Press Releases Archive - The Wild Center

August 19, 2025

Watts & Wheels: Clean Energy Celebration Set for September 27
Community Members Invited to Free Event at The Wild Center

Tupper Lake, N.Y. — Electric vehicle (EV) and clean energy enthusiasts are invited to Watts & Wheels, a free community event set for Saturday, September 27, 2025 at The Wild Center. Third Act Upstate NY, The Wild Center and the North Country Clean Energy Hub will co-host the second annual EV celebration to raise awareness about the benefits of electric vehicles, solar power, and other clean energy technologies.

The festivities will build on last year’s event, which drew over 1,600 people to The Wild Center. In alignment with National Drive Electric Month and Sun Day: a Grassroots Day of Action, the event aims to inspire residents to support a cleaner, more resilient future through actions that not only reduce carbon emissions and environmental pollution but also save money on energy bills.

“Everyone is welcome to this free community event,” said Leanne Favreau, Interpretative Programs Manager at The Wild Center. “Families should come have fun and learn all about the possibilities there are for a sustainable future. We want to show future generations all the innovative technologies that exist.”

Both indoor and outdoor areas of The Wild Center will be open and free for all during this event. Attendees are encouraged to reserve their complimentary ticket online. Visitors will have the opportunity to talk to local EV owners and experts showcasing their vehicles and visit with community organizations focused on solar power and other clean energy technologies. There will be many family-friendly activities, such as an electric school bus tour, live music, a smoothie bike, and “solar bugs.”

Andy Foster, Clean Energy & Climate Action Liaison for Third Act Upstate NY and board member with the Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) — the regional economic development nonprofit that oversees the North Country Clean Energy Hub — said the event has expanded significantly since the inaugural Drive Electric Expo event last year.

“This year, Third Act has a nationwide call to action to celebrate and promote renewable energy, especially solar power,” Foster said. “Called Sun Day, it champions solar, wind and batteries as the cheapest form of power on the planet, lowering costs, creating new jobs, and strengthening our communities. This local event provides the perfect Sun Day opportunity to celebrate the North Country’s transition to a more sustainable future.”

The call to action encourages people to “make the sun rise on our clean energy future.” In addition to Watts & Wheels programming, Third Act Upstate NY will display a special Sun Day Wool tapestry during the event. Fiber artists from across New York State contributed individual elements to the tapestry that hold their own meaning, including pieces that were knit, crocheted, woven, felted, quilted and more. The pieces will be combined to form a collective work that visualizes and celebrates the sun’s power at the center of the global transition to clean, renewable energy.

All are welcome to attend the festivities happening from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m on Saturday, September 27, 2025. Programming will showcase inventive technology and engaging exhibits that promote the adoption of clean energy technologies in our region. Organizers aim to make the event an interactive experience for all attendees. There will be many opportunities to explore the grounds, learn about clean energy, and connect with industry experts.

Jill Henck, ANCA Climate & Energy Program Director, encourages people to learn about and celebrate the North Country’s ongoing transition to clean energy. “This is a community-driven event celebrating innovation, sustainability, and our shared goal to build a cleaner future for our region. Coming together for an event like this shows the power we have as a community to make our goals a reality.”

To learn more visit wildcenter.org/wattsandwheels. EV owners interested in showcasing a vehicle, as well as companies and organizations interested in exhibiting or sponsoring, are invited to
register on the website.

The North Country Clean Energy Hub is a team of organizations, funded by NYSERDA, working to support people and businesses in adopting clean energy technology, utilizing energy efficiency programs, and finding jobs in the clean energy industry. These initiatives can save money, make homes healthier, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The Hub is led by the Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) with partners including Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County, Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County, and SUNY Canton WCIP.

ANCA is an independent, nonprofit corporation with a transformational approach to building prosperity across northern New York. Using innovative strategies for food systems, clean energy, small businesses, and equity and inclusion, ANCA delivers targeted interventions that create and sustain wealth and value in local communities.

Third Act Upstate NY is the local chapter of Third Act, a nationwide volunteer network of engaged elders working to advance the rapid buildout of clean renewable energy, including expanded rooftop and community solar and other renewable energy programs.

The Wild Center invites visitors to discover the story of the Adirondacks, and to explore new ways that people and nature can thrive in the same place. Located in Tupper Lake, NY, The Wild Center uses science-based experiences, exhibits and programs to open new ways to look into the relationship that people have with nature and to promote environmental best practices. The Wild Center’s reimagined experience utilizes Wild Walk and its largely outdoor 115-acre campus.

