Grace Farms will be commemorating Earth Day on Saturday, April 23 with a celebration of the natural world. Insightful programs tied to our five initiatives—nature, art, community, justice, and faith—as well as the 80-acre landscape and its diverse habitats, will be open to the public for free admission from 10 am to 4 pm. Join in the opening of our Community Garden, watch a live falconry demonstration, enjoy outdoor painting, encounter a temporary art installation by artist Kysa Johnson, or listen to a panel discussion from experts about climate change and modern slavery.
Nature Views | 10 am–4 pm, Grace Farms
Grace Farms is home to some of the most naturally preserved landscape in the area. This was accounted for in SANAA’s construction of the River building, which embraces and enhances the natural curves of the Earth. Meander through the River building and landscapes, or simply enjoy the scenery over lunch, coffee or tea.
Little Suns | 10 am–4 pm, Library
Get light, give light! A crucial initiative for Earth Day, Little Suns are a project started by artist Olafur Eliasson and engineer Frederik Ottesen to provide sustainable light for everyone. The proceeds from Little Sun sales will help provide discounted Little Suns to families and individuals among the 1.1 billion worldwide who have no access to the electrical grid.
Landscape Continuum by Kysa Johnson | 10 am–4 pm, Pavilion
Kysa Johnson is a contemporary artist known for her immersive works which explore patterns in nature that exist at the extremes of scale. For Earth Day, she will create a temporary, site-specific installation inspired by the landscape at Grace Farms. The project will be completed during the event and remain on view through May 2016.
Community Garden Opening | 11 am–3 pm, Community Garden
The Community Garden at Grace Farms is a growing project for staff, volunteers, and community members. 20 raised beds will be home to a variety of plants, flowers, vegetables, and fruits scheduled to provide usable produce from May through October. We invite community members to help us to plant flowers and sow the seeds for programs to support our nature initiatives.
Market | 10 am–4 pm, Plaza
Meet a variety of local farmers, beekeepers, and syrup makers who will be on-site offering their expertise and products for sale in the plaza.
Sustainable Capitalism: A 21st Century Response to Climate Change & Modern Day Slavery | 10 am–12 pm, Sanctuary
Experts will discuss issues related to sustainable capitalism in response to the effects of climate change and modern day slavery. Matthew J. Diserio from Water Asset Management, LLC will discuss how private capital and transparent water pricing to cover its total delivery costs is a solution to our nation’s drought and water infrastructure challenges and can ensure a sustainable water supply. A panel discussion will follow with experts including Dr. James Cockayne, lawyer, author, and head of United Nations University; Martin Whittaker, CEO of JUST Capital, which specializes in tracking corporate performance and environmental impact; Diana Mao, President and Co-Founder of Nomi Network, a nonprofit organization that helps victims and survivors of trafficking; and Benjamin Skinner, award-winning journalist and author of A Crime So Monstrous: Face to Face with Modern-Day Slavery.
James Moss, Fe, Fi, Fo | 11 am–12 pm & 12:30–1:30 pm, West Barn
Listen to percussionist James Moss explore the sounds of different cultures from various parts of the world. With 20 years of experience as a musician and music educator, his instruction is widely sought and covers native instrument making, performance, music history, and theory.
Chasing Ice Documentary | 11:15 am–12:30 pm; 1–2:15 pm; 3–4:15 pm, Lower Commons
Chasing Ice is an Emmy award-winning documentary film that follows environmental photographer James Balog as he travels to the artic to tell the story of the world’s changing climate. Watch as he risks his life to gather evidence from dangerous exploratory extremes in order to accomplish his mission to shift the course of history and save our planet.
Painting Wildlife with Betsey Fowler | 11 am–3 pm, West Barn Courtyard
Families are invited to join a free-flow, come as you please, session led by wildlife and nature artist Betsey Fowler. Betsey has captured the true essence of wildlife worldwide through her extensive travels with her husband, Jim Fowler, renowned naturalist and host of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. After attending top art schools around the country and receiving two Master’s degrees, Betsey found a way to express her love of life and nature through her art, which is directly impacted by her experiences with animals in the wild.
Geothermal Well Tour | 12:30 pm –1 pm & 2 pm–2:30 pm, Mezzanine
Learn about the geothermal well system that uses sustainable energy to heat and cool the River building at Grace Farms. The tour will include information about the closed-loop geothermal systems, and the planning process of our 55 geothermal wells, which are dug 500-feet deep into the ground.
Birds of Prey – Free Flight Falconry Demonstration | 12:30–1 pm & 3–3:30 pm, Outside Commons
Wildlife Ambassador, Emmy-nominated naturalist, and National Geographic Channel filmmaker, Mark Fowler, will present Birds of Prey free flight demonstrations with raptors. Mark and the falconers will simulate prey using lures to inspire the falcons, hawks and owls to soar and dive through the sky, then return for a food reward.
Progressive Reading | 1–3 pm, Library
Continuing the tradition of progressive readings at Grace Farms, performers will be reading selections from Henry David Thoreau’s Walden Pond.
Explore Nature’s Wonders | 1–1:45 pm & 2–2:45 pm, Outside the Commons
The New Canaan Nature Center will lead nature tours of the 80-acre property of Grace Farms, exploring the many ecosystems and natural habitats that exist here. In addition to viewing wildlife on the tour, naturalists will bring native wildlife from The New Canaan Nature Center for guests to discover along the trail. Keep your eyes open for American Kestrel nesting boxes, placed strategically on site as part of Grace Farms Foundation’s Kestrel Nesting Box Recovery Program.
About the Kestrel Nesting Box Recovery Program:
Grace Farms Foundation’s Nature and Wildlife Ambassador, Mark Fowler, is introducing a nesting box recovery program at Grace Farms to provide the American Kestrel, which is on the Endangered and Threatened Species list of Connecticut, places to nest and potentially breed, in hopes to increase their numbers around Connecticut.
Wood, Clay, Breath, Hands | 2–3:15 pm, Willows
Experience the beauty of live South Asian classical and folk music, featuring multi-instrumentalist and composer, Pawan Benjamin on bansuri with Shivalik Ghoshal on tabla.
Tea Service | 11 am–5 pm, Pavilion $5
Tea service will be provided all day, where participants can enjoy a sampling of teas from various regions of the world.
Used, Working Cell Phone Drive | 10 am–3 pm, East Barn
Upon entry, Grace Farms' staff will collect used, working cell phones for the Domestic Violence Crisis Center.