Fire in the Adirondacks—it has happened before, but could it happen again? As wildfire threats intensify across the Northeast, The Wild Center is hosting a one-day conference to explore this timely and essential question. On Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 1 to 6 p.m., join leading voices in ecology, Indigenous knowledge, land management, journalism, and public policy for Fire in the Adirondacks, a collaborative event presented by The Wild Center in partnership with the Adirondack Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, Adirondack Explorer, and Paul Smith’s College.

Fire in the Adirondacks will explore wildfire risk and preparedness in the Adirondacks, examining fire as both a natural ecological force and a growing climate-driven threat. Through expert panels, presentations, and interactive discussions, participants will explore what it means to live with fire—and how we can adapt for the future.

“This conference invites everyone who cares about the Adirondacks to be part of an important and urgent conversation,” said Hillarie Logan-Dechene, Deputy Director of The Wild Center. “We know fire has shaped this landscape before. Better understanding how it fits into our future is critical for the health of our forests and communities.”

The formal conference sessions begin at 1 p.m. in the Flammer Theater. Registrants are encouraged to arrive earlier, when the Center opens at 10 a.m., to explore the trails and exhibits, and to attend an animal encounter at 11 a.m. and otter program at 12 p.m. Additionally, a Pre-Conference Wildfire Program will take place in the Planet Adirondack exhibit at 12:30 p.m.

The Fire in the Adirondacks conference will feature a range of perspectives, beginning with insights from Indigenous fire knowledge and a look at the region’s ecological and fire history. Later sessions will focus on preparedness and policy, exploring how different sectors—tribal leadership, public agencies, conservation groups, and private industry—are thinking about wildfire risk and response in the Adirondacks. The day continues with a discussion on how current land protections shape the region’s ability to adapt to a changing climate, followed by a keynote address from Jed Meunier, a forest and fire ecologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Drawing on his work in dendrochronology, forest ecology, and disturbance history, Meunier will offer a powerful look at what the past can teach us about preparing for the future.

Fire in the Adirondacks attendees are invited to a post-conference Meet the Presenters’ Reception at 5:15 p.m. featuring local beer, New York State wines and snacks. In addition, Smokey the Bear will make an appearance with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

Community members, educators, students, conservation professionals, landowners, local government officials and anyone interested in the intersection of climate, fire, and forest health in the Adirondacks are all encouraged to attend.

Registration is $45 for general admission and $40 for Wild Center members. The conference includes admission to The Wild Center and the reception.

Advance registration is encouraged. Walk-in registration opens at 11 a.m. on the day of the conference. Register and view the full schedule at wildcenter.org/fire.

About Adirondack Explorer

Through its website, magazine, newsletters and social channels, Adirondack Explorer reaches millions of readers – located both inside and outside the region – with in-depth reporting about environmental issues, Adirondack communities and recreation opportunities in this unique part of Northern New York State.

About The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 81 countries and territories (40 by direct conservation impact and 41 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit nature.org or follow @nature_press on X.

About Paul Smith’s College

At Paul Smith’s College, it’s about the experience. As the only four-year college located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, 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 are able to draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. Our community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive and adventurous individuals collectively provide experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for our alumni. 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 The Wild Center

The Wild Center invites visitors to discover the story of the Adirondacks, and to explore new ways that people and nature can thrive in the same place. 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. The Wild Center’s reimagined experience utilizes Wild Walk and its largely outdoor 115-acre campus.