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August 5, 2025

Celebrate Adirondack Authors Day at The Wild Center

A day of storytelling, creativity, and connection returns August 12

Tupper Lake, N.Y. – The Wild Center is delighted to announce the return of Adirondack Authors Day, a celebration of local literature and community, taking place on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. This event invites visitors of all ages to discover the powerful intersection of storytelling and the natural world.

Rooted in a beloved 40-year tradition started by Hoss’s Country Corner in nearby Long Lake, N.Y., Adirondack Authors Day continues to grow—welcoming both new and familiar voices from across the region. This year, The Wild Center worked closely with the Adirondack Center for Writing (ACW) to curate a dynamic lineup of participating authors, representing a broad range of genres, perspectives, and connections to the Adirondacks.

“Adirondack Authors Day is a wonderful reflection of the diversity of the Adirondacks—bringing people together through storytelling and community,” said Hillarie Logan-Dechene, Deputy Director of The Wild Center. “The Wild Center is proud to carry on Long Lake tradition and provide a space where readers can connect with the writers who shape and share the Adirondack experience.”

From 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., guests will have the chance to meet and chat with local and regional authors, get books signed and browse on-site book sales. A variety of reading and writing workshops will be offered for all ages, inviting attendees to explore their own voices and stories. Families can take part in hands-on activities like storytime sessions, bookmark making, and nature journal building. Guests are also encouraged to visit The Wild Center’s Wild Supply Co. library, which will feature a curated selection of books inspired by the region and the day’s featured authors, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“The Adirondack Center for Writing is thrilled to be working with The Wild Center to showcase local authors at this beloved book fair,” said Nathalie Thill, Executive Director of ACW. “It’s a great partnership that brings readers and writers together in a beautiful space.”

Adirondack Authors Day is free for Wild Center members and included with general admission. For more information and a list of participating authors, please visit: wildcenter.org/authorsday

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July 31, 2025

TROLLS: Save the Humans by Thomas Dambo to Open at The Wild Center

A whimsical outdoor art exhibition made of all reclaimed wood exploring folklore, poetry, and the human relationship to nature is set to open on June 1, 2026

Tupper Lake, NY – As part of its 20th anniversary celebration, The Wild Center is proud to announce the arrival of TROLLS: Save the Humans, a monumental outdoor exhibition by Danish recycling artist Thomas Dambo, on view June through October 2026. This all-new exhibition, featuring six of Thomas Dambo’s signature folklore-inspired troll sculptures built from reclaimed materials, will amaze and delight visitors of all ages. Like many of Dambo’s sculptures, each troll has been created from reclaimed wood, highlighting the artist’s passion as a recycling art activist. His vision is to create art that will inspire people to explore and create new adventures in nature while demonstrating that trash can be turned into something beautiful and unique.

Produced by Imagine in collaboration with the artist, “Trolls: Save the Humans” blends art, nature, and messages of sustainability in a unique outdoor art installation. Known for his ability to make larger-than-life-sized troll sculptures from reclaimed wood and other natural found materials, “Trolls: Save the Humans” is Thomas Dambo’s latest exploration in crafting giant trolls with an environmental call. In this new traveling exhibition, Dambo tells an evolved story of listening and tending to nature, further building on the Nordic-inspired tales and artist-made poems surrounding the other 101 larger-than-life trolls that co-exist in various locations around the world, including Denmark, US, France, Germany, China, South Korea, Chile and more.

“Trolls: Save the Humans” is the latest chapter in the worldwide sculpture fairytale, written by Dambo one installation at a time. In the new installation, six young activist trolls have noticed that humans are disconnected from nature and have started harming the planet. These young trolls set out to help humans learn how to live in harmony with the planet. Full of personality and activism, each troll has a name and plays a distinctive role in the tribe, becoming role models for us humans to learn from. For example, Ronja Redeye, who is the leader of the group, has a voice like whistling leaves in the wind; when she speaks, everyone listens. Another featured troll is Rosa Sunfinger who places flowers in an improvised flower pot made of a real car, to watch the garden grow. Ibbi Pip is putting up birdhouses while another is listening to the ground.

