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Conserve the Planet: Our essential role as stewards of the environment

What lessons can nature teach us about its vulnerability in the face of urbanization, industrialization, technical innovation—features of  humanity’s relentless march into the future? If we humans hope to survive, we must recognize how our pursuit of comfort and convenience threatens the only environment we have and the resources and conditions on which we depend.

What's the Buzz?: Garden design for butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, deer, and even ticks

Every backyard can become part of a natural ecology for nature’s delicate and sometimes less welcome feeders. 

Instructor: Vicky McCarthy

Monday, Oct. 6, 4:00–6:00pm, Wasch Center

Clear as Glass: Terrarium-creation offers  mini-lessons in enviro-sustainability

Tabletop worlds incorporating succulents, air plants, cacti, and more become natural settings, bringing our delight and edification.

Instructor: Cindy Bird

Monday, Oct. 13, 4:00–5:00pm, Wasch Center

The Lost Orchid: A Victorian tale of obsession and plunder

The author of a just-published study on the decades-long frenzied search for a rare Latin-American orchid will offer insights into those who pursued it at enormous human and environmental cost.

Instructor: Sarah Bilston

Monday, Oct. 20

Preserving a New England Legacy? The challenges of 21st-century family farming

Less than those operating large commercial farms, New England’s legacy farmers’ survival is threatened by ever-changing environmental, regulatory, and marketing obstacles.

Instructor: Jon Rose

Monday, Oct. 27, 4:00–6:00 pm, Wasch Center

The Art of Noticing: Guidance for connecting with and contemplating the natural world

A passionate observer, CT Master Naturalist, and writer invites us to set aside time and attention in our busy lives for experiencing and learning about nature.

Instructor: Katherine Hauswirth

Monday, Nov. 3, 4:00–6:00pm, Wasch Center

5 Mondays, 4:00–6:00pm, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov. 3 (price includes materials for

terrarium)