The Wild Center’s Youth Climate Program Honored for Excellence with ASTC Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Award

The Wild Center’s Youth Climate Program Honored for Excellence with ASTC Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Award

Presented at the ASTC 2024 Annual Conference

Tupper Lake, N.Y. – The Wild Center is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Award by the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC). The award recognizes extraordinary accomplishments within the science and technology community and was presented at the ASTC 2024 Annual Conference in Chicago, I.L. on September 30, 2024.

The Wild Center was recognized for its Youth Climate Program, which has made a global impact on climate discussions and youth leadership. Over the past 15 years, the Youth Climate Program has facilitated more than 200 youth-led climate summits in nine countries, including across the United States. These summits empower young leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive climate action in their communities. Youth participants are not only encouraged to develop and implement Climate Action Plans but also connect with local governments to create more climate-resilient communities.

“We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition from ASTC,” said Jen Kretser, Director of Climate Initiatives at The Wild Center. “The Youth Climate Program is a testament to the power and passion of young people around the world. We believe that by supporting youth and providing them with the tools they need, we are fostering the next generation of climate leaders who will continue to make a difference long into the future.”

Youth are placed at the center of climate action through hands-on participation in every stage of planning and execution. The Wild Center has also developed a toolkit and planning guide that are freely available to help other organizations replicate these efforts in their own communities.

This recognition from ASTC highlights The Wild Center’s commitment to fostering climate leadership among the next generation. The Wild Center is honored to be among the distinguished awardees for 2024, which include: American Museum of Natural History (New York, NY), Denver Museum of Nature and Science (Denver, CO), Don Harrington Discovery Center (Amarillo, TX), Explora Science Center & Children’s Museum (Albuquerque, NM), Marbles Kids Museum (Raleigh, NC), Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History (Santa Cruz, CA), and Terre Haute Children’s Museum (Terre Haute, IN).

TEDxTupper Lake to Highlight Human-Nature Connection and Inspire Local Discussion

Tickets on sale for TEDx event, held at The Wild Center

Tupper Lake, NY - The Wild Center is proud to host TEDxTupper Lake, an independently organized TEDx event, on Oct. 26 from 1 p.m to 8 p.m. The theme of the enlightening event will be “Exploring the Interconnectedness of Nature and Humanity,” inspiring and educating attendees on the natural connections between humans and the world around us. Attendees will gain fresh perspectives on the challenges and opportunities to build a more harmonious relationship with our environment, and partake in engaging conversation around local and global ideas.

TEDxTupper Lake will feature thirteen renowned speakers who will share their insights, research and knowledge on how humans connect with their environment, including: 

• Cammy Sheridan, Professor of Social Science
• Curt Stager, Scientist, Educator and Author
• Echo, Artist, Creator and Learner
• Jenna Audlin, Author and Student
• Justin Oliver, Outdoor Enthusiast, Cyclist and Entrepreneur
• Katsitsionni Fox, Artist, Filmmaker and Educator
• Keeley Jock, Environmentalist and Climate Justice Fellow
• Michale Glennon, Wildlife Ecologist and Fiber Artist
• Randi Renate, Artist, Sculptor and Naturalist
• Rose Beauchamp, Dancer, Educator and Activist
• Stephanie Ashenfelder, Storyteller, Educator and Artist
• Talking Wings, Storytellers and Movement Weavers
• Tyler Dezago, Musician, Storyteller and Educator

Speaking sessions will be accompanied by live music performances, immersive sound experiences, student-created films, and more.

The daylong event is open to the public and will take place at The Wild Center, an acclaimed natural history museum, science center, aquarium, and interconnected trail system situated in Tupper Lake, N.Y. 

Tickets for TEDxTupper Lake are now available and can be purchased online at: TEDxTupperLake.com. 