Most importantly, the exhibition allows visitors to appreciate both nature and the sculptures as something beautiful and may inspire visitors to recycle and rethink and value their own trash. Presenting a playful spin on traditional sculptural art, Trolls: Save the Humans is an accessible experience for all ages.

Tom Zaller, President and CEO of Imagine shared, “Imagine is proud to partner with Thomas Dambo to bring the creative vision of Trolls: Save the Humans to the Adirondacks. We’re delighted to collaborate with The Wild Center on this incredible exhibition and to offer a new outdoor exhibition for visitors.”

“These trolls may look playful, but their message is serious—and timely,” said Stephanie Ratcliffe, Executive Director of The Wild Center. “Through Thomas Dambo’s art, we hope visitors of all ages will rediscover their sense of wonder and understand the powerful connection between creativity, sustainability, and protecting the natural world.”

“TROLLS: Save the Humans,” will highlight The Wild Center’s 20th anniversary season. The Center will offer related programming throughout the summer, including fairy house and birdhouse-building workshops, designed to spark creativity and deepen engagement with the natural environment. Learn more at wildcenter.org/trolls.

TROLLS: Save the Humans is supported through a Market New York grant awarded by Empire State Development and I LOVE NY, New York State’s Division of Tourism.

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About The Wild Center
The Wild Center invites visitors to discover the story of the Adirondacks, and to explore new ways that people and nature can thrive in the same place. Located in Tupper Lake, NY, The Wild Center uses science-based experiences, exhibits and programs to open new ways to look into the relationship that people have with nature and to promote environmental best practices. The Wild Center’s reimagined experience utilizes Wild Walk and its largely outdoor 115-acre campus.

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About the artist Thomas Dambo

Born in Odense, Denmark in 1979, Artist Thomas Dambo’s mission is to create art that inspires people to explore, have adventures in nature, and show that recycled goods can be turned into something beautiful. Before embarking on the path of building larger-than-life troll sculptures, Thomas led a multi-faceted life that allowed him to express his creativity via music, street art, and scenic design. After graduating from the Kolding Design School in Kolding, Denmark, with a master’s degree in interactive design, Thomas began his journey of using recycled materials to create colorful art installations, building the foundation for his artwork today. He currently lives and works in Copenhagen, Denmark.

About the Trolls

Dambo is best known for his colossal troll and ‘live’ as permanent or semi-permanent installations in parks, greenspaces, industrial parks, and in other site-specific locations around the world. Each folklore-inspired sculpture is imbued with expression and character and is built entirely from reclaimed materials. Driven by a mission to inspire people to explore our relationship with the planet, many of Dambo’s works have an associated folk tale written by Dambo himself that address the complex problem of our world in a fun and approachable way.

In the Spring of 2018, Dambo unveiled a temporary exhibition of trolls at The Morton Arboretum just outside of Chicago, IL. The exhibition was an enormous success, leading to the garden’s two highest attended years in its nearly 100-year history. During the run of the exhibition, 1.26 million people visited the arboretum. Inspired by the enthusiasm of the visitors and compelled to find a way to enable Dambo’s work to have a longer lifespan in the spirit of reducing, reusing, and recycling, Imagine Exhibitions is delighted to partner with Dambo to develop this evergreen traveling exhibition.

About Imagine

Imagine (formerly known as Imagine Exhibitions) is a global leader in immersive storytelling and experiential design, specializing in the development of world-class exhibitions and attractions for museums, studios, IPs, brands, and leisure destinations worldwide. Through its four core services—Exhibitions, Studio, Retail, and Operations—Imagine created visitor experiences that entertain, educate, and inspire.

Imagine’s Exhibitions division creates, tours, and operates award-winning traveling experiences like Harry Potter™: The Exhibition and Titanic: The Exhibition, captivating audiences and driving attendance worldwide. Its Studio plans, designs, and produces both traveling and permanent experiences, offering comprehensive creative services for clients seeking unique, story-driven experiences. The Retail division enhances guest engagement and drives revenue through bespoke product development, store design, and operations, while the Operations team provides extensive consulting, marketing, and operational support, ensuring the seamless and profitable management of visitor experiences across various venues.

Imagine is currently producing, presenting or operating more than 40 unique experiences around the globe, spanning museums, science centers, zoos, botanical gardens, integrated resorts, and non-traditional venues. For more information, visit theimagineteam.com.

