Join The Wild Center for a one-day conference bringing together community members, scientists, Indigenous voices, and policy leaders to explore wildfire risk and preparedness in the Adirondacks.

As wildfire threats increase across the Northeast, this conference aims to deepen our collective understanding of fire as a natural ecological force. Through panels, presentations, and conversations, we’ll explore what’s at stake, what’s possible, and what we can do—together.

Conference Schedule:

PRE-CONFERENCE: guests are encouraged to arrive when the Center opens at 10 am to explore trails, exhibits and programs. Conference registration includes general admission.

• Highlights include Wild Walk, Climate Solutions, Raquette River Roll (newly expanded!), Forest Music, Patrick Dougherty’s Stickwork, Birdly, and animal ambassadors that call The Wild Center home
• 11 am Creature Feature (drop-in program to see and learn about a Wild Center animal ambassador)
• 12 pm Otter Program (drop-in program to learn about Wild Center resident river otters)
• 12:30 pm pre-conference fire session in Planet Adirondack

11 am: Registration Opens

• Registered attendees check-in and receive their name badge
• New attendees are invited to register if tickets remain

1 pm: Event begins in Flammer Theater with a welcome from The Wild Center

1:10 pm Partners Perspectives Panel: Why are we talking about wildfire in the Adirondacks now? with Stephanie Ratcliffe- The Wild Center, Dan Kelting- Paul Smith’s College and Tracy Ormsbee- Adirondack Explorer, facilitated by Nicole Baker- The Wild Center

1:30 pm Indigenous Perspectives  Indigenous Relationship to Fire with Jade Haumann, Masters Student & Seneca Wolf Clan

2:15 pm Historic Perspectives  Wildfire and Land Use in the Adirondacks with Phil Terrie, Environmental Historian & Author

3 pm Forester Perspectives  Can It Happen? Then What? with Justin Waskiewicz- Paul Smith's College, Angello Johnson- St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, Tom Curiale- Lyme Timber Company, Lizz Schuyler- Adirondack Park Agency, facilitated by Bob Stegemann

3:50 pm Policy Perspectives Panel: Is Forever Wild Helping or Adding Fuel? Current Park Policy Discussion with Claudia Braymer- Protect the Adirondacks and Dr. Mark Lesser- SUNY Plattsburgh, facilitated by Mike Lynch- Adirondack Explorer

4:20 pm: Keynote Speaker Understanding Historical Fire Regimes to Foster Resilient Forests with Jed Meunier, Research Scientist, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Introduction by Sally Bogdanovitch

4:55 pm: Closing Remarks

POST-CONFERENCE: Meet the Presenters' Reception at 5:15 pm

• Meet and network with attendees and conference presenters
• Enjoy local beer, New York State wines and snacks
• Take a photo with Smokey the Bear!

Who Should Attend:
Local residents, community leaders, conservation organizations, educators, outdoor recreationists, researchers, students, and anyone invested in the future of the Adirondacks.