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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