May 13, 2026
The Wild Center Celebrates 20 Years with a Summer to Remember
Thomas Dambo’s TROLLS: Save the Humans, a reimagined signature film, a 20th Anniversary Celebration with Martin Sexton, and a full season of events make 2026 one of the biggest years yet
Tupper Lake, N.Y. – The Wild Center is marking a milestone 20th anniversary with one of its most celebratory seasons yet. This summer, the museum welcomes world-renowned artist Thomas Dambo’s TROLLS: Save the Humans—an extraordinary large-scale outdoor installation— alongside the debut of a reimagined version of its signature film, The Wild Adirondacks, and a milestone 20th Anniversary Celebration on July 11. This summer honors two decades of connecting people with the natural world of the Adirondacks.
The Wild Center is open for the 2026 season with a Friday-through-Sunday schedule, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and then opens daily starting on Memorial Day, May 25. There will be extended hours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in July and August. Tickets can be purchased at wildcenter.org/tickets and include access to the award-winning Wild Walk, the immersive Forest Music experience, hiking trails, the new TROLLS exhibit and the film The Wild Adirondacks. Daily reservations are subject to sell-out, and advance tickets are encouraged.
“Twenty years ago, we opened our doors with a dream of helping people to better understand and connect with nature and the Adirondacks,” said Stephanie Ratcliffe, Executive Director of The Wild Center, who has been with the museum since 2002. “This summer we’re celebrating that dream in the biggest way we know how — with giant trolls in the forest, a breathtaking new film, the return of Martin Sexton, and a free community celebration for everyone who has been part of this journey. We can’t wait to share it all.”
The Wild Adirondacks – A New Film
Thanks to a 2026 Conservation and Community Interpretive Grant from the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership, The Wild Center has produced a stunning new version of its original signature film, The Wild Adirondacks. Now playing in the William H. Flammer Panorama Theater, the 17-minute film delivers four times the visual resolution of the 2006 original, featuring new imagery from renowned Adirondack photographer Carl Heilman II spanning over two decades of work. Sweeping time-lapses and still photography carry viewers from the rugged High Peaks to the region's serene rivers and streams, accompanied by an original score remastered by composer Lance Day. The film is included with general admission.
TROLLS: Save the Humans – Opening June 1
The centerpiece of the 2026 season is TROLLS: Save the Humans, a large-scale outdoor installation by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, known globally for his giant recycled-wood troll sculptures hidden in natural landscapes around the world. Opening June 1 and running through October 31, the exhibit features six larger-than-life trolls nestled throughout The Wild Center’s 115-acre campus. Each troll has its own personality and story about protecting nature, inviting visitors of all ages to slow down, explore, and reconnect with the environment.
Members get an exclusive first look during Before They Wake: A Troll Preview Night on May 31, an evening event before the exhibit opens to the public. Members can also enjoy Troll Stroll Member Mornings — intimate early-access strolls from 8–10 a.m. on select Saturdays in July and August, complete with coffee and Washboard donuts at the Wild Walk entrance. Registration required; free for members.
On Saturday, July 4, lace up your sneakers for the Troll Trot 5K — a one-of-a-kind fun run/walk winding through The Wild Center campus and past all six trolls. Registration is available online now and opens at 8 a.m. on race day. The race starts at 9 a.m., and every registered participant will receive a commemorative medal.
Troll Tuesdays (July 7–August 25, 4–7 p.m.) celebrate the world of the trolls every week with live music, make-and-take crafts, interactive workshops, and a spotlight on one of the six troll characters. Free for members or with admission; no additional registration required beyond a general admission ticket.
20th Anniversary Celebration – July 11
On Saturday, July 11, The Wild Center throws open its doors for a free community celebration marking 20 years of curiosity, connection, and care for the natural world. The day features drop-in activities and special programs for all ages, highlights from two decades of impact, experiences across campus, and TROLLS: Save the Humans on view.
