The Wild Center Awarded Grant to Create Solutions-Focused Climate Change Education Experience

Exhibition set to open June 2021

The Wild Center is excited to announce they have been awarded a grant by the Institute of Museum and Library Services to create an exhibition that will reframe how science museums present and interpret climate change. Set to open June 2021, the exhibit titled Solutions: Voices from the Frontlines of Climate Change will present practical, regionally-relevant climate solutions that illustrate the opportunity of climate resilience to The Wild Center’s 100,000+ yearly visitors.

The core of the Solutions exhibition will be a 3,000-square foot focal space featuring large-scale imagery, video, interactive activities and first-person accounts from leaders in climate solutions as well as those most impacted by climate change, including youth and indigenous communities. Key messaging will be augmented by permanent exhibits across the campus that provide a climate-solutions lens along with a maker space for younger audiences.

“We are so excited by the solutions-first approach to this next phase of work,” said Stephanie Ratcliffe, Executive Director at The Wild Center. “Through our past decade of community climate change work, we know that when people take personal actions or devise group projects for which they are passionate, it provides them with the hope that we can solve this enormous problem. Jumping in and becoming involved is needed from everyone- this project allows them to find a set of solutions everyone can contribute to.”

Jen Kretser, Director of Climate Initiatives at The Wild Center added, “After working with youth for the past 12 years on climate change, I am particularly excited about the Solutions Studio, a tinkering space that will allow people to explore how solutions work. Understanding the science and mechanics of possible mitigation solutions empowers young people to be engaged, knowledgeable, and hopeful about their future.”

The goal of the exhibit is to educate the public about climate change in an interesting, interactive way that multiple generations will be able to understand. Solutions will strive for audiences to see themselves as part of the solution and feel hopeful about the future. The Wild Center believes that it will spark solutions-focused discussions among families and friends. The Wild Center’s interpretive staff and volunteers will be trained on best practices in climate change communication and solutions to help enhance these visitor conversations.

New York State Executive Director of Tourism Ross Levi said, “The Wild Center is a must-see attraction in the Adirondacks, offering families a great opportunity to explore and experience interactive exhibits in a unique setting. Once completed, the new exhibit will further educate and inspire visitors about the environment, nature and the Adirondacks, and we congratulate the Center for securing the funding to make the project possible.”

Prior to the exhibit opening, The Wild Center will hold three public convening events across interdisciplinary, intergenerational audiences between May 2020 and February 2021 to test the solutions-first framing, promote community dialogue and gather information on audience knowledge to inform exhibition design. They will also draw on 11 years of solutions-focused climate change education experience for their award-winning Youth Climate Program which works to create a climate literate and empowered generation.

The exhibit design will be guided by a team of expert advisors from:

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Office
The New York State Office of Climate Change
NY State Energy Research & Development Authority
Center for Native People and the Environment at SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry
American Museum of Natural History
Members of The Wild Center’s Youth Climate Advisory Board

“I am proud to have helped ensure The Wild Center received funding for a new exhibition,” said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. “I was glad to support the Center in their efforts to receive this grant, which will not only help to educate and engage community members in Tupper Lake, but also to draw visitors from afar to our beautiful region. Congratulations to The Wild Center for this achievement, and for their continued success in organizing excellent programs and exhibitions for the North Country.”

The Solutions exhibition is yet another initiative by The Wild Center focused around educating others on climate resilience. This November, The Wild Center will host their 11th annual Adirondack Youth Climate Summit, attracting 180 high school and college students across Northern New York State to increase their climate literacy and leadership skills.The Summit is a replicable, scalable model that other organizations can base their own summits off of, and The Wild Center offers a digital toolkit to get started. Earlier this year, The Wild Center held a three-day leadership retreat for high school students, as well as a Summer Institute for NYS Teachers to empower educators on teaching climate change education.

The Solutions project is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

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 center uses science-based experiences, exhibits and program 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 indoor and outdoor space, live animals, hands-on experiences, and its popular Wild Walk, an elevated trail across the Adirondack treetops. The Center is open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit wildcenter.org to learn more.