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Adirondack Interpretive Center Celebrates New Exhibits
NEWCOMB, N.Y. – May 27, 2025 – A new exhibit at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry’s (ESF) Adirondack Interpretive Center (AIC) showcasing the College’s role in the Adirondacks, New York state, and around the world, was unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Sunday, May 25 at the AIC.
The exhibit highlights ESF’s rich history, world-class research, and expansive academic programs.
Bob MacNamara, a 1973 graduate of ESF’s landscape architecture program, worked with staff at the Newcomb and Syracuse campuses to produce the exhibit.
The new exhibit transforms the Main Hall into an extension of the forest beyond the walls, showcasing a variety of habitats and close to 100 species to be discovered as prompts for learning. The formal exhibits along the walls tell the story of ESF from its founding in 1911, through the establishment of the Newcomb Campus in 1932 and progresses around the room expanding on the research and education ESF leads, as well as the careers ESF prepares its students to pursue.
“ESF is committed to carrying forward the vision of the Adirondack Park Agency in creating a public education facility focused on interpreting the natural history of the Adirondacks” said Paul Hai, associate director at ESF Newcomb Campus. “We are excited to continue that commitment with the installation of these new vibrant, informative, and engaging exhibits, part of ensuring guests of all ages can come learn about this amazing landscape in which we are fortunate to work, study, and learn every day.”
Part of ESF’s Newcomb Campus, the AIC is one of only two free public education centers in the Park focused on the ecology and natural history of the Adirondacks. It is a hub for educational programs and events, and a base for research and outreach focused on the natural and human communities of the Adirondack Park. The center is open year-round, and features professional staff with deep knowledge of natural history, as well exhibits, publications, and outdoor facilities—including a 3.6-mile trail system—designed to deepen ecological understanding of the region.
About SUNY ESF
The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study and do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.