For Business Related Inquiries Including Hosting the Exhibition

Debbie Donohue | +1.404.808.7578 | ddonohue@imagineexhibitions.com

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July 25, 2025

Fire in the Adirondacks: Wildfire Risk and Resilience Conference Comes to The Wild Center

Thursday, August 7, 2025 from 1–6 pm

Tupper Lake, NY— Fire in the Adirondacks—it has happened before, but could it happen again? As wildfire threats intensify across the Northeast, The Wild Center is hosting a one-day conference to explore this timely and essential question. On Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 1 to 6 p.m., join leading voices in ecology, Indigenous knowledge, land management, journalism, and public policy for Fire in the Adirondacks, a collaborative event presented by The Wild Center in partnership with the Adirondack Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, Adirondack Explorer, and Paul Smith’s College.

Fire in the Adirondacks will explore wildfire risk and preparedness in the Adirondacks, examining fire as both a natural ecological force and a growing climate-driven threat. Through expert panels, presentations, and interactive discussions, participants will explore what it means to live with fire—and how we can adapt for the future.

“This conference invites everyone who cares about the Adirondacks to be part of an important and urgent conversation,” said Hillarie Logan-Dechene, Deputy Director of The Wild Center. “We know fire has shaped this landscape before. Better understanding how it fits into our future is critical for the health of our forests and communities.”

The formal conference sessions begin at 1 p.m. in the Flammer Theater. Registrants are encouraged to arrive earlier, when the Center opens at 10 a.m., to explore the trails and exhibits, and to attend an animal encounter at 11 a.m. and otter program at 12 p.m. Additionally, a Pre-Conference Wildfire Program will take place in the Planet Adirondack exhibit at 12:30 p.m.

The Fire in the Adirondacks conference will feature a range of perspectives, beginning with insights from Indigenous fire knowledge and a look at the region’s ecological and fire history. Later sessions will focus on preparedness and policy, exploring how different sectors—tribal leadership, public agencies, conservation groups, and private industry—are thinking about wildfire risk and response in the Adirondacks. The day continues with a discussion on how current land protections shape the region’s ability to adapt to a changing climate, followed by a keynote address from Jed Meunier, a forest and fire ecologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Drawing on his work in dendrochronology, forest ecology, and disturbance history, Meunier will offer a powerful look at what the past can teach us about preparing for the future.

Fire in the Adirondacks attendees are invited to a post-conference Meet the Presenters' Reception at 5:15 p.m. featuring local beer, New York State wines and snacks. In addition, Smokey the Bear will make an appearance with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

Community members, educators, students, conservation professionals, landowners, local government officials and anyone interested in the intersection of climate, fire, and forest health in the Adirondacks are all encouraged to attend.

Registration is $45 for general admission and $40 for Wild Center members. The conference includes admission to The Wild Center and the reception.

Advance registration is encouraged. Walk-in registration opens at 11 a.m. on the day of the conference. Register and view the full schedule at wildcenter.org/fire.

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About Adirondack Explorer

Through its website, magazine, newsletters and social channels, Adirondack Explorer reaches millions of readers – located both inside and outside the region – with in-depth reporting about environmental issues, Adirondack communities and recreation opportunities in this unique part of Northern New York State.

About The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 81 countries and territories (40 by direct conservation impact and 41 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit nature.org or follow @nature_press on X.

About Paul Smith's College

At Paul Smith’s College, it’s about the experience. As the only four-year college located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith’s provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences and natural resources. We are able to draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. Our community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive and adventurous individuals collectively provide experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for our alumni. We pride ourselves on research and advocacy on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at paulsmiths.edu.

About The Wild Center

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June 25, 2025

Celebrate the Great Outdoors at The Wild Center’s Get Outside Festival, July 3–6

A four-day celebration of outdoor adventure with a special visit from the Corning Museum of Glass Mobile Hot Shop

Tupper Lake, N.Y. – This Independence Day weekend, The Wild Center invites visitors of all ages to unplug and reconnect with nature at the Get Outside Festival, a four-day celebration of outdoor adventure, creativity, and hands-on exploration taking place July 3–6, 2025.

