The Wild Center Remains Committed to Connecting People with Nature
March 20, 2020
Tupper Lake, N.Y. - Although The Wild Center is temporarily suspending public operations until further notice, the Adirondack-based science center and outdoor nature experience remains an educational and entertaining resource through its suite of online content. New digital lessons will be featured daily on The Wild Center's social media channels. In addition, the extensive trail network of the Tupper Lake campus remains open for individual use and enjoyment, provided visitors maintain six feet of social distance for safety, as recommended by the New York State Department of Health.
The Wild Center's mission is to help others fall in love with nature by exploring new ways people and nature can thrive together. During these unprecedented times, The Wild Center remains committed to connecting people with nature by offering daily innovative and educational online content. Viewers can enjoy digital animal encounters, get behind-the- scenes looks and learn about fun activities one can do in their own backyard by tuning in daily to "Lunchtime Live" on The Wild Center's Facebook channel at 12pm EST. Viewers are encouraged to interact by asking questions, providing feedback and submitting their own ideas for future content. Additionally, The Wild Center's education and animal care staff will be offering free, live educational distance learning programs on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11am EST.
Wild Center Executive Director Stephanie Ratcliffe noted, "If you have been resistant to getting on the social media bandwagon, now is the opportune time to join in - The Wild Center has many different on-line experiences to try out from your living room!"
Guests are welcome to view multiple webcams of the surrounding Adirondack wilderness, found on WildCenter.org. Viewers can also take a virtual tour of The Wild Center, navigating through the facility with a click of the mouse. Guests can stop to explore specific exhibits, such as the Trout Pool and popular Otter Falls - where a video of the resident otters can be played. Another virtual tour takes viewers on a hike along Wild Walk, a platformed trail across the treetops designed to connect people with the Adirondacks in an easy and accessible way.
The Wild Center is also home to many live, rehabilitated animals, providing them with a safe and healthy habitat while acting as ambassadors for their species. These animals will continue to be well cared for during the closure, and a limited number of essential staff are providing animal care and safely operating all critical facilities related to their well-being.
"We have always focused on finding new, fun ways for people to learn about the animals, plants and environment of the Adirondacks. Through this all, we remain committed to showcasing our place in this wild world and its future," said Hillarie Logan-Dechene, The Wild Center's Deputy Director. "While it is difficult to predict how long the current situation will last, there is one thing that is certain - when this is behind us, we will have a greater need than ever to get outside and appreciate the natural world around us."
The Wild Center is able to continue to operate their facility as necessary in large part to the support of its members and partners. As a thank you, they will be honoring and automatically extending all memberships through the reopening of the facility to the public.
For more information about The Wild Center's closure and virtual tour, visit
www.WildCenter.org. Digital animal encounters and live distance learning programs can be viewed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thewildcenter/.