• The Theater Ticket includes admission to the museum and all public daily programs, a reception with complimentary hors d'oeuvre and cash bar, TEDx Activities, TEDx talks in theater and access to the streaming lounge set up in Planet Adirondack. 
• The Streaming Lounge Ticket includes access to the streaming lounge set up in Planet Adirondack to view streamed coverage of TEDx talks, a reception with complimentary hors d'oeuvre and cash bar, TEDx Activities, admission to the museum and all public daily programs.
• The General Admission Ticket includes access to TEDx talks streamed through the Great Hall, admission to the museum and all public daily programs.

For additional information about TEDxTupper Lake, including speaker details and event updates, visit TEDxTupperLake.com.

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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.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram 

About TEDx, x = independently organized event
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.) 

About TED
TED is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to discovering, debating and spreading ideas that spark conversation, deepen understanding and drive meaningful change. Our organization is devoted to curiosity, reason, wonder and the pursuit of knowledge — without an agenda. We welcome people from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world and connection with others, and we invite everyone to engage with ideas and activate them in your community. 

TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, but today it spans a multitude of worldwide communities and initiatives exploring everything from science and business to education, arts and global issues. In addition to the TED Talks curated from our annual conferences and published on TED.com, we produce original podcasts, short video series, animated educational lessons (TED-Ed) and TV programs that are translated into more than 100 languages and distributed via partnerships around the world. Each year, thousands of independently run TEDx events bring people together to share ideas and bridge divides in communities on every continent. Through the Audacious Project, TED has helped catalyze more than $3 billion in funding for projects that seek to make the world more beautiful, sustainable and just. In 2020, TED launched Countdown, an initiative to accelerate solutions to the climate crisis and mobilize a movement for a net-zero future, and in 2023 TED launched TED Democracy to spark a new kind of conversation focused on realistic pathways towards a more vibrant and equitable future. View a full list of TED’s many programs and initiatives.

Follow TED on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X.

The Wild Center to Co-Host “Educating for Climate Action Summit” with the Smithsonian, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and National Wildlife Federation during NYC Climate Week

Tupper Lake, N.Y. – The Wild Center will join the Smithsonian, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the National Wildlife Federation to co-host the “Educating for Climate Action Summit” on September 24 during Climate Week NYC. The event will take place at the National Museum of the American Indian in New York, bringing together a network of partner organizations to deliver workshops, keynote sessions, and a reception for formal and informal educators from diverse backgrounds. The event begins at 1 p.m. and is free and open to the public, with registration required.

The Summit aims to explore critical themes in climate change education, including youth leadership, indigenous knowledge, and social justice. As a leader in environmental education and climate action, The Wild Center will play a key role in the Summit's offerings, showcasing how its work in the Adirondacks integrates youth voices and community-level climate action.

“The urgency of the climate crisis requires innovative and collaborative solutions. This Summit brings together diverse voices that are essential to building a just and resilient future," said Jen Kretser, Director of Climate Initiatives at The Wild Center. “At The Wild Center, we’ve seen the power of youth-led climate action, and we are excited to share these stories and strategies with a broader audience.”

Attendees will have access to 12 sessions covering a range of important topics, including:

• Building a climate-ready workforce
• Promoting community climate resilience
• Addressing mental health in the face of climate change
• Communicating climate issues effectively
• Engaging multiple generations in climate action

For more information and to view the full Summit schedule, visit the event registration page here.

The Wild Center's Youth Climate Program to Present at New Taipei 2024 International Youth Climate Action Forum

Tupper Lake, N.Y. – Two representatives from The Wild Center’s Youth Climate Program will travel to New Taipei City, Taiwan, August 29 - 30, 2024, to participate in the New Taipei 2024 International Youth Climate Action Forum - Green Observer’s Action Salon. Jen Kretser, director of climate initiatives at The Wild Center, will travel to Taiwan for the forum and will be delivering a keynote presentation, “Initiate climate action! Action education in the environmental education facility and field.” Accompanying her is Youth Climate Program leadership coordinator Garrett Marino, who will be part of a panel presentation, “Climate action guide: From ideals to practice - Positioning of youth.” 

