Adirondack Interpretive Center
Programs and Activities
The AIC is your one-stop source for outstanding learning experiences in the central Adirondacks!
We offer some great opportunities to supplement your Adirondack experience:
- Huntington Lecture Series
Join us Thursday nights in July and August for presentations that range in topic from ecology to history to philosophy. (on hiatus for 2021) - Artist in Residence Program
Designed to enrich the experiences of Adirondack Park residents and visitors and to demonstrate our commitment to conversations and programs that bridge science and the arts.
- Mud Season Movies
A free film series sponsored by the Adirondack Park Institute. Films are shown Saturdays in April at 1:30pm in the Multipurpose Room at the Interpretive Center.
By identifying and analyzing an animal's scat for DNA and hormones, Australian ecologist Scott Burnett discovers essential details of its behavior, how it fits in the ecosystem, and even how to protect it, all without needing to trap or disturb it.Dive deep into the woods to explore the lives of a unique avian family. Woodpeckers come in 239 species, each one a colorful character with a story of its own. But all woodpeckers share some very special gifts - they are acutely adapted to life in the trees and are experts at working with wood.Butterflies are perhaps the world's most beloved insects. But beneath their colorful charm, there's a wealth of hidden scientific secrets that show butterflies to be smarter and more resilient than we ever imagined.Celebrate Earth Day watching this film that chronicles the famed biologist work with ants that led to his remarkable studies of advanced social behavior in both ants and humans alike, and the controversial foundation of sociobiology.This film chronicles the history, precarious present, and optimistic future for one of the United States' most endangered wild cats. Wildlife filmmaker Ben Masters documents these rare and elusive animals in South Texas while meeting with the biologists, the ranchers, and the cats themselves.
AIC Events Calendar
All AIC events are supported by ESF’s Northern Forest Institute (NFI) unless otherwise noted.
Bird Walk
Wednesday | May 3, 2023 | 12:30 pm
Conditions permitting, we will be walking along the Hudson River Fen in the town of Newcomb. This is a level walk, out and back, on a graveled path about one mile in length. Vireos, bitterns, mergansers, song and swamp sparrows are frequently seen along this path. Meet at AIC. Binoculars are available thanks to Northern New York Audubon. Space is limited.
Fly Fishing Workshop
Saturday | May 6, 2023 | 9:00 am - 2:30 pm
This one-day workshop will introduce you to the art and science of fly fishing. A combination of indoor and outdoor instruction will focus on the basics of fly casting, gear, and technique. No equipment or experience required. Pre-registration and pre-payment of $40 fee required by May 1st.
Salamander Saturday
Saturday | May 6, 2023 | 1:00 pm
Come for an exploration focused on salamanders and other amphibians. Visit a vernal pool to look for salamander and frog eggs, and delve into the leaf litter to search for the nine species of salamander that live in our area. Preregistration is required.
Bird Walk
Sunday | May 7, 2023 | 9:30 pm
Join us to look for songbirds, waterfowl, raptors, and other feathered creatures. Guest birders James Mills and Emily Reichert will be your guides for a walk along the Rich Lake Marsh on the Huntington Wildlife Forest. This walk is on a mostly level dirt road and great for beginning birders. Meet at AIC. Binoculars are available thanks to Northern New York Audubon.
Bird Walk
Saturday | May 13, 2023 | 9:30 am
Depending on the weather and bird activity, we will either walk along the trails at the AIC or walk to the farm at Santanoni Preserve. Either way, we will be walking about 2 miles on level ground. Our wood warblers should be starting to arrive, so with patience and luck we will see some of the colorful species that breed in the region. Meet at AIC. Binoculars are available thanks to Northern New York Audubon. Space is limited.
Bird Walk
Saturday | May 20, 2023 | 8:30 am
An 8:30 am start to this walk along the Rich Lake Marsh will hopefully let us beat the blackflies. This is a 2 mile walk on a dirt road overlooking Fishing Brooks and the west end of Rich Lake. Miok Salz and Charlotte Demers will help you look for warblers, vireos, sparrows and waterfowl. Great walk for beginning birders. Meet at AIC. Binoculars are available thanks to Northern New York Audubon. Space is limited.
Elaine Schwartz Memorial Woods Walk - Summer Wildflowers
Saturday | June 17, 2023 | 10:00 am
Our first Woods Walk of the season is dedicated to the memory of our dear friend Elaine Schwartz, who was a great supporter of the AIC and of our Intern Program. We hope you will join this summer’s Interpretive Naturalist Intern, Will Schofield-Broadbent, for a walk and talk focused on our summer blossoms. On this mile long walk, you will learn how to identify common summer wildflowers and hear about their natural history and cultural uses. Preregistration is required.
Woods Walk - Adirondack Amphibians
Saturday | June 24, 2023 | 10:00 am
The Adirondacks are home to a diverse variety of amphibians such as frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts. These species all have interesting life histories that takes them from egg to breeding adult, with some unique stops along the way. On our guided naturalist walk, you will hear about, and in some cases hear from, the different amphibians that live in the Adirondacks. With a little bit of luck, you may get a chance to see a few of these remarkable species. Preregistration required.
E-news!
Receive news and information about special events in your inbox.
- Sign up for E-news (MailChimp online form)
Contact the AIC
5922 State Route 28N
Newcomb, NY 12852
518-582-2000
aic@esf.edu
NFI Outreach
Educational programming and nature-based outreach led by the Northern Forest Institute (NFI) includes, but is not limited to, public events at the AIC.
Visit NFI's website for more information on their programs, projects and initiatives, including:
