First annual Adirondack Nature Festival for People with Disabilities

Paul Smith’s VIC hosts an accessible event that connects all individuals with nature.

The first annual Adirondack Nature Festival for People with Disabilities will be held at Paul Smith’s Visitor Interpretive Center on Saturday, September 7, from 10 am to 4 pm. The festival is a free and accessible event planned to run rain or shine.

“Access to nature can be challenging for people with disabilities, and the Paul Smith’s Visitor Interpretive Center is a great location which includes trails that have gentler terrain and a wheelchair-accessible trail,” said Helene Gibbens, co-chair of the festival’s planning committee.

The event is dedicated to bringing together people with disabilities, their families, friends, companions and supporters throughout the North Country region to celebrate and experience the uplifting power of community and nature and to be a source of inspiration for each other.

A full day of programs designed to provide accessibility.

The event organizers have planned a wide variety of programs and activities. They include:

Bringing families and friends together in nature.

• Interactive nature workshops

• Guided walks and hikes along accessible trails

• Birding activities

• Tours of Paul Smith’s Monarch Butterfly House

• Singing workshops

• Storytelling around the campfire

• Craft workshops

• Live music

• Craft vendors

• Food and beverages

Distinguished speakers include the NYS Chief Disability Officer.

Kim Hill Ridley, New York State Chief Disability Officer, will launch the festival as the keynote speaker. Leah Akins, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Statewide ADA Accessibility Coordinator, will be a special guest speaker.

“Whether you are discovering the creations of regional artisans and artists, sampling a variety of tasty foods, participating in a nature workshop or experience, or just hanging out listening to live music, the Adirondack Nature Festival for People with Disabilities will provide an opportunity for people of various abilities to connect with nature in many different ways, as well as with each other,” said Nick Friedman, co-chair of the festival’s planning committee.

A committee of volunteers from Adirondack Riverwalking, Tri-Lakes Center for Independent Living, and Accessible Adirondack Tourism is organizing the event.

Please see the festival’s website for complete information about the event.

Find accessible locations in the Adirondacks.

While you're in the area for the festival, you may want to visit some of the accessible locations nearby. Accessible Adirondack Tourism is the place to find accessible dining, shopping, attractions, recreation and more. Visit their website for more information.

Listen to a recent ADK Talks podcast episode about making the Adirondacks accessible to everyone.

Shop our store for unique Adirondack gifts, clothing, merchandise and cool stuff.

Find Paul Smith’s Visitor Interpretive Center.

 

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