Climate change is a global focus of attention: it is also a cross-generational issue, and the innovation and action of the next generation are the key to the net-zero transition. This forum will focus on sharing and exchanging climate actions of international organizations and international youth. Young individuals and climate experts from industry, government, and academia around the world - including the United States, Japan, Korea, Malawi, and others - will participate in the summit to jointly stimulate sustainable solutions and address climate challenges. The wide range of attendees will facilitate an equitable, intergenerational exchange of ideas and solutions between current and emerging leaders.

The Wild Center’s Youth Climate Program inspires global action through Youth Climate Summits: a large network of conference-style events that bring youth together in the name of climate action and justice. Its model program has been replicated around the world over 200 times with summits in over 24 U.S. states and nine countries. 

 The New Taipei Youth Climate Forum first began to intersect with the Youth Climate Program in 2023, when Kretser participated in the forum. Now in its fourth session, the forum is following the summit model set forth by The Wild Center’s Youth Climate Program, joining an esteemed international network of summit sites. 

Kretser has led the Youth Climate Program since its inception in 2009 and has been recognized by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy as a “climate education and literacy change advocate.”

 The Taiwan Department of Environmental Protection and the Youth Climate Program continue to work with global industry, government, and academic partners to encourage young generations across the globe to find their place within the climate movement, join an international community of practice, and bring ideas of a sustainable future to fruition.

The Wild Center, Paul Smith’s College, Adirondack Research Consortium and Adirondack Explorer Join Earth to Sky’s Team Adirondack

The Team will travel to NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center November 2024

Adirondacks, NY - The Wild Center, Adirondack Explorer, Adirondack Research Consortium, and Paul Smith's College are excited to announce their selection to the new Earth to Sky Academy cohort as Team Adirondack. This multi-organization team highlights the local commitment to advancing climate communications and supporting interpreters and community educators in the Adirondack region.

“We are thrilled to invite Team Adirondack to our upcoming Academy and include them in our growing community of practice. The most effective conversations about climate change are happening at regional scales, and the impressive coalition that Team Adirondack has assembled is well-positioned to lead that work in upstate New York,” said John Ceballos, Earth to Sky Interagency Partnership course coordinator. 

The new cohort comprises five other teams: Channel Islands, Team Colorado River & Uplands Corridor, Team Climate Resilient Colorado, Team Northeast Ohio Climate Heroes, and New York City. They were chosen through a competitive selection, and the new teams represent various federal and state agencies, state and metropolitan parks, colleges, and nature centers. The 29 incoming regional leaders have extensive experience in place-based interpretation and education, Earth science, training development, and community building.

"We are excited to be part of the Earth to Sky community and to have the opportunity to bring cutting-edge climate science and communication techniques to the Adirondack region," said Jen Kretser, Director of Climate Initiatives at The Wild Center. "This training will empower us to better support our educators in delivering impactful climate messages that resonate with our local communities."

The Academy is a tuition-free five-day course held at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The content is based on more than 20 years of experience and extensive evaluation of the Earth to Sky model. Participants are supported every step of the way: before, during, and after the Academy. 

"We are honored that Paul Smith’s College has been selected to join the Earth to Sky Academy cohort,” said Zoë Smith, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives. “This opportunity empowers us to inform and engage our students and community and help them drive positive change throughout the Adirondack-North Country region.”

Each of the five teams will travel to NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center this November to attend the Earth to Sky Academy. The week-long training will focus on NASA climate science, communication techniques, and Earth to Sky methodology. After completing the Academy, each team will develop and offer climate communication courses tailored to their region's needs. These courses will serve as ongoing resources for their communities, fostering a network of skilled interpreters and educators.