Headlining the celebration is a live outdoor concert by Martin Sexton, the soulful singer-songwriter who also performed at The Wild Center’s opening in 2006. Ticket reservations for July 11 are encouraged at wildcenter.org/tickets. More information at wildcenter.org/20th-anniversary.
Seasonal Programming & Activities
The Wild Center’s beloved year-round programming returns in full. Daily activities include animal encounters, fish-feeding demonstrations, and programs with The Wild Center’s North American River Otters. Guided Canoe Trips on the Raquette River are offered on Sundays in June and return to daily departures from July 1 through September 7 at 1 p.m. Naturalist-led exploration activities take place on Wild Walk and across campus daily.
Forest Music, the immersive woodland soundscape featuring 24 speakers along a winding trail, continues to enchant. The expanded Fen Trail — a mile-long loop with Raquette River Roll stations — returns as well. Wooden balls can be borrowed or purchased as a souvenir. Birdly, the virtual reality flying simulator, is back for another year, and rides can be purchased on arrival.
Other special programming includes National Pollinator Week (June 22–28), the Science Speaker Series, Adirondack Water Week (July 31–Aug. 9), and more. For the full events calendar, visit wildcenter.org/calendar.
Programming is supported through a Market New York grant awarded by Empire State Development and I LOVE NY, New York State’s Division of Tourism.
TROLLS: Save the Humans is produced by The Imagine Team.
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April 10, 2026
The Wild Center Hosts Educator Professional Development on Haudenosaunee Perseverance
in partnership with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian
Tupper Lake, N.Y. – The Wild Center will host an immersive educator professional development experience, American Revolution: Haudenosaunee Perseverance, on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Developed by Native Knowledge 360°—the education initiative of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian—this full-day workshop will provide educators with an in-depth look at a standards-aligned, classroom-ready resource designed for middle school students, exploring Indigenous perspectives on the American Revolution.
The program centers on a standards-aligned digital inquiry resource that examines how the Haudenosaunee Confederacy—Mohawk, Oneida, Tuscarora, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca nations—persevered during and after the American Revolution.
The day will begin with an opening by Dave Kanietakeron Fadden (Akwesasne Mohawk), followed by a panel discussion featuring special Haudenosaunee guest speakers, including Katsi, Tekatsi:tsia’kwa Katsi Cook (St. Regis Mohawk Tribe), who will share insights into the roles of women in Haudenosaunee society, including their influence in diplomacy and decision-making. These perspectives provide critical context for understanding Haudenosaunee experiences during this pivotal period in history.
Participants will then engage directly with the digital resource, which incorporates video interviews with Haudenosaunee community members, primary and secondary sources, original maps, and images. Educators will explore how to bring this content into their classrooms, guiding students through the essential question: In what ways did the Haudenosaunee persevere through and after the American Revolution?
“Opportunities like this allow educators to expand the stories they bring into their classrooms and ensure students encounter a more complete and accurate history,” said Kerri Ziemann, Program Director at The Wild Center. “By centering Haudenosaunee voices and experiences, this program helps educators engage students in meaningful, inquiry-based learning that connects past and present.”
In addition to workshop sessions, attendees will participate in guided tours of The Wild Center’s Haudenosaunee exhibits and have opportunities to collaborate with fellow educators. Certificates of participation and CTLE credit will be available.
The cost to attend is $35 and includes a light breakfast and lunch. Scholarships are available upon request- email jkretser@wildcenter.org. Space is limited to 60 educators, and advance registration is required. Register online at www.wildcenter.org/events/haudenosaunee-perseverance.
American Revolution: Haudenosaunee Perseverance Onsite PD at The Wild Center is 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 7, 2026
The Wild Center Hosts Public Input Event for National “Nature Record” Assessment
Community invited to help shape first comprehensive look at nature across the U.S.
Tupper Lake, N.Y. – The Wild Center will host a free public event on Thursday, May 7, from 4–6 PM, inviting community members to contribute to The Nature Record, a groundbreaking national initiative examining the state of nature in the United States and its impact on our daily lives.
