The wild center will implement a three-year, outdoor recreation and experiential learning initiative designed to expand access to outdoor learning and bolster year-round visitation

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded the Natural History Museum of Adirondacks (doing business as The Wild Center) $654,408 on September 1, 2026, under the Museums for America program (CFDA 45.301).

Over three years ending August 31, 2029, The Wild Center will implement an outdoor recreation and experiential learning initiative to expand access to outdoor learning and increase year-round visitation to its Tupper Lake, New York location. The museum's education and facilities staff will purchase equipment and supplies to support seasonal programming: winter ice fishing and snowshoeing, spring maple sugaring experiences, summer canoeing on the river, and guided fall hikes. The project includes improving accessibility to trails, waterfront areas, and outdoor learning spaces, and offering three community days with free admission targeting low-income households. The initiative will connect participants with Adirondack landscapes and traditions, serving more than 105,000 annual visitors including year-round residents and tourists.

The core project team of education and facilities staff will purchase equipment and supplies to support seasonal programs such as winter ICE fishing and snowshoeing; springtime maple sugaring experiences; summer canoeing on the river; and guided hikes through fall foliage. The museum will improve accessibility to trails, waterfront areas, and outdoor learning spaces as part of the project, and three community days with free admission will target low-income households. The project will connect participants with adirondack landscapes and traditions, benefiting more than 105,000 people who visit the museum each year, including year-round residents and tourists.