From fly fishing and canoeing to nature journaling and fort building, the Get Outside Festival offers an immersive lineup of programming designed to spark curiosity and inspire time in the natural world. Guests can explore daily live glassblowing demonstrations with the Corning Museum of Glass Mobile Hot Shop, explore trails during the You Otter Run 5K, enjoy creative play in the Art Tent, or participate in nature-based activities on the museum’s trails, waterfront, and outdoor play areas.

Festival Highlights:

Corning Museum of Glass Mobile Hot Shop
Watch expert glassmakers transform molten glass into dazzling works of art in a state-of-the-art glassblowing studio on wheels. Demonstrations with live narration will take place throughout each day. Wild Center Members receive a special preview on Wednesday, July 2, during the first Member Meetup Afternoon event from 4 to 6 PM. Members will be the first to see live demonstrations while enjoying snacks and crafts. The preview event is free for members, but registration is required.

You Otter Run 5K (Thursday, July 4 at 10 AM)
Kick off your holiday with a family-friendly trail run through The Wild Center’s scenic campus. Participants receive a medal and a special visit from Ollie the Otter. Registration includes same-day general admission. Separate registration is required and can be purchased online or in person.

Opening of a New Trail Extension
Last summer, the Fen Trail opened as a down-and-back path to the Raquette River fen, a previously unexplored section of The Wild Center’s campus. Just in time for the Get Outside Festival, the trail is expanding into a mile-long loop featuring new Raquette River Roll installations—interactive ball runs made from natural materials that offer even more opportunities for hands-on play. The trail is included with admission, and visitors can purchase wooden balls at the trailhead or inside at The Wild Supply Co.

Daily Naturalist Walks, Artmaking, and Outdoor Activities
Join guided experiences like Woodpecker Wandering, explore edible and medicinal plants, create nature journals, paddle the Raquette River, try your hand at fly fishing, and build fairy houses and stick forts in the Pines Play Area. In addition, festivalgoers can meet naturalists and artists, enjoy caricature drawings, participate in paper-making, and join in on campfire storytelling by the river on select days.

All festival programming is included with regular admission to The Wild Center, with the exception of the 5K run, which requires a separate registration.

For tickets and more information, visit wildcenter.org/getoutside.

The Get Outside Festival is supported through a Market New York grant awarded by Empire State Development and I LOVE NY, New York State’s Division of Tourism.

The Wild Center’s programs are also made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

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April 30, 2025

Adirondack’s Only AmeriCorps Program Suspended Due to Federal Cuts

Tupper Lake, N.Y. — The Wild Center was notified late Monday by New York State that the Federal Government had terminated all New York AmeriCorps Programs, including The Wild Center's current AmeriCorps for School-Community Partnership Program, contracted to operate through August. The eight young women and men serving were informed of the abrupt program termination on Monday evening, according to Wild Center staff. This disappointing decision comes despite the positive and growing impact AmeriCorps members have made in the Tupper Lake community.

In the past seven months, these eight members have served over 8,400 hours—from classrooms to libraries to gyms—they have been on the ground making things happen. This year alone:

Members visited multiple classrooms at Tupper Lake Middle/High School, leading hands-on science programs like “Critter Scene Investigation” to teach wildlife tracking and spark curiosity about the natural world.
Members worked with the Town of Tupper Lake's Rec Program to run the Li’l Ballers program, teaching basketball fundamentals and encouraging teamwork, health, and wellness among K-4 age kids.
Members helped launch two new book clubs at the Goff-Nelson Memorial Library, designing crafts, games, and activities that brought books to life and built reading skills.
Members lead more than 200 public science-based programs at The Wild Center, inspiring a connection with nature for visitors and helping to drive tourism.

"Committed Volunteers are near impossible to find. Small communities and departments like ours rely on volunteers to support all of our youth sports and programming,” said Laura LaBarge, Town of Tupper Lake recreation director. “The AmeriCorps program is essential for the success of our Town Recreation programs and events. Their services have allowed us to: increase the size of our youth XC ski program, provide safety and admissions support at BrewSki and ADK Tour de Ski, host community events like PJ movie nights, family dances, community garden projects, fundraisers, etc. Our newly developed Tupper Teens program and Harry Potter Book Club will not exist without them. Their presence in Tupper Lake has been truly transformative, and our program offerings will take a serious hit without them.”

“We are proud of the work our AmeriCorps members have accomplished and the relationships they’ve built in Tupper Lake,” said Stephanie Ratcliffe, executive director at The Wild Center. “Their work has strengthened our community, inspired young learners, and brought people together. While the program has been suspended, their impact will be felt for years to come.”

