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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January 13, 2025
The Wild Center Nominated for Best Science Museum for Third Straight Year
Museum encourages voting through Feb. 10 to defend its title as reigning champ
Tupper Lake, N.Y. – For the third year in a row, The Wild Center is honored to be nominated as "Best Science Museum" in USA TODAY's 2025 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. But The Wild Center isn’t just a nominee; it’s defending its title. Last year, the Center was named the best science museum in the country among institutions like Philadelphia’s Franklin Institute and Detroit’s Michigan Science Center. Friends and fans of The Wild Center are encouraged to vote online now until Feb. 10.
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 three consecutive years is an incredible honor,” said The Wild Center’s Marketing Director, Nick Gunn. “To win last year is a testament to our community and shows the world what the Adirondacks are made of. We encourage everyone to show that small-town spirit by voting early, voting often, and helping us put our corner of the world on the map once again.”
To vote for The Wild Center, fans can visit wildcenter.org/vote and cast their ballot once per day until polls close at 12 p.m. EST on Feb. 10. Winners will be announced on Wed., Feb. 19.
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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November 18, 2024
Tickets Now Available for The Wild Center’s Wild Lights
2024-25 season features new immersive projection experience
Tupper Lake, N.Y. – The Wild Center is excited to announce the return of Wild Lights, presented by Merrill L. Thomas, Inc., for its fifth season, with tickets on sale now. 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. 29.
This family-friendly winter event offers a chance to experience The Wild Center in a new light, literally! Visitors can look forward to:
- New Immersive Projection Experience: visitors can explore Wild Lights like never before with indoor and outdoor immersive projection art installations by Echo, an Adirondack artist and co-founder of The Station in Onchiota.
- Snack at the Mobile Sugar Shack: the shack will be converted into a food truck, serving hot and cold treats at The Wild Center’s patio space.
- Wild Lights Light Lager: Raquette River Brewing’s festive creation will be returning and can be purchased at The Wild Center, as well as in-store and on tap at Raquette River Brewing Co. and other local stores.
- Forest Music: the looped trail with over 130 trees wrapped in colorful lights synchronized to a 10-track musical compilation from Whatever Penny entitled “Songs for an Old Pine Forest.”
- Lit Photo Ops: Oversized neon bird wings that provide a perfect photo op and other new illuminated sculptures guide visitors through the different paths and trails.
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 2024-2025 season are as follows:
- Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 29 to Feb. 22
- Open nightly during Holiday Week – Dec. 26 to 31
- Open nightly during Winter Week – Feb. 14 to 22
Admission to Wild Lights is to be purchased separately from day-time admission to The Wild Center. From Nov. 29 to Feb. 22, member pricing is $7 for adults and $2 for children ages 5-17, and non-member pricing is $12 for adults, and $7 for youth. Admission is free for children 4 and under. Tickets and information are available at wildcenter.org/wildlights.
Wild Lights is presented by Merrill L. Thomas, Inc. and is made possible by Adirondack Frontier, Adirondack Health, Adirondack Land Trust, Schoolhouse Renovations, Adirondack Regional Federal Credit Union, Duff’s Dumpsters, Mike Foote Insurance, Long Run Wealth Advisors, Cape Air and Trailhead.
Wild Lights is supported by a grant awarded to The Wild Center by New York State's Empire State Development and the I LOVE NY Division of Tourism.
Wild Lights 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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October 31, 2024
Youth Lead the Charge for Climate Action at The Wild Center’s Adirondack Youth Climate Summit
November 7 & 8, 2024 at The Wild Center
Tupper Lake, N.Y. – Over 100 high school students from across Northern New York State will convene at The Wild Center for the Adirondack Youth Climate Summit 2024. The Summit is an immersive two-day experience designed to equip and inspire young people to address climate change in their communities. Taking place on November 7-8, this year’s summit combines hands-on workshops, engaging plenary sessions, and networking opportunities with peers and environmental leaders, creating an inspiring climate action event.
Throughout the summit, students will create individualized Climate Action Plans to bring back to their schools and communities to drive tangible climate solutions. The summit aims to empower these young leaders with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to champion climate resilience and foster sustainable change.
Keynote Speaker Jerome Foster II: The summit will feature keynote speaker Jerome Foster II, a prominent environmental justice activist and social entrepreneur known for his role as a Fridays for Future organizer and as the youngest-ever White House Advisor. Foster, co-founder of Waic Up and a tireless advocate for climate justice, brings his experience of activism, civic engagement, and policy influence to inspire a new generation of climate advocates.
Interactive Learning and Real-World Application: Participants will have access to over 15 workshops led by climate experts, educators, and peers, covering topics from renewable energy to environmental justice and sustainable practices. Workshops will run in five concurrent sessions, allowing students to choose activities most relevant to their climate interests and community needs.
The Adirondack Youth Climate Summit is where young leaders will take the reins to create a sustainable future and forge meaningful climate action in their communities. For more information, visit wildcenter.org/youthclimate.
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October 4, 2024
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).
Wild Center Executive Director Stephanie Ratcliffe, third from left, and Director of Climate Initiatives Jen Kretser accept an award at the ASTC 2024 Annual Conference in Chicago on Sept. 30 from ASTC members, from left, Jonah Cohen, Sam Dean and Tim Ritchie.
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September 26, 2024
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.
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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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.
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September 17, 2024
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.
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August 20, 2024
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.
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