The event is part of a nationwide effort to gather public input on The Nature Record National Assessment, the first independent, evidence-based report of its kind. The Wild Center has been selected as an official site for public comment, granting a unique opportunity for Adirondack voices to help shape this important work.
The Nature Record brings together nearly 200 leading scientists, researchers, and practitioners to better understand how nature is changing across the country—and what those changes mean for our health, economy, and communities. From the air we breathe and water we drink to climate stability and local livelihoods, nature is deeply woven into everyday life.
“Nature shapes our health, safety, and sense of belonging—but it is changing rapidly,” said Jen Kretser, Director of Climate Initiatives at The Wild Center. “This assessment is about connecting science with lived experience, and making sure people from all communities have a voice in how we comprehend and react to those changes.”
Attendees at The Wild Center event will have the chance to:
- Learn about the draft assessment and its findings
- Interact directly with authors and contributors
- Participate in Q&A sessions and collaborative roundtable discussions
- Share feedback to improve the clarity, accuracy, and usefulness of the final report
The public comment period is open now through May 31, during which anyone can review the draft assessment and share input through a series of virtual and in-person events happening across the country, including at The Wild Center on May 7. For those who cannot make it in person, feedback can be submitted online at naturerecord.org/comment.
Public input plays an important role in strengthening the assessment. Comments help identify gaps, bring in local knowledge, and ensure the findings reflect real-world experiences. All feedback will be reviewed by the author team and incorporated into revisions ahead of the final report’s release in late 2026.
This event is open to anyone interested in the future of nature—from community members, teachers and students to practitioners, researchers, and decision-makers. No technical expertise is required. This event is free, but registration is required. Register at wildcenter.org/naturerecord.
“This is a moment for people across the country to engage with science and share what they’re seeing in their own communities,” said Kretser. “The more voices involved, the stronger and more useful this assessment will be.”
To read the assessment, share your thoughts, find additional events, and join the conversation, visit: naturerecord.org.
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April 3, 2026
The Wild Center Awarded Federal Grant to Revitalize Iconic "The Wild Adirondacks" Film for 20th Anniversary
New high-definition, panoramic, cinematic journey to debut May 1; Public 20th Anniversary celebration set for July 11
Tupper Lake, N.Y. – The Wild Center has been awarded a 2026 Conservation and Community Interpretive Grant from the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership to produce a new version of its original “The Wild Adirondacks,” a major update to the museum's signature film. Premiering May 1, 2026, in the William H. Flammer Panorama Theater, the project marks the Center’s 20th anniversary by reuniting the original 2006 creative team to deliver a cinematic experience with four times the visual resolution of the original production.
The 17-minute film features all-new imagery from renowned photographer Carl Heilman II, spanning over two decades of work. Using a combination of breathtaking time-lapses and still photography, the film takes viewers from the rugged Adirondack High Peaks to the serene rivers and streams that define the region. Original composer Lance Day has returned to remaster the original score for the updated experience.
“The original film has amazed so many visitors since opening in 2006,” said Stephanie Ratcliffe, Executive Director of The Wild Center. “Reuniting with Carl Heilman and Lance Day for this new version allows us to bring fresh, breathtaking imagery to the screen and celebrate the Adirondacks in a new way. It’s the perfect way to begin celebrating twenty years of The Wild Center.”
"The Wild Adirondacks" update is a cornerstone of The Wild Center’s anniversary celebration. While the film debuts in May, the public is invited to a special 20th Anniversary Celebration on July 11, 2026. This event will be free and open to the public, featuring a highlight of the new film and a celebration of the museum's two decades in Tupper Lake.
Funding for this project came from a 2026 Conservation and Community Interpretive Grant from the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership. This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States National Park Service (NPS) under assistance agreement (P24AC02271) to NEIWPCC in partnership with the Lake Champlain Basin Program.
