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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