“This opportunity to attend the Earth to Sky Academy will give Adirondack Explorer cutting edge climate science and understanding to inform our reporting and engage our audiences–in print and online–in this crucial topic,” said Tracy Ormsbee, publisher of Adirondack Explorer.

Team Adirondack will return to the region with resources to develop trainings for other organizations and agencies interested in furthering their skillset in climate communications and messaging. Team Adirondack will serve as a regional core for a community of practice, working to strengthen a network of regional leaders across the Adirondacks.

 "We are honored to join the Earth to Sky Academy as Team Adirondack," said Dan Fitts, Executive Director of the Adirondack Research Consortium. "This opportunity will enhance our ability to communicate critical climate science and support our local educators in inspiring meaningful action within our communities."

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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.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

 

About Paul Smith's College

At Paul Smith's College, it's about the experience. As the only four-year institution of higher education 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 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 Explorer

Adirondack Explorer is a nonprofit independent news organization (print and digital) with the mission to use its news reporting and analysis to further wise stewardship, public enjoyment for all, community vitality, and lasting protection of the Adirondack Park. Founded in 1998, the Explorer is giving voice to the Adirondacks and is an indispensable source of news and information on the conservation needs, community challenges, and recreational opportunities of our region. Learn more at adirondackexplorer.org

 

About Adirondack Research Consortium

The Adirondack Research Consortium (ARC) was established to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical application in the Adirondacks. We connect scientists from various research organizations with business owners, local and state governments, private land managers, farmers, foresters, teachers, and engaged citizens. By partnering researchers with decision-makers, ARC ensures that sound science informs real-world solutions and addresses pressing issues in the Adirondacks.

The Wild Center Becomes a Smithsonian Affiliate

New status provides access to special programming, new research opportunities, and increased funding

Tupper Lake, N.Y. – The Wild Center is now a Smithsonian Affiliate, becoming part of a distinguished network of over 200 cultural, educational, and research organizations across the United States, plus Puerto Rico and Panama. This new relationship marks a significant milestone in The Wild Center’s mission to connect people with the natural world through science and immersive experiences. 

Renowned for its innovative exhibits and programs, The Wild Center explores the intricate relationship between people and nature. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, it will gain access to the vast resources of the Smithsonian Institution, including educational materials, collaborative funding, and special access to programming. This affiliation will enhance The Wild Center's ability to deliver enriching and educational experiences to its visitors.

“We are delighted to start this new Affiliate relationship with The Wild Center,” said Tricia Edwards, Interim Director of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and Smithsonian Affiliations. “We look forward to collaborating on dynamic programs that help advance our collective understanding of how nature and human communities interact. Together, we hope to inspire learning and discovery in our communities and share the vision of the Smithsonian’s Life on a Sustainable Planet initiative to ‘pursue nature-based solutions for a more resilient Earth for all.’”

The Wild Center's new status marks a growing relationship with the Smithsonian. Funded by an Institution of Museum and Library Services National Leadership grant, The Wild Center and Phipps Conservatory are part of the three-year 'Climate Competency and Action for Museum Professionals (Climate CAMP)' project. This initiative aims to train museum staff on climate change action, creating educational programs and exhibits for their institutions and communities. The project is advised by the Smithsonian Institution.

"We are thrilled to join the Smithsonian Affiliations program,” said Stephanie Ratcliffe, Executive Director at The Wild Center. “This continued collaboration opens up a wealth of opportunities for us to bring unparalleled educational and scientific experiences to our community and visitors from around the world.”

Joining the Smithsonian Affiliations program aligns with The Wild Center's commitment to excellence in science education and public engagement. Earlier this year, The Wild Center was named the "Best Science Museum" in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, reflecting its standing as a leader in science and nature education.

For more information about The Wild Center and its new Smithsonian affiliation, please visit wildcenter.org. 

