Adirondack Climate Conference slated for March 6 at The Wild Center

The Wild Center, in partnership with Paul Smith’s College and the Adirondack Research Consortium, will host the Adirondack Climate Conference on Thursday, March 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., bringing together community members, regional leaders, problem-solvers, and students to address climate challenges and possible opportunities in northern New York. This full-day conference will provide a platform for sharing stories of resilience, preparedness, and adaptation in local communities.

Attendees will collaborate on solutions to strengthen local infrastructure, protect biodiversity, and foster sustainable businesses and workforce development, ensuring the North Country remains a vibrant place to live, work, and play. Session topics include extreme weather and emergency preparedness, NYS resources for building community and energy resilience, and climate and public health.

Keynote talks will be live-streamed at wildcenter.org/live for those unable to attend in person.

Tickets are available for $45 for adults and $15 for students (high school or college, with scholarships available.) Click here to register.

Information about the event, workshop descriptions and conference schedule are available at wildcenter.org/adirondack-climate-conference

Key Features of the Conference:

Hear from Regional Leaders: Local leaders, community members, policymakers, and scientists will share opportunities for addressing extreme weather and enhancing community resilience.
Contribute to Solutions: The event will feature panels, workshops, and discussions with experts from across the region, including science, engineering, health, economic development, clean energy technology, and workforce development.
Collaborate: The conference will enable participants to form collaborations across the North Country, from government agencies to local organizations, businesses, students, and engaged community members.

 Speakers include:

• Stephanie Ashenfelder: Director, Digital Media Studies, University of Rochester

• Leo Bachinger, Ph.D.: Bureau Chief, Adaptation and Community Partnerships, NYS Office of Climate Change

• Erik Backus: Director of the Construction Engineering Management Program, Clarkson University

• Nancy Bernstein: Energy Circuit Rider, ANCA

• Allison Chatrchyan: Director, Climate Change Education & Stakeholder Engagement, Cornell University

• Tony David: Division Director, Akwesasne St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Environmental Program

• Abraham Francis: Graduate Research Assistant, Clarkson University & Program Manager for the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne Environmental Program

• Andrea Gluckman: Photographer, Visual Artist, Educator

• Erin Griffin: Clean Energy Hub Director, ANCA

• Sunita Halasz: ACORN Project Coordinator

• Jill Henck: Clean Energy Program Director, ANCA

• Alexandra Jacobs-Wilke: Mayor, Village of Potsdam

• Jen Kretser: Director of Climate Initiatives, The Wild Center

• Josh LaFountain: Freshwater Specialist, The Nature Conservancy

• Steve Langdon: Director, Single Shanty Preserve Research Station

• Carly Leary: Climate Smart Communities Coordinator, ANCA

• Maureen Leddy: Director, Office of Climate Change, NYSDEC

• Mike Lynch: Climate Reporter, Adirondack Explorer

• Ann-Marie Mason: Director, Warren County Emergency Services

• Christine Pouch: Economic Development, Marketing & Event Manager, Indian Lake Emergency Services Hub

• Lauren Prentice: Director, St. Lawrence Health, Food, and Nutrition Services

• Suzanna Randall: Chief Climate Resiliency Officer, NYSDEC

• Mahnoor Raza: Political Science & English Literature Student, University of Rochester

• Dr. William Reiley: Director and CEO, Trudeau Institute

• Catherine Rhodes: Director, Elder Care & Volunteer Services, Mercy Care for the Adirondacks

• Chris Sheach: Assistant Professor Disaster Management, Paul Smith’s College

• Bridget Shirvell: Freelance Journalist and Author of “Parenting in a Climate Crisis”

• Zoe Smith: VP of Strategic Initiatives, Paul Smith’s College

• David Sommerstein: News Director, North Country Public Radio

• Dr. Curt Stager: Author & Professor of Natural Sciences, Paul Smith’s College

• Amanda Stevens: Senior Project Manager, NYSERDA

• Stefanie Valovic Miller: Coalition Coordinator, Systems of Care, Building Resilience in Essex Families Coalition

• Natalie Warner: Clarkson University Graduate

• Catherine Wheeler: St. Lawrence Valley Reporter, North Country Public Radio

The Adirondack Climate Conference is presented by ADK Solar. The Wild Center is located at 45 Museum Drive, Tupper Lake, NY 12986. Top photo: The Wild Center website photo.