For more information on the film and the upcoming 20th anniversary events, visit wildcenter.org/20th-anniversary.
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March 17, 2026
New York State Approves Historic K–12 Climate Education Requirement
The Wild Center Celebrates Milestone After Years of Youth and Educator Advocacy
Tupper Lake, N.Y. – The Wild Center is celebrating a major milestone for climate literacy after the New York State Board of Regents approved a new statewide requirement to integrate climate education across K–12 classrooms. Beginning in the 2027–2028 school year for grades 5–12 and expanding to grades K–4 in 2028–2029, the amendment ensures that students across New York will have the opportunity to learn about the causes, impacts, and solutions to the climate crisis as part of their education.
With the decision, New York becomes only the second state in the nation, following New Jersey, to require comprehensive climate education across all grade levels. The change follows recommendations from the Climate and Resilience Education Task Force (CREFT), a coalition of students, educators, and organizations working to expand access to climate learning throughout the state.
For The Wild Center, the announcement represents the culmination of years of collaboration. Members of the museum’s climate team have been involved with the Task Force since its early formation in 2017, when partners first gathered to explore how climate literacy could become a foundational part of New York’s education system. Since then, Wild Center staff and youth climate leaders have participated in meetings with policymakers, listening sessions with the Board of Regents, and promoted the efforts throughout the New York State Youth Climate Summit Network. Currently, The Wild Center works with 10 active youth climate summit sites across New York State where youth and teachers gather each year to learn the science, impacts and solutions for climate change.
“We are grateful to CREFT’s leadership for championing this critical policy work. Young people across New York have been asking for this kind of education for years,” said Jen Kretser, Director of Climate Initiatives at The Wild Center. “Climate change touches every part of our lives, so learning about it should extend beyond science class and across the entire curriculum. This decision recognizes that students need the knowledge, creativity, and agency to navigate a changing world and help shape solutions to prepare us for a more resilient future. The Wild Center’s Climate Program, launched in 2009, has focused on empowering young people and educators with the knowledge and tools to understand climate change and take meaningful action. Through youth climate summits, educator support, and partnerships across the region and beyond, the organization has championed an interdisciplinary approach to climate learning that connects science with civics, creativity, and community problem-solving.
The Wild Center is a resource in supporting educators as schools prepare to implement the new requirements. On March 13, The Wild Center hosted a professional development workshop for teachers across the Adirondack region and beyond in partnership with Franklin-Essex-Hamilton BOCES, GAIA Scholastic, and regional partners. The workshop focused on classroom strategies, curriculum development, and resources relevant to North Country students, while also highlighting updates to New York State standards and the state’s NY Inspires / Portrait of a Graduate initiative.
The Wild Center plans to continue offering professional development opportunities for educators as schools prepare for the statewide rollout of climate education. Students and educators can find information and resources related to climate education and hosting youth climate summits at wildcenter.org/youthclimate.
“This is a huge win for students, educators, and communities across New York,” Kretser said. “Now the work continues to ensure this requirement is implemented thoughtfully and equitably, with the support teachers need to bring climate learning to life in every classroom.”
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March 5, 2026
Celebrate Maple Season at The Wild Center
Family Friendly Events Include Pancake Brunch, Sugar Shack Tours & Community Maple Program
Tupper Lake, N.Y. –The Wild Center is welcoming the community to celebrate maple season and take part in one of the Adirondacks’ sweetest traditions. With maple programming every weekend in March, special events during New York State Maple Weekends (March 21–22 and 28–29), and the Community Maple Program continuing through March and April, visitors and residents can experience this North Country tradition in multiple ways.
The celebration's highlight is the Maple Pancake Brunch at The Wild Center on March 21 from 10 am to 12 pm, featuring live pancake art demonstrations. Watch staff artists transform pancake batter into intricate designs, bringing visitors’ creations to life on the griddle. Enjoy maple trivia, giveaways, and friendly pancake art competitions while indulging in a fresh, artist-designed pancake. This special event is included with the cost of admission (one pancake per person, as time and supplies allow).
