The Wild Center

Spring is here, which means hours are shifting at The Wild Center. • April: Closed • May 1 - 24: Open Fri–Sun, 10am–5pm • May 25 (Memorial Day) to October 31: Open daily, 10am–5pm • July & August: Extended hours every night until 7pm PLUS — something BIG is coming… Thomas Dambo’s TROLLS: Save the Humans opens June 1. Wild Center Members get early access on May 31. Not a member? Learn more and sign up at wildcenter.org/members.

Meet the trolls of TROLLS: Save the Humans, created by world-renowned artist Thomas Dambo (@thomasdambo ): 📢 Ronja Redeye – A natural leader that speaks from her heart and is really good with words. 🖼️ Basse Buller – The gentle giant with a booming laugh. 🌲 Ibbi Pip – Ibbi puts up little birdhouses everywhere in the hope that the humans will think more about whom they share the world with. ♻️ Kamma Can – Where humans see trash, she sees potential. Being a creative spirit, she can think of a million ways to make nice things with all those beautiful colors. 👂 Sofus Lotus – Pays attention to little things. He uses his ears to hear every little crackle, thud and buzz 🪴 Rosa Sunflower – The introverted trolls who cares for plants and other creatures with her life-giving fingers They’re here with an important mission: to teach humans how to rediscover nature and inspire them to be good stewards of the earth. 📅 Opens June 1, 2026 at The Wild Center. 📍 wildcenter.org/trolls TROLLS: Save the Humans is produced by The Imagine Team @theimagineteam #TrollsSaveTheHumans #ThomasDambo #WildCenter #TupperLake #ArtInNature #SustainableArt #Adirondacks #EcoArt

Introducing the next troll, Kamma Can, who wants to teach us to look twice before we toss. Kamma Can is a creator. Where humans see trash, she sees potential. Over the last years of human existence, the amount of colorful eternity material has increased rapidly. Kamma finds this new material rather beautiful, and she simply doesn’t understand why the humans just throw it away and leave it in the weirdest places. Kamma wants to teach the humans not to throw things away so fast. Being a creative spirit, she can think of a million ways to make nice things with all those beautiful colors. To see for yourself, just take a look at the amazing necklaces she created for herself and for her best friend, Ronja Redeye. Thomas Dambo’s TROLLS: Save the Humans · Open June 1 – Oct 31. wildcenter.org/trolls TROLLS: Save the Humans is produced by The Imagine Team. #WildCenter #SaveTheHumans #ThomasDambo #Trolls #Upcycle

Meet Ibbi Pip — the most optimistic troll you’ll ever encounter. Ibbi Pip is a handy, optimistic troll and a friend of all animals. She tries to communicate with the humans through colorful birdhouses because she holds a strong belief that there is still hope for them. Ibbi has seen how humans build these to bring birds closer to them and thinks that maybe this could awaken the humans’ compassion for their natural surroundings. So, Ibbi puts up little birdhouses everywhere in the hope that the humans will think more about whom they share the world with. Thomas Dambo’s TROLLS: Save the Humans · Open June 1 – Oct 31. wildcenter.org/trolls TROLLS: Save the Humans is produced by The Imagine Team #WildCenter #SaveTheHumans #ThomasDambo #Trolls #HopeForNature

We’re excited to share an updated speaker lineup for the upcoming Haudenosaunee Perseverance Educator Workshop at The Wild Center, in partnership with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, on Saturday, May 16, from 9:30 am to 3 pm. This interactive workshop explores how the Haudenosaunee Confederacy persevered during and after the American Revolution, offering educators deeper historical context and perspectives to bring into the classroom. The day will begin with an opening by Dave Kanietakeron Fadden and Margaret Kanatiiosta Fadden (Akwesasne Mohawk), followed by a panel discussion featuring: • MJ Schenandoah (Wolf Clan, Oneida Nation, Oneida, NY) • Tekatsi:tsia’kwa Katsi Cook (Wolf Clan, Mohawk Nation, Akwesasne, NY) • Kanatakeniate Tom Cook (Wolf Clan, Mohawk Nation, Akwesasne, NY) Panelists will share insights into the roles of women in Haudenosaunee society, including their influence in diplomacy and decision-making, providing important perspectives on Haudenosaunee experiences during this pivotal period in history. Limited spots. Scholarships available. Learn more and register online at wildcenter.org/tickets (link in bio)