The Wild Center Introduces Raquette River Roll

New ball-run experience opens to the public June 29

Tupper Lake, NY – The Wild Center is thrilled to announce the opening of Raquette River Roll, an innovative ball-run experience set along its new Fen Trail. Launching on June 29, this interactive outdoor exhibit invites visitors to engage with nature through a series of elevated tracks and obstacles strategically placed along a scenic half-mile path. 

Named after the Raquette River that runs through the Adirondacks, Raquette River Roll and its accompanying trail offer a unique outdoor educational adventure. The trail includes several different ball-run stops along the wheelchair-accessible path, each crafted of natural materials and each with its own special features that encompass the mission of The Wild Center. Visitors can race their wooden balls down a pair of 200-foot-long tracks, use log lifts to raise their ball into the canopy before dropping down a tower of wooden discs, roll their ball down xylophones made from wood and scrap metal, through log tunnels and through loop-the-loops. Displays between each location describe natural features, such as tree burls and mushrooms.

Charlie Smith, a facility technician, has been dedicated to the Raquette River Roll project since last summer. A trained carpenter, Smith has spent months in The Wild Center’s shop, turning the ideas seen throughout the attraction into reality. “I don’t think I’ve had more fun while being paid,” Smith says.

"The Raquette River Roll is not just a fun activity; it’s a way to connect families with the intricate ecosystems of the Adirondacks," said Nick Gunn, Marketing Director at The Wild Center. "We’ve designed this experience to be both educational and entertaining, fostering a deeper appreciation for our natural environment."

Raquette River Roll is included with regular admission to The Wild Center. Wooden balls are available for $6, or $5 for Wild Center members, and can be purchased on-site or through The Wild Center's online store. Customization options are available for advance orders.

For more information about Raquette River Roll and other attractions at The Wild Center, please visit wildcenter.org/raquetteriverroll. 

Media members and their families are welcome to attend the unveiling of Raquette River Roll on June 28 at 4:00 p.m. Ribbon-cutting ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m.

The Wild Center Named “Best Science Museum” in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 

Celebrates with community free day

Tupper Lake, NY – After four weeks of voting, The Wild Center is proud to announce its victory as this year's "Best Science Museum" in USA TODAY's 2024 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. To celebrate the recognition, The Wild Center is holding a Community Free Day on Sat., Mar. 9 and inviting area residents to join.

Handpicked by a panel of esteemed travel experts and voted on by readers, the list of top 10 recipients showcased the finest museums across the nation. The Wild Center stood out among its peers, surpassing competition like The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia and Exploratorium in San Francisco.

"Winning this award is a testament to our community. It's not just about being named the best, it's about showing the world what the Adirondacks are made of," remarked Nick Gunn, Marketing Director at The Wild Center. "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported us."

In 2023, The Wild Center secured an impressive second-place finish, trailing closely behind another esteemed institution, COSI (Center of Science and Society) in Columbus, Ohio, who claimed the title for its fourth year in a row. This year, however, The Wild Center has risen to the top, cementing its status as a leader in science education and public engagement.

For more information about the Community Free Day, visit wildcenter.org/communityfreeday.

For more information about the 10Best Awards and to explore the full list of winners across various categories, please visit www.10best.com.

Tickets Now Available for The Wild Center’s Wild Lights

2023-2024 season features new experiences and musical soundtrack

Tupper Lake, N.Y. – The Wild Center is excited to announce that Wild Lights presented by Merrill L. Thomas, Inc. will be returning for its fourth season. The evening experience transforms The Wild Center’s 115-acre campus into a winter wonderland, with thousands of bulbs and a variety of activities and displays. Wild Lights will run on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. beginning Fri., Nov. 24 with tickets on sale now.