The Waterside Café will serve hearty pancake breakfasts featuring Tupper Tapper Maple Syrup produced at The Wild Center, available for an additional cost. Admission is not required to dine at the café.
One of the first programs of its kind in the state, The Community Maple Program invites local residents to tap maple trees in their own yards and contribute sap to the collective syrup-making process during March and April. Participants within a five-mile radius of The Wild Center receive tapping assistance and equipment, with 70% of the syrup produced from their sap returned to them. Email maple@wildcenter.org for more information.
In addition, Maple Sugaring: Drop-in Discovery programs will take place on Saturdays and Sundays in March from 1–2 pm. Guests can get hands-on with one of the North Country’s oldest traditions, explore the science behind sugaring, and sample fresh maple syrup. The program is free for members or included with admission.
“Maple sugaring is both a science and a community tradition,” said Jen Tremblay Moore, Marketing & Communications Manager at The Wild Center. “From weekend discovery programs to our Community Maple Project, we’re inviting people not just to learn about maple season, but to actively participate in it.”
For more information on how to experience the Adirondack tradition of maple sugaring this spring, visit www.wildcenter.org/maple.
The Wild Center’s maple programming is supported through a Market New York grant awarded by Empire State Development and I LOVE NY, New York State’s Division of Tourism, and 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.
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.
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February 20, 2026
NASA Adirondack Earth to Sky Community Events in Tupper Lake
Afternoon panel on Adirondack climate research and evening astronomy programs give the community rare opportunities to engage directly with NASA scientists and regional researchers on March 5, 2026.
Tupper Lake, N.Y. – The public is invited to a celebration of science featuring climate research, astronomy, and satellite discoveries about the Adirondack Park on Thursday, March 5, 2026, in Tupper Lake. These special events offer a rare opportunity for community members to meet and chat directly with a NASA scientist alongside regional researchers and educators, while exploring how satellite data and space science are helping us better understand changes happening across the Adirondacks.
These events are being organized by a broad network of partners who make up NASA Earth to Sky Team Adirondacks, including the Adirondack Council, Adirondack Explorer, Adirondack Research Consortium, Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory, Paul Smith's College, and The Wild Center.
“These events create meaningful opportunities for our community to connect directly with scientists and explore how global research connects to everyday life in the Adirondacks,” said Jen Kretser, Director of Climate Initiatives at The Wild Center. “By bringing together climate research, space science, and public conversation, we’re helping people better understand the changes happening around us and inspiring thoughtful action for the future.”
From Satellite to Sediment: What We Can Learn About the Adirondack Park from Space at The Wild Center from 2:30 – 5:00 p.m
Hosted by Adirondack Explorer and sponsored by Ausable Freshwater Center, this public discussion will explore how scientists use satellite data alongside field research to better understand how climate change is impacting the Adirondack Park. The event will highlight findings from the Study of Climate and Adirondack Lake Ecosystems (SCALE) and examine how leaders and communities can respond to regional climate challenges.
Speakers to include:
- Peter Griffith, scientist, NASA
- Adriana Espinoza, deputy commissioner and acting chief of staff, NYS DEC
- Maureen Leddy, director of the Office of Climate Change, NYS DEC
- Hamid Norouzi, remote sensing specialist, CUNY
- Phil Snyder, field director of the SCALE survey, Ausable Freshwater Center
- Jenna Robinson, SCALE project manager, RPI
- Jon Borrelli, research scientist, RPI
- Mallika Talwar, deputy partnerships director, U.S. and India, Yale Program on Climate Change Communication
Space is limited, and complimentary tickets can be reserved at adirondackexplorer.org/events.
“This event reflects our mission as journalists to dig deeply into the issues that matter most to the Adirondack Park and to make complex science accessible to the public,” said Tracy Ormsbee, publisher of the Adirondack Explorer. “By bringing scientists, policymakers, and residents into the same room, we’re extending that journalism beyond the page into informed conversation."