Elizabeth Littlefield, principal of L.P. Quinn school in Tupper Lake said, “In a rural community like Tupper Lake, options for out-of-school activities are often limited. This leaves many of our students with few opportunities for enrichment beyond the classroom. Recognizing this gap, we have partnered with The Wild Center and AmeriCorps since 2023. The volunteers have stepped in to provide creative, supportive, and engaging programs that have made a significant impact on local youth and families.

The volunteers have made a meaningful and lasting impact on our school community. Their efforts have increased opportunities and engagement for our students. We've seen improvement with students, likely due to support programs and improvements in the learning environment.

The AmeriCorps members have worked closely with students, some of whom need extra attention, encouragement, and mentorship. The loss of this programming, with its ability to build long-term capacity through service, will impact the momentum we've built over the past few years.”

While the program has been suspended, barring an injunction filed by New York State, The Wild Center is actively pursuing potential options to ensure this important work doesn’t disappear permanently. While Wild Center personnel remain hopeful, it is nearly impossible to find $70,000 in replacement funding of this magnitude in such a short period of time.

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April 25, 2025

The Wild Center Partners with Ahmad Butler Foundation to Bring Virtual “Wonderful Distractions” to Hospitalized Children

Tupper Lake, N.Y. — The Wild Center is proud to announce a new partnership with the Ahmad Butler Foundation (ABF), an all-volunteer nonprofit dedicated to supporting families facing pediatric cancer and other life-threatening childhood diseases. Through ABF’s upcoming Wonderful Distractions program, The Wild Center will bring the beauty and wonder of the Adirondacks to hospitalized children and their families nationwide via a live, interactive virtual tour on May 1, 2025.

Launching this spring, Wonderful Distractions is a weekly web-based series designed to offer children facing critical illnesses a chance to “travel” from their hospital beds or homes, exploring exciting destinations through real-time, virtual field trips, and The Wild Center is the first stop. These uplifting adventures allow kids to ask questions, interact with guides, and experience a moment of joy and curiosity during difficult times. Watch a sneak peek of what the field trip will entail.

“The Wild Center’s mission has always been to connect people with nature, and we’re deeply moved to bring that mission to children who can’t physically be here on campus,” said Stephanie Ratcliffe, Executive Director of The Wild Center. “Partnering with the Ahmad Butler Foundation allows us to share the magic of the Adirondacks with families in a way that’s meaningful, engaging, and deeply human.”

Named in memory of Ahmad Butler, who passed away from brain cancer at age six, the foundation believes in the healing power of joyful moments. Each virtual “road trip” ends with fun giveaways and a celebration of the partner organizations who make it possible.

The Wild Center’s virtual tour will offer a behind-the-scenes look at its interactive exhibits, animal ambassadors, and the natural wonders that make the Adirondack Park such a special place. The tour will be recorded and made available on the ABF website so families can revisit the experience at any time. It will also be showcased in hospitals around the nation.

“This program is about bringing smiles to children who are facing some of life’s toughest battles,” said ABF Executive Director Latanya Morrison. “Thanks to amazing partners like The Wild Center, we’re turning hospital rooms into portals of adventure.”

To learn more about the Wonderful Distractions program or how to support ABF’s work, visit ahmadbutler.foundation.

For more information about The Wild Center and its programs, visit www.wildcenter.org.

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ADIRONDACKS, NY - The Adirondack Climate Outreach and Resilience Network (ACORN) was nominated by Adirondack Foundation and selected as a Trust for Civic Life Civic Entrepreneur grantee for their work supporting community-driven climate solutions in New York State’s rural North Country region. ACORN is a collaboration of the Adirondack Research Consortium, Paul Smith’s College, and The Wild Center.

The Civic Entrepreneur award supports civic experiments that bring people together to shape a shared community vision, address local challenges, and work boldly toward solutions. These grants are part of a new program to fund over one hundred civic efforts in rural communities across America each year.

ACORN will use the award to share the results of their 2024-25 community listening sessions by creating a user-friendly North Country Rural Resilience Roadmap. The Roadmap will help local communities with outreach, planning, and applying for grant funding. The award will also support a Climate-Ready Workforce roundtable event bringing together agencies, entrepreneurs, and technical experts identified during the listening sessions.

