Programs & Events
Adirondack Interpretive Center

• Learn more about AIC School Group Programs

The AIC is the nexus for public programs, events, speaker series, courses and other activites offered through SUNY-ESF's Northern Forest Institute. The AIC is your one-stop source for outstanding learning experiences in the central Adirondacks. Use the calendar and programs described below to find opportunities for your Adirondack experience. Or contact our staff to create a custom program for your group.

Educational Programs at the AIC

We provide cross-curricular, state standards-based educational programs year-round! Plan a day trip or take advantage of our housing and dining facilities and create a multi-day residential experience on our Huntington Wildlife Forest.

Can’t come to us? We’ll visit your classroom!

Drawing from the sciences, history, technology, the arts and humanities, outdoor skills, and Adirondack Ecological Center (AEC) research, the AIC offers hands-on, place-based experiential educational programs for groups of all ages.

Interdisciplinary Programs to Support Your Curriculum

Choose from any of the concepts or programs below or work with us to build your own! Most programs can be adapted to meet your group’s needs. Contact us for more details.

• Forest Ecology and Management
  Visit sites in various stages of ecological succession following natural and human disturbance. Inventory, measure, compare and contrast the biotic and abiotic components of each site including canopy cover, temperature, tree species, soil invertebrates, and wildlife.
• White-tailed Deer Ecology and Management
  Students are introduced to deer ecology, monitoring and research methods with hands-on activities such as telemetry.
• Small Mammal Ecology and Management
  Students use data collection and live trapping to learn about thelearn the diversity of Adirondack small mammal species, methods for assessing population density and distribution and the ecological importance of these organisms.
• Adirondack Geology, History & Natural Resources
  Students get an introduction to geology, history and the evolution of technology while investigating the ecological, social and economic impacts of resource extraction in the Adirondacks. Program includes visiting abandoned mining and logging sites.
• Interpretive Nature Hike
  Students join naturalist staff on a guided exploration of our trails, highlighting concepts including forest ecology, wildlife habitat, adaptations, relationships in nature and the diversity of life in the northern forest, from ferns to birds, trees to fish, and most everything in between.
• Nature Observation & Nature Journaling
  In these two programs, students learn how to better observe nature and more greatly appreciate the natural world while expressing themselves through sketching, painting and writing. These programs support your ELA curriculum.
• The Natural History of Literature
  Students learn the importance of understanding natural history to articulate a sense of place. This program uses excerpts from literature and writing exercises to highlight the process of creating an accurate and rich sense of place.
• Macro-Invertebrate Studies
  Students explore the ecology of aquatic communities using scientific sampling techniques to learn about macroinvertebrates and their role as indicator species, a key determinant of water quality. Related programs focus on invasive aquatic species, water chemistry & limnology.
• Tracking and Winter Wildlife Ecology
  Students strap on snowshoes and hit the trails, looking for signs of wildlife and learning about behavioral and physical adaptations animals use to survive winter in the Adirondacks.
• Philosophy and the Nature of Inquiry
  Students learn to frame meaningful questions, adopt another perspective, and gain a greater appreciation for the complexity of philosophical concepts.
• Foundations in Applied Ethics
  This program links ethical concepts with real-world case studies of regional issues to forge a connection between theoretical philosophy and practical resolution of environmental issues.
• Town Meeting
  Students research and role-play various constituency groups culminating in a town meeting through which they gain experience in public speaking, exploring contentious issues from multiple perspectives. Students will better understand the role of information and science in public policy and decision making.
• Ethics of Natural History Collections
  Students explore vertebrate teaching collections and their ethical and educational significance and implications.
• Ecological Adaptations
  Students apply inquiry, observation and critical thinking skills while studying teaching specimens, skulls and skeletons to learn about the diversity of life and species’ adaptive responses to their living environment.

Teaching with Technology

We have the technology and know-how to supplement any of our programs with components such as data collection and management techniques, statistical analysis, GPS (geographic positioning system) technology, and GIS (geographic information system) mapping and analysis. For example, during the small mammal program students can use GPS technology to record live-trap locations then display and analyze the data using GIS software and computing resources available at the AIC.

Planning Your Visit

We charge a fee of $75 per hour of your program, which is flexible to accommodate your group’s needs.

Please contact Rebecca Oyer (royer@esf.edu) to explore educational program opportunities and discuss the details of your visit.