PSC, Adirondack Research Consortium announce webinar series

“Ask An Expert” panels to address Adirondack environmental, cultural and policy issues

This October, Paul Smith’s College and The Adirondack Research Consortium (ARC) will host a series of four “Ask An Expert” panel discussions focused on key environmental, cultural and policy issues facing the Adirondack region and its communities.

The four webinars, hosted via Zoom and free/open to the public, will feature both physical and social science experts discussing a wide variety of subjects, from road salt and aquatic invasive species to history through the lenses of indigenous peoples, slaves and women. Questions for any of the panels can be sent in advance to adkresearchconsortium@gmail.com.

Oct. 9: Science Based Policy
Moderator: Michale Glennon, Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute (AWI)
Panelists: Kim Elliman, CEO, Open Space Institute; Jessica Ottney Mahar, New York Director of Policy and Strategy, The Nature Conservancy

 

Oct. 16: Current Stressors to Adirondack Waters
Moderator: Dan Kelting, Executive Director, AWI
Panelists: Brendan Wiltse, AWI; Erin Vennie-Vollrath, The Nature Conservancy, Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program; Chris Navitsky, Lake George Waterkeeper

 

Oct. 23: Cultural Geography of the Adirondacks
Moderator: Joe Henderson, Environmental and Society Department, Paul Smith’s College
Panelists: Jacqueline Madison, President, North Country Underground Railroad Historical Association; Melissa Otis, author of “Rural Indigenousness: A History of Iroquoian and Algonquian Peoples of the Adirondacks”; Peggy Lynn, singer/songwriter, co-author of “Breaking Trail: Remarkable Women of the Adirondacks”; Adam Dewbury, Adirondack North Country Association

 

Oct. 30: Forest Carbon Programs
Moderator: Jeff Denkenberger, Molpus Woodlands Group
Panelists pending

“We hope these webinars can generate discussions with a broad audience about critical environmental issues facing the Adirondacks, and also the world,” said ARC President and Paul Smith’s professor Melanie Johnson. “We are seeking to support our fellow educators in the region by providing relevant content and give students an opportunity to interact with a wide variety of experts in a comfortable setting.”

Each panel will begin at 10 a.m. and free registration is required: https://bit.ly/36od9Ni

Audience members may support the event by making a tax-deductible donation at: http://www.adkresearch.org/contact/donation.asp

About the Adirondack Research Consortium
The Adirondack Research Consortium (ARC) facilitates natural and social sciences research in the Adirondack Park of NYS, and brings together researchers and decision makers to help sustain a healthy environment and grow a vibrant regional economy.

About Paul Smith’s College
At Paul Smith’s College, it’s about the experience. We are the only four-year institution of higher education in the Adirondacks. Our programs – in fields including hospitality, culinary arts, forestry, natural resources, entrepreneurship and the sciences – draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. For more information, visit paulsmiths.edu.