“ACORN’s work is an essential part of strengthening community connections and fostering collaboration in our region, and we are excited to support the network’s efforts,” said Jennifer Russell, Vice President of Grants and Programs at Adirondack Foundation.

In addition to the Trust for Civic Life funding, ACORN was also awarded an Adirondack Foundation Generous Acts grant in partnership with WaterWheel Foundation at Vermont Community Foundation.

Sunita Halasz, ACORN Project Coordinator and Climate Strategy Advisor for the Adirondack Research Consortium, said, “With this support, we are able to expand our work to stimulate shared climate resilience initiatives across the North Country, which helps to make our region a safer, healthier, and yet more neighborly place in which to live, work, and thrive.”

More information about ACORN can be found at: adkwatershed.org/acorn.

More information about the Trust for Civic Life can be found at: trustforciviclife.org/.

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About The Wild Center
Located in Tupper Lake, NY, The Wild Center uses science-based experiences, exhibits and programs to open new ways to look into the relationship that people have with nature and to promote environmental best practices. A 54,000-square-foot facility, The Wild Center features outdoor space, live animals, and its popular Wild Walk, an elevated trail across the Adirondack treetops. In 2024, they were named the nation's best science museum in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.

The Wild Center’s Youth Climate Program works to convene, engage, connect and empower young people around the world to take action on climate change. The work is done through conference-style Youth Climate Summits that focus on the knowledge and skills needed to become effective climate leaders. Summits empower youth to generate Climate Action Plans that they can implement in their schools and communities. Using our Youth Climate Summit Toolkit, this model has been replicated across the globe.

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About Paul Smith’s College
At Paul Smith's College, it's about the experience. As the only institution of higher education located in the Adirondack Park in Northern New York, Paul Smith's College offers many Associate, Bachelors, and Master's degree programs. Paul Smith's provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences and natural resources. We pride ourselves on research and advocacy on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at paulsmiths.edu.

About Adirondack Research Consortium
The Adirondack Research Consortium is focused on stimulating research and acting as a knowledge-based forum and communicator among disciplines and diverse interests, primarily through its annual research conferences and the Adirondack Journal of Environmental Studies.

About ACORN
The Adirondack Climate Outreach and Resilience Network (ACORN) is a collaboration of Paul Smith’s College, The Wild Center, and the Adirondack Research Consortium with funding from Trust for Civic Life, Adirondack Foundation, and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. The rural resilience network includes communities, sectors, and individuals across the 14-county region of Northern New York State. ACORN’s mission is to work together to identify community-driven solutions, funding, and technical support that ensure the region is proactive in responding to the changing climate through conversation, connection, and collaboration. Learn more at adkwatershed.org/acorn.

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The Wild Center’s Clothesline Installation Travels to Whallonsburg Grange

Open May 3–11, 2025

Essex, N.Y. – The Wild Center is pleased to announce that a portion of The Clothesline: Food, Fiber, Air, and Soil—an installation by artist Brenda Baker—will be on display at the Whallonsburg Grange and Whitcomb’s in Essex, NY, as part of the finish line celebration for the Champlain Area Trails (CATS) Grand Hike on May 10, 2025. The installation will be on display outdoors from May 3 to 11, 2025.

Originally debuted at The Wild Center in the summer of 2024, The Clothesline is an evocative tribute to New York’s agricultural workers, constructed from hundreds of donated pieces of work attire worn by those who sustain the region’s food system. The exhibit brings to life the interconnectedness of food, fiber, air, and soil, inviting viewers to reflect on the labor and environmental factors that underpin agriculture. Farming in the Champlain Valley and the area around Whallonsburg remains central to the economy and landscape, and several local farmers tell their own stories through the clothing they donated.

“We’re thrilled to share The Clothesline with the Champlain Valley community,” said Stephanie Ratcliffe, Executive Director of The Wild Center. “The Grand Hike brings together hundreds of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, making this the perfect opportunity to engage visitors with the stories of the people who grow our food.”

The Whallonsburg Grange, a historic cultural and community hub, will host the temporary installation of 8 to 10 sections of The Clothesline as part of the Grand Hike’s finale. The event, expected to draw between 200 and 400 attendees from New York and Vermont, will celebrate the hike's completion with festivities, food, and community engagement.

