In celebration of Earth Day, Grace Farms Foundation is offering a series of events and activities to emphasize the importance of protecting wild lands and wildlife and encourage people to connect with nature.
Wildlands are one of America’s most important assets, providing opportunities for recreation and tourism, and protecting biodiversity. Grace Farms Foundation, which has preserved more than 80 acres of property— protected in perpetuity as open meadows, woods, wetlands and ponds—will demonstrate its commitment to the preservation of open space and wildlife habitat with a series of public programs throughout the Earth Day weekend. “Americans have an opportunity to preserve their own green space, and by living alongside wildlife and understanding it, we can help establish a healthier natural world and increase the quality of life for people and animals,” said Mark Fowler, Nature Initiative Director at Grace Farms Foundation and Chairman of Wildlife and Conservation for the Explorers Club.
“Grace Farms Foundation is a leader in protecting these open spaces and wildlife habitats, and on this Earth Day, we’re excited to come together as a community in appreciation of the natural world.” “Earth Day at Grace Farms highlights the remarkable work that Mark does throughout the year, both on site and around the world, by taking steps to preserve and restore biodiversity and creating opportunities for people to enjoy and explore nature,” said Sharon Prince, Grace Farms Foundation Chair and President.
On Friday, April 20th, Fowler will host a family-friendly “Evening in the Wild” with wild friends from the animal kingdom, which will demonstrate the beauty and biodiversity of wildlife at Grace Farms and beyond.
Native Plants, an interactive station where families can learn more about how New Canaan’s local plant species contribute to biodiversity.
Managing Meadows, a conversation with Penn Marchael, Project Manager at Larry Weaner Associates, about how to grow and nurture the native meadows where bees, butterflies, and birds thrive.
Open Arts Studio for Families, a facilitated workshop where children and families can create art inspired by the diversity of tiny insects and wild plants that live in Grace Farms’ meadows.
The Biodiversity of Birds of Prey, demonstrations with Master Falconer Brian Bradley.
Nature Walk | Native Birds, a guided bird watching walk with Master Birder Frank Mantlik where visitors will discover the diverse species that live on Grace Farms’ 80-acre preserve (on-site registration required).
Nature Walk | Preserving Biodiversity, a guided walk with Aaron Lefland, Executive Director of the New Canaan Land Trust, through Grace Farms’ diverse ecosystems, including open meadows, woods, wetlands, and ponds (on-site registration required).
Coexisting with Native Wildlife, a demonstration on the beauty and diversity of our area’s wildlife with local wildlife experts. Picnic lunches will be available for purchase on site.
For more information, please visit gracefarms.org/calendar