Events Calendar

THERE’S MORE TO EXPLORE THIS SUMMER

Each visit to The Wild Center begins by reserving a ticket in advance, either online or by phone. That applies to everyone, including members (who are admitted at no charge), donors, regular patrons and first-time visitors. Timed reservations help keep all visitors safe by managing crowd size, as our youngest and most vulnerable visitors are currently unable to be vaccinated against COVID.

NEW THIS YEAR

LIVING RIVER TRAIL, INSIDE THE EXHIBIT HALL

On this one-way, indoors loop, visitors will experience traversing an Adirondack Trail—starting at the summit of a High Peak and passing through forests, waterfalls, rivers, streams, lakes and bogs. You’ll pass by more than 2,000 live creatures, including fish, turtles and, of course, our beloved otters.

WELDED STEEL: SHAPE, FORM AND LIGHT, BARNEY BELLINGER OUTDOOR EXHIBIT

This art-in-nature installation by Barney Bellinger is a collaboration with Tupper Arts. Bellinger has installed 17 metal sculptures on campus. See them beginning at the path from the main parking lot to the patio, across Rainbow Bridge and throughout Forest Music.

FOREST MUSIC Daily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Forest Music features new music composed by Lake Placid musician Eric Sturr. Using Barney Bellinger’s sculptures as inspiration, Sturr wrote “Iron Harvest,” a five-piece instrumental composition with metallic sounds and drumming juxtaposed with natural-sounding harmonies.

NATURALIST-GUIDED DAILY CANOEING ON THE RAQUETTE RIVER

Daily thru September 6, 1 p.m. Plan to add this special backcountry experience to your Wild Center visit. Canoes provided. Members, $30; non-Members, $45. Only five spots available daily—advanced registration required, in addition to advanced reservations for daily admission.

MEMBERS ONLY

FRIDAY MEMBERS MORNINGS ON WILD WALK

Fridays in July and August, 8–10 a.m. Members and their guests can enjoy Wild Walk before it opens to the public. No charge, but advanced registration required, online or by phone: 518-359-7800.

STICKWORK BY PATRICK DOUGHERTY, BEGINNING IN AUGUST

During the first few weeks of August, Patrick Dougherty will be at The Wild Center to construct his unique stick-work sculptures near Wild Walk. Volunteers can assist in the project. Once complete, visitors are welcome to experience them up close and walk through the intricate structures. If you are interested in volunteering contact Leanne at lfavreau@wildcenter.org.

CARL HEILMAN PHOTO WORKSHOPS

Carl Heilman II is an Adirondack-based, award-winning outdoor photographer who specializes in nature panoramas, murals and nature photography. Register early at wildcenter.org/events for his workshops at The Wild Center.

Saturday, August 21, 2–10 p.m. Photograph Adirondack landscapes and the full moon rising. Members, $155; non-members, $180. Limit 6.

Saturday, September 25, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Spend a day honing your photography skills on this Fall Landscape and Waterway Tour. Members, $155; non-members, $180. Limit 8.

FOREST BATHING Sunday, October 10, 8:30–11 a.m. Open yourself to the sights, sounds, smells and textures of an Adirondack forest on this 2.5-hour eco-trip. Join Certified Forest Therapy Guide Suzanne Weirich on a series of brief sensory activities. Adult members, $30; nonmembers, $40; youth, $20. Limit 10.

IMPACTS OF ROAD SALT ON AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS, WITH THE ADIRONDACK WATERSHED INSTITUTE

Thursday, November 4, 6 p.m. (Digital program, via Zoom.) New York State is the largest user of road salt in North America. The amount of salt used here far exceeds other pollutants, such as acid deposition. Join the Adirondack Watershed Institute of Paul Smith’s College to learn more about the effects of road salt on the aquatic ecosystems of the Adirondacks.

2021 SPECIAL EVENTS

HAUNTED FOREST Friday & Saturday, Oct. 22, 23, 29, 30 Deep in the trails surrounding The Wild Center, ghostly lumberjacks and menacing creatures await … if you’re brave enough to enter after nightfall.

WILD LIGHTS Thanksgiving 2021–February 2022 The return of an enhanced “Wild Lights” will invite visitors to wander into our illuminated nighttime winter wonderland. Thousands of twinkling lights will adorn Wild Walk and spread across campus so visitors can enjoy the colorful sights and sounds of the Forest Music trail. This year you will be able to warm yourselves by a wood fire, and there will be food and hot beverages to make your visit special.

The Wild Center 45 Museum Drive Tupper Lake, NY 12986 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

The Wild Center is a not-for- profit 501(c)(3) organization chartered as an educational institution by the New York State Board of Regents.

Karen K. Thomas Chair Stephanie Ratcliffe Executive Director

The Otter is published by The Wild Center 45 Museum Drive Tupper Lake, NY USA 12986 wildcenter.org 518.359.7800 Printed on paper proudly produced at International Paper’s Ticonderoga mill using fiber from sustainably managed Adirondack forests.