This past weekend, our AmeriCorps members participated in I Love My Park Day 2026! Our team helped out at several sites around the Adirondacks, such as John Brown Farm State Historic Site, Cranberry Lake Campground, and Golden Beach Campground. They planted trees, tended gardens, picked up trash, and even built birdhouses! It was a great way to show our love for the Adirondacks and celebrate New York State’s beautiful natural areas. #TheWildCenter #ILoveMyParkDay #nystateparks

One week away—and only a few spots left 📸 Join Carl Heilman II for a full day of photographing Adirondack lakes, waterfalls, and fresh spring greens. Think cascades, fiddleheads, and golden hour light—all within reach of Tupper Lake. Saturday, May 9, 12:30–8:30 PM Grab your spot: wildcenter.org/tickets (link in bio)

This week, we introduce Rosa Sunfinger — the gentlest soul in the forest. Rosa is a soft, introverted troll who cares for plants and other green creatures with her life-giving fingers. Her face is as gentle as her personality, and she always wears a sunny smile on her cheeks. Rosa may seem a bit introverted, but she is not afraid to speak up when needed. However, she chooses her words carefully and finds that the best way to express herself is through plants. Rosa brings back life where humans have abandoned it. She shares her wisdom by showing how plants can bring even the most useless items back to life, with the help of her sunny fingertips. Through her actions, she wants to bring back joy to what seems forsaken, and watching the flowers grow always makes her smile. Where will you find new growth today? Thomas Dambo’s TROLLS: Save the Humans exhibit opens June 1 – Oct 31. wildcenter.org/trolls TROLLS: Save the Humans is produced by The Imagine Team. #WildCenter #SaveTheHumans #ThomasDambo #trolls #NatureHeals

We’re officially OPEN for our 20th anniversary season 🎉 Come explore Wild Walk, reconnect with nature, and kick off a summer full of adventure. • New Wild Adirondacks film in the theater • New Forest Music composition • Opening June 1: Thomas Dambo’s TROLLS: Save the Humans • Anniversary Celebration: July 11 We’re open Friday–Sunday, 10am–5pm, and daily starting Memorial Day (May 25). See you out on the trails 🌿 wildcenter.org

Just swimming through your feed to let you know The Wild Center reopens tomorrow, May 1! 🦆 Jake and Elwood can’t wait to welcome you to the 2026 season. • Open 10 am to 5 pm Fri–Sun and then daily starting on Memorial Day, May 25. Plan your visit at wildcenter.org.

It’s baby turtle season! This time of year, baby turtles hatch and begin their journey—often crossing paths with people along the way. Our staff keep an eye out and help guide them safely back toward Greenleaf Pond. Shown here is a painted turtle. And they’re not alone out there! The eastern garter snake is another common neighbor you might spot this spring. Harmless and helpful, these snakes play an important role in keeping ecosystems in balance. If you’re visiting, keep your eyes on the trail—you never know who you might meet. The Wild Center reopens this Friday, May 1, with a Friday–Sunday schedule, 10am to 5pm, and then daily starting on Memorial Day. And your visit at wildcenter.org.

Let’s get to know the six trolls that will be taking over The Wild Center this summer as part of Thomas Dambo’s TROLLS: Save the Humans exhibit. Meet Basse Buller: Basse tends to be all over the place, spreading his message in mud paint on every available surface. He is a wild child at heart, but when he starts painting, he finds his calm in an instant. He loves to express himself through symbols and shapes inspired by the nature he lives in and he makes his marks with stones, leaves, sticks or anything that he can find enough of. An explorer and rebel, he understands “no” as “maybe” and sees that boundaries are there to be pushed - with signs, words and often a beat to make the message even clearer. You are not in doubt when this troll is around. He is funny, loud, and gets his muddy paint everywhere in an effort to lead the humans onto the right path. Can the humans get the message this time? Exhibit open June 1 – Oct 31. wildcenter.org/trolls TROLLS: Save the Humans is produced by The Imagine Team #WildCenter #SaveTheHumans #ThomasDambo #Trolls #Sustainability