Fire in the Adirondacks — it has happened before, but could it happen again? As wildfire threats intensify across the Northeast, The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, NY, is hosting a one-day conference to explore this timely and essential question.
On Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 1 to 6 p.m., join leading voices in ecology, Indigenous knowledge, land management, journalism, and public policy for Fire in the Adirondacks, a collaborative event presented by The Wild Center in partnership with the Adirondack Chapter of The Nature Conservancy and Paul Smith’s College.
Fire in the Adirondacks will explore wildfire risk and preparedness in the Adirondacks, examining fire as both a natural ecological force and a growing climate-driven threat. Through expert panels, presentations, and interactive discussions, participants will explore what it means to live with fire — and how we can adapt for the future.
The formal conference sessions begin at 1 p.m. in the Flammer Theater. Registrants are encouraged to arrive earlier, when the Center opens at 10 a.m., to explore the trails and exhibits, and to attend an animal encounter at 11 a.m. and otter program at 12 p.m. Additionally, a Pre-Conference Wildfire Program will take place in the Planet Adirondack exhibit at 12:30 pm.
The Fire in the Adirondacks conference will feature a range of perspectives, beginning with insights from Indigenous fire knowledge and a look at the region’s ecological and fire history.
Later sessions will focus on preparedness and policy, exploring how different sectors — tribal leadership, public agencies, conservation groups, and private industry — are thinking about wildfire risk and response in the Adirondacks.
The day continues with a discussion on how current land protections shape the region’s ability to adapt to a changing climate, followed by a keynote address from Jed Meunier, a forest and fire ecologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Drawing on his work in dendrochronology, forest ecology, and disturbance history, Meunier will offer a powerful look at what the past can teach us about preparing for the future.
Fire in the Adirondacks attendees are invited to a post-conference Meet the Presenters’ Reception at 5:15 p.m. featuring local beer, New York State wines and snacks. In addition, Smokey the Bear will make an appearance with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.
Community members, educators, students, conservation professionals, landowners, local government officials and anyone interested in the intersection of climate, fire, and forest health in the Adirondacks are all encouraged to attend.
Registration is $45 for general admission and $40 for Wild Center members. The conference includes admission to The Wild Center and the reception.
Advance registration is encouraged. Walk-in registration opens at 11 a.m. on the day of the conference. Register and view the full schedule at wildcenter.org/fire.
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