The Adirondack Park Institute (the API) has been the "Friends" Group for the two Adirondack Park Interpretive Centers (formerly called the VICs) since we were incorporated twenty years ago. Recently, the State of New York relinquished ownership of the Interpretive Centers, and turned over the buildings and the vast trail systems to two exceptional educational entities, Paul Smith's College and the State University of New York College of Environmental Sciences and Forestry Adirondack Ecological Center in Newcomb. While the names have changed, both facilities, the buildings and trails, will remain open to the public and will continue to provide high quality ecucational programs to visitors and residents alike.

This is an exciting time for the former VICs, and a challenging one as well. Both colleges have asked that the API continue to be the "Friends" group. We will continue to fund programs, provide support for the Volunteers that will assist travelers and local residents, and ensure the presence of highly qualified and knowledgeable interns. We expect that the Adirondack Park Institute's role will increase.

The future is looking very promising for the Visitor Interpretive Centers (VIC’s) and the Adirondack Park Institute (API), but we need your help!  The Interpretive Centers at Paul Smiths and Newcomb are transitioning to private ownership, and the API needs to evolve in order to remain a vibrant part of what goes on at these fabulous facilities.