Space Science on Tap at Raquette River Brewing from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m
Following the afternoon climate discussion, the evening continues with an informal, engaging astronomy program hosted by the Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory. Space Science on Tap will feature short, accessible talks about astronomy and space exploration. Attendees include Elaine Fortin, NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, Jeff Miller, Astronomer and Physics Laboratory Coordinator at St. Lawrence University, and representatives from Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory.
Telescope After Party at Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. (weather permitting)
The evening will conclude with a telescope after-party at the Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory, where participants can enjoy guided stargazing and deep-space viewing opportunities.
“Space is for everyone, no rocket science degree required! Bring your curiosity, we’ll bring the universe,” says Simon Thill, Associate Director of Astronomy Outreach, Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory.
All events are free and open to the public. Community members, educators, science enthusiasts, and residents are encouraged to attend one or all events. Learn more at wildcenter.org/events/earthtosky.
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About the Adirondack Council
Founded in 1975, the Adirondack Council is a privately funded, not-for-profit organization committed to protecting the ecological integrity and wild character of the Adirondack Park. For over 50 years, the Adirondack Council has championed the Park in Albany, and Washington, D.C. through public education, advocacy, environmental monitoring, and legal action when necessary. The Park contains one of the largest intact temperate forests left in the world and is home to approximately 130,000 year-round residents. The Council advances its mission through research, education, advocacy, and legal action. It envisions an Adirondack Park with clean air and water, core wilderness areas, working forests and farms, and inclusive, thriving communities.
https://linktr.ee/adirondackcouncilorg
About Adirondack Explorer
Adirondack Explorer is the only nonprofit, independent media organization solely dedicated to covering the Adirondack region in Northern New York State. Through our news reporting and analysis, we aim to further the wise stewardship, public enjoyment for all, community vitality and lasting protection of the Adirondack Park.
About the 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 research conferences and the Adirondack Journal of Environmental Studies.
https://www.adkresearch.org
About Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory
The Vision of the Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory is to inspire curiosity and provide perspective on our Universe through wonder and enlightenment. Based in Tupper Lake, we strive to provide high-quality educational material to local communities. Learn more at adirondackskycenter.org.
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 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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January 30, 2026
NASA Earth to Sky: Sharing Our Adirondack Climate Story Coming to the Adirondacks
Free, application-based workshop to connect regional communicators with NASA scientists and leading climate experts on March 5–6, 2026
Tupper Lake, N.Y. – The Wild Center will host NASA Earth to Sky: Sharing Our Adirondack Climate Story, a free, two-day, in-person workshop focused on strengthening climate communication across the Adirondack region. The program will take place March 5–6, 2026, with an additional virtual webinar on February 25.
“Earth to Sky,” a national partnership with NASA, brings together scientists, educators, and communicators to translate the latest climate science into engaging, locally relevant stories. This Adirondack-focused course is designed for organizations, agencies, and businesses seeking to better understand how climate change is impacting the region and how to effectively engage their audiences on climate issues.
“This workshop gives local organizations direct access to NASA scientists and regional experts while building the skills needed to share climate stories in ways that are hopeful, accurate, and meaningful for our communities,” said Jen Kretser, Director of Climate Initiatives at The Wild Center. “When we strengthen communication, we strengthen our collective ability to respond.”
Hosted by a regional collaboration including The Wild Center, Paul Smith’s College, Adirondack Explorer, Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory, Adirondack Council, Adirondack Research Consortium, and the Adirondack Climate Outreach and Resilience Network, the course will immerse participants in both global and local climate science while equipping them with practical communication tools. There will be a virtual webinar to kick the event off on February 25, 3:00–5:30 p.m. EST. Event locations will be in Tupper Lake on March 5 at The Wild Center and the Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory, and at Paul Smith’s College Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC), Paul Smith’s, on March 6, 2026.