“This collaboration highlights the shared mission of The Wild Center and the Grange to foster a deeper appreciation for the environment, agriculture, and local heritage,” said Mary-Nell Bockman, Grange manager. “We are excited to welcome The Clothesline to our greenspace and gardens and to continue sharing its message through a long-term media display.”

The exhibit will feature accompanying videos to provide further insight into the agricultural workers at the heart of The Clothesline.

This event is presented in partnership with The Wild Center and the Whallonsburg Grange. For more details on The Clothesline and to view the exhibit online, visit wildcenter.org/clothesline. To learn more about the Grand Hike, visit champlainareatrails.com.

The Wild Center's programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.

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February 6, 2025

Winter at The Wild Center: New Animal Ambassadors & February Events

Rescued arrivals, Gary, a North American river otter and Elwood, a wood duck, headline a suite of February programming at The Wild Center

Tupper Lake, N.Y. – The Wild Center is embracing winter with an upcoming lineup of events and the arrival of two new animal ambassadors: Gary, a North American river otter, and Elwood, a wood duck. Both animals were rescued after being found abandoned in the wild and have now found a permanent home at The Wild Center, where they will help educate visitors about their species. Visitors are encouraged to meet Gary and Elwood at their public debut during the Center’s Shanty Shenanigans event on Feb. 15 from 5 PM to 8 PM.

Gary, an otter pup born in 2024, was discovered alone in Garrison, Minnesota, and rescued by Wild & Free Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Elwood, a male wood duck also around one year old, was found without his mother in Elgin, Illinois, and taken in by a local humane society. Both animals were deemed non-releasable and were carefully transported by Wild Center Wildlife Programs Manager Nicole Baker via a round-trip RV to Tupper Lake to become part of its renowned animal ambassador program.

“Gary and Elwood each have unique rescue stories that highlight the importance of wildlife rehabilitation,” said Leah Valerio, Wild Center Curator. “We’re thrilled to provide them with a safe and enriching home while sharing their journeys with our visitors.”

Gary and Elwood’s cross-country journey to their new home is documented in Operation: Fur and Feathers, a short travel documentary produced by The Wild Center and presented by The Reynolds Group of Lake Placid. The film follows Baker as she and her partner embark on a road trip from New York to Minnesota and Illinois to bring the two animals back to Tupper Lake. The documentary and limited edition Operation: Fur & Feathers stickers are now available at wildcenter.org/operationfurandfeathers.

Alongside these exciting arrivals, The Wild Center is offering a variety of winter experiences:

Shanty Shenanigans | Saturday, February 15, 2025, 5 to 8 PM

This after-hours event invites guests to experience ice fishing, connect with expert fishing guides, try fish painting, and enjoy winter games and fireside gatherings. Additional treats will be available for purchase, including beer flights featuring Wild Lights Light Lager from Raquette River Brewing, as well as donuts and s’mores. Visitors can also meet and chat with experts from Adirondack TrOutfitters, ADK Watershed Institute, and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Bureau of Environmental Education. Shanty Shenanigans is included in the cost of Wild Lights admission.

Winter Week | February 14 – 23, 2025

The Wild Center will be open daily, offering free snowshoe and kicksled rentals, ice fishing on Greenleaf Pond (weather permitting), and daily animal programs, including otter talks and creature features. Indoors, guests can explore interactive exhibits and try Birdly, an immersive VR flight simulation experience. In the evenings, the Center’s trails will come alive with Wild Lights, presented by Merrill L. Thomas, running February 16 to its final night on the 22nd from 5 to 8 PM, transforming the forest into a glowing winter wonderland.

Homeschool Day | February 14, 2025, 10 AM to 4 PM

Homeschool families are invited to STEAM-based learning at The Wild Center, featuring hands-on activities like family fish painting, junior naturalist field journals, and Valentine’s Day card-making. Guests can also explore sensory activities with Adirondack Riverwalking and try ice fishing on Greenleaf Pond (weather permitting). Admission is free for members; non-member pricing is $10 for adults and $5 for youth (ages 5–17).

Virtual Animal Club: Operation Fur & Feathers | February 25, 2025, 6 to 7 PM

This interactive 45-minute virtual program will introduce Gary and Elwood, sharing their rescue stories and care journeys. Participants will also engage in animal-inspired art and science challenges. Tickets are $15 per screen for non-members and free for members.

For more information on events and tickets, visit wildcenter.org/tickets.

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