Adirondack Interpretive Center
Programs and Activities
Adirondack Interpretive Center Events
5922 State Route 28N, Newcomb, NY, United States, New York
aic@esf.edu | 518-582-2000
Early Avian Migrants Birding Walk
Saturday | May 3 | 9 am
Join local birder, Charlotte Demers, to look for our early arriving avian migrants. Depending on trail conditions we will either walk along Rich Lake Marsh on the private Huntington Wildlife Forest or explore the trails at the AIC to see which resident and migrant birds are in the area. Walk is an easy ramble of about 1.5 miles and will be great for beginning birders. We will meet at 9am at the AIC. Plan on 3 hrs of slow birding.
Spring Bird Walk
Saturday | May 10 | 8:30 am
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 along a mostly level dirt road and great for beginning birders. Binoculars are available thanks to Northern New York Audubon. Space is limited. Registration required.
You can also email shample@esf.edu
Winged Wonders: A Day with the Birds
Saturday | May 10
- Walk - 8:30 am
- Building - 11 am
- Film - 1 pm
Join us at the Adirondack Interpretive Center for a fun and immersive day celebrating our avian neighbors! Start with a guided bird walk to observe local species in their natural habitat, then get hands-on building your own birdhouse to support backyard wildlife. Cap off the experience with a screening of “Birds” from the BBC’s Life series. Perfect for nature lovers of all ages, this program blends exploration, creativity, and education into one unforgettable event! Come for one activity or stay for them all!
All materials and tools for bench building will be provided. Bird houses: $20
You can also email shample@esf.edu
Ready, Set, Trek: Backpacking Basics for New Adventure's
Saturday | May 17 | 10 am -12 pm
Ready to trek the trails? Join our backpacking basics class to learn essential gear, trip planning, safety practices, and much more. Get the skills you need to confidently start your backpacking adventure!
You can also email shample@esf.edu
Mushroom Meanders
3rd Sunday of the Month | May - October | 1 pm
May 18th, June 15th, July 20th, August 17th, September 21st, and October 19th
With the guidance of mushroom enthusiast Sandy Bureaus, head out for an afternoon of mushroom hunting along the AIC trails. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned forager these walks will help expand your knowledge into the mysteries of mycology. Walks will be held every third Sunday at 1pm starting in May and continuing through October. Registration is not required but encouraged.
You can also email shample@esf.edu
Bushcraft: Survive and Thrive
Join us for a hands-on, four-part bushcraft workshop series where you'll learn essential wilderness survival skills! Each session focuses on a different element critical to thriving in the outdoors:
Learn fire-starting techniques using natural materials, from friction to flint, including how to start fires in inclement weather
Learn how to filter and purify water for drinking and cooking, while also exploring various methods to cook in the wilderness using minimal gear and natural resources.
Explore shelter-building methods with natural resources to create secure, weatherproof structures that protect from the elements.
Learn essential land navigation skills, including map reading, compass use, and route planning, to confidently explore the outdoors.
Register for one or all four - limit of 15. You can also email shample@esf.edu
Spring Bird Hike with Miok
Saturday | June 7 | 9:00 am
Join guest birder Miok Salz as we look for early arriving avian migrants and resident birds. We’ll walk along the Rich Lake Marsh on the private Huntington Wildlife Forest. Walks are easy rambles and great for beginning birders. Binoculars are available thanks to Northern New York Audubon. Space is limited. Registration required.
You can also email shample@esf.edu
Trail to Timber: Honoring Aldo Leopold
Saturday | June 14
- Walk - 9 am
- Building - 11 am
- Film - 1 pm
Join us at the Adirondack Interpretive Center for a day of exploration and hands-on activities in celebration of Aldo Leopold! Take a guided walk to discover the beauty of spring wildflowers, then put your skills to work by building your very own Leopold Bench—a perfect spot to sit and reflect on your newfound botanical knowledge. End the day with a screening of A Green Fire, a powerful documentary on Aldo Leopold’s life and lasting legacy. Come for one activity or stay for them all!
All materials and tools for bench building will be provided.
Leopold Benches: $40
You can also email shample@esf.edu
Elaine Schwartz Memorial Woods Walk
Saturday | June 21 | 10 am
Join AIC Manager Steph Hample on Saturday, June 21st at 10am for the summer’s first Woodland Walk in memory of AIC friend Elaine Schwartz. Come and walk the Rich Lake trail to learn about the unprecedented rain and flooding that occurred on July 11th, 2023!
You can also email shample@esf.edu