Organizations are encouraged to apply in teams of three to five participants, though individuals are also welcome. Space is limited, and attendance is by application at wildcenter.org/earthtosky. Participants will receive a light breakfast, coffee, and lunch on in-person days. Attendees are responsible for dinner, travel, and lodging expenses. Applications are open through February 6, 2026, and applicants must be able to attend both in-person days and the virtual webinar.
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January 21, 2026
Martin Sexton to Headline The Wild Center’s 20th Birthday Celebration
Beloved singer-songwriter returns to Tupper Lake for milestone anniversary concert on
July 11
Tupper Lake, N.Y. – The Wild Center is proud to announce that acclaimed singer-songwriter Martin Sexton will headline its 20th Birthday Party on Saturday, July 11, 2026, marking two decades of inspiring curiosity, connection, and care for the natural world. The concert will take place on The Wild Center campus, and tickets to the show are included with regular Wild Center admission.
A longtime favorite of North Country audiences, Sexton’s return to The Wild Center is a fitting centerpiece for the anniversary celebration. Known for his soulful voice, genre-spanning sound, and deeply human storytelling, Sexton—who also performed at The Wild Center’s opening celebration in 2006—brings a remarkable vocal range and style, often described as truly soulful and reminiscent of artists such as Van Morrison, Al Green, Aaron Neville, and Otis Redding.
“This isn’t just a concert—it’s a thank-you,” said Nick Gunn, Director of Marketing & Visitor Experience at The Wild Center. “Martin Sexton helped us celebrate major milestones in our history, and having him headline our 20th birthday feels like bringing the story full circle.”
A Celebration 20 Years in the Making
The concert is part of a full-day birthday party celebrating 20 years of The Wild Center, featuring:
- Highlights from two decades of impact and innovation
- Drop-in activities for all ages
- Special programs and experiences across campus
- Opportunities to reflect on how curiosity, science, and nature have shaped generations of visitors
- TROLLS: Save the Humans by Thomas Dambo on view
Since opening in 2006, The Wild Center has welcomed millions of visitors, launched groundbreaking experiences like Wild Walk, Raquette River Roll, Climate Solutions and Wild Lights, hosted the Adirondack Youth Climate Summit, and become a nationally recognized leader in immersive, place-based science education.
The July 11 celebration is designed as both a joyful look back and an invitation forward—honoring the people, partnerships, and moments that built The Wild Center, while looking ahead to its next chapter.
More details, including the full schedule of birthday activities and performance timing, will be announced closer to the event. Support for the Wild Center's 20th birthday celebration is being provided through a Market New York grant awarded by Empire State Development and I LOVE NY, New York State’s Division of Tourism.
For updates, visit wildcenter.org or follow The Wild Center on social media.
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January 12, 2026
The Wild Center Nominated for Best Science Museum for Fourth Straight Year
Museum encourages voting through Feb. 9
Tupper Lake, N.Y. – For the fourth year in a row, The Wild Center is honored to be nominated as "Best Science Museum" in USA TODAY's 2026 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Friends and supporters of The Wild Center are encouraged to vote online now until Feb. 9.
Selected by a panel of travel experts, the list of 20 nominees highlights museums nationwide where the wonders of science and natural history spring to life. Voting for the awards is open to the public, and votes are tallied daily. Readers are allowed one online vote per day.
“To be nominated for this award for four consecutive years is an incredible honor,” said The Wild Center’s Marketing Director, Nick Gunn. “It’s a testament to the dedication of our staff and the strength of our community. Being recognized on a national stage alongside some of the country’s most respected science institutions reinforces the importance of hands-on, place-based learning experiences that connect people to the natural world.”
To vote for The Wild Center, fans can visit wildcenter.org/vote and cast their ballot once per day until polls close at 11:59 p.m. EST on Feb. 9. Winners will be announced on Wed., Feb. 18.
For more information about the 10Best Awards and to see the full list of winners across multiple categories, please visit www.10best.com.
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