s trolls to reside in New York State, he has work around the globe. Find them on his Troll Map.
