The Adirondack Interpretive Center is happy to be back open for the 2021 season. The AIC building will be open Wednesday though Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Masks will be required in the building but not during any of our outside activities. We are still developing our summer program as we await guidance from New York State and our University. But we already have some great events lined up. Hope to see you soon!
The AIC’s 9th Annual Rubber Loon Race will be on July 17th at 3:00 PM. Come join the fun as we release our rubber loons to race down the outlet of Rich Lake. You can sponsor a loon for $10 and all proceeds support educational programming at the AIC. You do not have to be present at the race to win! Click to sponsor a Loon.
Wildlife Wednesdays in July @ 1:00 PM
These one-hour programs led by our summer interpretive naturalist are a great introduction to some of the fascinating animals that are found in the Adirondacks. Weather permitting, a guided walk on our trails will focus on the natural history of our forest neighbors.
July 7th – North American River Otter
July 14th – Common Loon
July 24th – Owls of the Adirondacks
July 31st – Fireflies
Wood Walks – Saturdays @ 10:00 AM
Elaine Schwartz Memorial Woods Walk – June 19th – Our dear friend Elaine passed away in June of 2020. As a way to pay tribute to her memory and to remember with fondness the enthusiasm she had for nature education, the 1st Woods Walk of the year was dedicated to Elaine.
Workshops
Freshwater Macroinvertebrates
June 19th
The streams, ponds and lakes of the Adirondacks provide the perfect habitat for a variety of small aquatic insects. Be prepared to get your feet wet (or not) as we look for some of the more common species like dragonfly and stonefly nymphs and the pesky black fly.
Cultural Uses of Plants
June 26th
An introduction to some of the plants, both native and introduced, historically used by indigenous people and colonizers.
The Secret of Soils
July 3rd
Unearth the importance of soils, the types to be found locally, and the unseen world that is literally at your feet.
Tree ID and Trivia
July 10th
Learn how to identify a handful of common Adirondack trees along with interesting facts about their natural history, uses, and importance in our regional history.
Acid Rain – Where are we Now?
July 17th
Fifty years after the Clean Air Act, how are the Adirondacks fairing with regards to acid deposition. What has worked and what still needs to be done?
Summer Wildflowers
July 24th
Some of our late bloomers are the most stunning and unusual. Learn to ID some common wildflowers and hear about their interesting natural history.
Natural Plant Dyes
July 31st
Join visiting artist Madison Rosier as we gather some local floral to make natural colorful dyes. The color produced by some of our plant species may surprise you. Register below for the afternoon workshop and learn how to use indigo while making a reusable shopping tote.
Plant Reproduction
August 7th
Plants exhibit a fascinating and varied array of reproductive strategies. From seeds to spores, wind to wings, discover the different ways plants replace themselves.
The Rich Lake Watershed
August 14th
Explore our local watershed – from streams to wetlands to lakes to river- and learn how water changes, and is changed by, the ecosystem.
Fabulous Ferns
August 21st
Learn to ID some of our beautiful ferns and their close relatives. Discover the difference between ferns, mosses, and other plants.
Filed Notes and Nature Journaling
August 28th
Examine the historical and scientific value of field notes and explore your own journaling style as we examine examples of nature diaries.
Art Workshops
Basics of Digital Photography
Sunday July 11th, 1:00 pm
Want to learn how to take better outdoor pictures with your cell phone or everyday camera? Come learn some photography basics to help improve your pictures. We will also explore the history and uses of photography. Preregistration required, click here to register.
Oil Painting Workshop with Artist in Residence Christopher Rosier
Teen and Adult
Sunday July 18th, 1:00 pm
Join artist Christopher Rosier for a half-day workshop focusing on painting landscape elements and exploring oil paint as a medium. Weather permitting, this workshop will occur outdoors (en plein air) as you work on a 5 x 7 canvas while learning the fundamentals of landscape painting with oils.
All skill levels are welcome and all materials are provided for this free workshop. Preregistration required, click here to register.
Paper Making Workshop
July 25th, 1:00 pm
Turn recycled paper into colorful new sheets ready for any creative project. Learn the basics of turning fibers into sheets of paper, as well as decorative techniques using natural dyes and plant inclusions. Participants will make several sheets of handmade paper to use in any creative project. Preregistration required, click here to register.
Oil Painting Workshop with Artist in Residence Chris Rosier
Teen and Adult
Saturday August 7th
Join artist Christopher Rosier for a half-day workshop focusing on painting landscape elements and exploring oil paint as a medium. Weather permitting, this workshop will occur outdoors (en plein air) as you work on a 5 x 7 or an 8 x 10 canvas while learning the fundamentals of landscape painting with oils.
All skill levels are welcome and all materials are provided for this free workshop. Preregistration required, click here to register.
Natural Dyes Workshop
Saturday July 31st, 1:00 PM
Learn about indigo as a beautiful and accessible natural dye with visiting artist Madison Rosier. Japanese Shibori techniques will be explored during this workshop while we make one of a kind hand-dyed reusable shopping totes! You can also bring your own material to dye – perhaps a bandana, pillow case, or shirt. Be creative. Wear clothing that you are comfortable getting a little messy in. Workshop is free but class size is limited and preregistration is required.
Cyanotype Workshop
Sunday August 8th, 1:00 PM
In this workshop, artist Madison Rosier will help you forage for plants that you can use to create images using the early photographic process known as cyanotype. Images created will be a beautiful monochromatic blue. This is an excellent way to get in touch with and catalog the local botanicals!
Workshop is free but class size is limited and preregistration is required. Click Here to register
I attended the recent Philadelphia Flower Show. It’s a very big draw and was out doors for the first time. NY State tourist board had a large booth but there was no mention or any folders to show the ADK. I grew up in the woods and portaged the lake chain in Jr High and so was disappointed that they would miss one of my most beloved areas of the state (I saw nothing from inside the Blue Line). When I asked why they said that they didn’t think there was much interest in the area. I told them they were wrong and they should visit this part of the state. Thought you might want to see your selves included next year.