This family-friendly, winter event sets The Wild Center ablaze with thousands of twinkling lights, turning the surrounding area into an illuminated paradise. New this year, visitors can enjoy:

• Forest Music: the looped trail with over 130 trees wrapped in colorful lights and a new 6-track musical composition from Whatever Penny 
• Make Your Own Wild Lights on Wild Walk: big red buttons along the trail can be pressed to turn nearby lights on and off in the surrounding forest 
• New Lit Photo Ops: brightly colored hexagonal light tunnels guide visitors through the different paths and trails
• Synchronized Light and Sound: through the woods, viewers can experience lights that are synchronized with the beats of the music
• Ice Sculptures: admire “cool” new displays around campus beautifully carved out of ice 

Also new this year, guests can head inside The Wild Center to warm up with a hot cocoa bar with a buffet of toppings to choose from. The Wild Supply Co. will be available for shopping, and indoor experiences will be open, including Planet Adirondack and the Living River Trail, where guests can watch North American River Otters play. 

Dates for the 2023-2024 season is as follows: 

• Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 24 to Feb. 24
• Open nightly during Holiday Week – Dec. 26 to 31
• Open nightly during Winter Week – Feb. 16 to 24

Admission to Wild Lights is to be purchased separately from day-time admission to The Wild Center.  From Nov. 25 to Feb. 24, member pricing is $5 for adults & free for children under 18, and non-member pricing is $10 for adults, $5 for youth, and free for children 4 and under. Tickets and information are available at: wildcenter.org/wildlights. 

Organizations interested in renting the Wild Lights experience for a party or private event may contact Anna Stuckey at astuckey@wildcenter.org or 518-359-7800 x1-144.

Wild Lights is presented by Merrill L. Thomas, Inc. and is made possible by Adirondack Health, Adirondack Land Trust, Adirondack Regional Federal Credit Union, Duff’s Dumpsters, Mike Foote Insurance, Long Run Wealth Advisors and The Trailhead.

 

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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 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.

Representatives from The Wild Center’s Youth Climate Program Attending White House Summit and Taiwan’s Youth Climate Forum 

Tupper Lake, N.Y. – Representatives from The Wild Center’s Youth Climate Program will be traveling around the globe this month to participate in events focused on climate resilience. On Sept. 28, 2024, two of the Wild Center’s Youth Climate Advisory Board Members, Andrew Fagerheim and Cedar Young, will attend the White House Summit on Building Climate Resilient Communities. Almost simultaneously, The Wild Center’s Director of Climate Initiatives, Jen Kretser, will be the keynote speaker at the Youth Climate Forum hosted by New Taipei City, Taiwan.

The White House Summit on Building Climate Resilient Communities will bring together local, state, Tribal, and territorial leaders and practitioners focused on climate resilience. The Summit, which was announced by President Biden earlier this summer, will explore opportunities to develop effective climate resilience strategies that are locally tailored and community-driven, with the aim of building communities that are not only resilient to the impacts of a changing climate, but also safer, more equitable, and economically stronger. Fagerheim and Young, who were instrumental in helping their communities (Homer, NY and Saranac Lake, NY respectively) achieve Bronze Level Certification with the NYS Climate Smart Communities Program, received a special invitation to participate in this exclusive event. They will be joining representatives of the White House and Federal Agencies at the Summit.  

At the Youth Climate Forum, Kretser will be a guest of the New Taipei City Government and the Graduate Institute of Sustainability Management and Environmental Education at National Taiwan Normal University. She will be speaking at multiple sessions at the Youth Climate Forum as well as leading sessions at the University. Following the Forum, Kretser will be traveling to Malaysia to work with museum colleagues for a new youth climate initiative in Southeast Asia in 2024.

“It is an honor for our Youth Climate Program to be recognized by invitations to these prestigious, climate-focused events. They demonstrate The Wild Center’s continued commitment to climate change solutions,” said Kretser. “These events further illustrate the importance of empowering our youth to get involved with climate resilience programming that can impact their own communities.” 

The Wild Center’s Youth Climate Program will host its Adirondack Youth Climate Summit on Nov. 8 and 9, 2023. The program has been convening high school students from schools and community groups across Northern New York State since 2006.

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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 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.