Beginning in May, join us for a series of captivating presentations, as we explore the flora, fauna, and rich histories of the North Country in preparation for the Wild Theater performance in September 2025. Each event will focus on different aspects of our environment and its stories, with experts sharing their knowledge in an interactive and engaging way. Learn, create, and be inspired as we build a foundation for this exciting community-driven performance project.
The series will be held Fridays in May and June from 5:30PM – 6:30PM, in the Main Reading Room of the Potsdam Public Library. This is a free, family-friendly, educational program.
We are also inviting local experts, artists, and community members to contribute their knowledge, skills, and ideas to this speaker series. If you have an area of interest or expertise that aligns with the themes of Wild Theater and would like to be involved, we’d love to hear from you!
These innovative approaches to public engagement not only enrich the public presentation of Wild Theater but also ensure accessibility and inclusivity for diverse audiences. By inviting community members to actively participate in the creative process and offering immersive, interactive experiences along the trails, Wild Theater aims to create meaningful connections, provoke dialogue, and inspire collective action towards environmental stewardship and social justice.
For more information on the speaker series, please contact Potsdam Public Library Assistant Public Services Manager William Eckert at weckert@potsdamlibrary.org.
Let’s explore, learn, and create together!
“Wild Theater with Rivka Eckert is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by the St. Lawrence County Arts Council.”
Schedule of Wild Theater Speakers:
May 9: “The Trails We Walk: Stories of the Rivers and Akwesasne”
Speaker: Phillip White-Cree
This talk will uncover the fascinating stories of local trails and rivers, including Indigenous histories.
May 16: “Amphibians & Reptiles of the North Country”
Speaker: Dr. Glenn Johnson
What amphibians and reptiles might be found along North Country trails and wild places? Dr. Johnson will discuss the regional diversity of these creatures, describing their life history and their ecological roles and will focus on conservation efforts for several turtle species.
May 23: “North Country Insects and Their Future”
Speaker: Dr. Jan Trybula
Delve into the diverse insects that call the North Country home. This talk will focus on the tiny critters that inhabit our trails, forests, and wetlands, with a special focus on dragonflies and pollinators, and what we can do to help them thrive.
May 30: Migrating Birds of the North Country
Speaker: Tom Langen
May is a great time to learn about the amazing migration of birds. Dr. Tom Langen will talk about how birds that pass through the North Country migrate – some coming from as far as Argentina, some going as far as the Arctic Ocean. Why do birds migrate? How do birds know the route? How long does it take? How do they have the energy to accomplish it? Some of the answers may surprise you.
June 6: “Wildlife Protection and Puma Recovery”
Speakers: Emily Carrolo and John Davis
Panthera Cougar Research Collaborative Project Coordinator Emily Carrollo, and Adirondack Council Rewilding Advocate John Davis discuss their work both creating a world where wild cats thrive in healthy, natural and developed landscapes that sustain people and biodiversity, and ensuring the ecological integrity and wild character of the Adirondack Park for current and future generations.
June 13: “Wild Theater Preview: Story Circles from Nature”
Speaker: Rivka Eckert
An exclusive sneak peek into the creative process behind Wild Theater, this session will explore how the flora, fauna, and histories of the North Country will inspire the themes and storyline of our September performance. Participants will have the opportunity to contribute stories and discuss the artistic vision, as well as create props for the performance!
