SUNY Potsdam Wilderness Education

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SUNY Potsdam Wilderness Education The Wilderness Education Minor is specialized preparation for motivated individuals to become tomorrow's leaders.

The Wilderness Education Minor prepares students to become leaders in wilderness settings. If winter camping, rock and ice climbing interest you or are already your passion, this is the program for you. This page is designed for Wilderness Ed minors, past and present, to share stories, experiences and photos from classes and trips.

Youth Nordic Ski Program Kicks Off Fourth Season at Potsdam Public LibraryGet ready to explore the North Country trails!...
10/19/2026

Youth Nordic Ski Program Kicks Off Fourth Season at Potsdam Public Library

Get ready to explore the North Country trails! Potsdam Public Library and SUNY Potsdam’s Wilderness Education Program are launching the fourth season of their youth cross-country ski rental program for the 2026–27 winter season.

The partnership helps make cross-country skiing more accessible and affordable for families in the Potsdam Library District. With an expanding inventory of skis, poles and boots in a variety of sizes, the program allows families to enjoy the sport without the expense of purchasing equipment children will quickly outgrow or the need to travel long distances to find rentals. Dozens of families have benefited since the program began, and organizers look forward to serving the community again this season.

How to Sign Up

The program offers season-long ski rentals for children ages 3–17, from November 2026 through April 2027, for $100 per child. Scholarships are available for families receiving SNAP benefits, helping make the program accessible to even more local youth.

To apply, complete the online sign-up form or pick up a form at Potsdam Public Library. Please submit your application by November 20th, as equipment is limited.

Ski equipment will be distributed as soon as possible (families will be notified), with all rentals due back on Thursday, April 1, 2027.

Families are encouraged to sign up early to reserve equipment. We look forward to another great season on the trails!

10/14/2026
30 years, but who’s counting?
10/09/2026

30 years, but who’s counting?

Wow!  What a weekend for our crew.  The   had our blood, sweat and tears and in the end had our heart.  Such a fantastic...
09/16/2026

Wow! What a weekend for our crew. The had our blood, sweat and tears and in the end had our heart. Such a fantastic community which gave us space to challenge ourselves, compete with others and share in community. Everywhere we turned we were in awe. Here’s to all of the students, alumni, faculty, staff and family who participated with a paddle or helped push us along the way. Oh yeah…and we also took home some “hardware” - 2nd place in a C4 class, 1st place in a C2 class and a 3rd place in a C2 class. BOOM!! Thanks to Lougheed Center for Applied Learning for making these experiences possible.

Wow!  What a weekend for our crew.  The   had our blood, sweat and tears and in the end had our heart.  Such a fantastic...
09/16/2026

Wow! What a weekend for our crew. The had our blood, sweat and tears and in the end had our heart. Such a fantastic community which gave us space to challenge ourselves, compete with others and share in community. Everywhere we turned we were in awe. Here’s to all of the students, alumni, faculty, staff and family who participated with a paddle or helped push us along the way. Oh yeah…and we also took home some “hardware” - 2nd place in a C4 class, 1st place in a C2 class and a 3rd place in a C2 class. BOOM!! Thanks to Lougheed Center for Applied Learning for making these experiences possible

09/11/2026
First Backpacking class tonight- 10/3, Merrit Hall 133A, 6:15.  Not sure?  Come and sit in to check it out.  Get WILD
09/03/2026

First Backpacking class tonight- 10/3, Merrit Hall 133A, 6:15. Not sure? Come and sit in to check it out. Get WILD

Help us celebrate our 7 new Wilderness Leadership Certified Leaders.   Good talk.
08/28/2026

Help us celebrate our 7 new Wilderness Leadership Certified Leaders. Good talk.

Jason Donovan and Danny Neri.  1st Place but more importantly, great people!  Congrats!
08/08/2026

Jason Donovan and Danny Neri. 1st Place but more importantly, great people! Congrats!

It’s time to celebrate.  We hope you’ve taken away as much as you gave to the WILD Program.  You are the heart and soul....
05/13/2026

It’s time to celebrate. We hope you’ve taken away as much as you gave to the WILD Program. You are the heart and soul. 2026 Wilderness Education Graduates.

Mya Peek

Zachariah Morehouse

Hannah Veety

Trevor Rheaume

Hailey Gomez

Jack Luck

Jacob Knapp

Jason Donovan

Tyler Tice

Ryan Johnston

Gabe Goetz

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Potsdam, NY

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