Posted Apr 12, 2017

Discover | Earth Day for Families

Posted Apr 12, 2017

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“The future of conservation is all about private land and open space being preserved for wildlife habitats. Open space and access to nature are leveling factors that bring a quality of life for all people. Nature connects us to something real that grounds us and lifts our spirits.” –Mark Fowler, Grace Farms Foundation’s Nature Initiative Director

Grace Farms is celebrating Earth Day on Saturday, April 22 with insightful programs for families and individuals of all ages, centered around preserving open space, restoring wildlife, and exploring the natural world. The all-day event (10 am to 6 pm) is free and open to the public.

Before Lunch | Morning Discovery & Interaction

From 10 am–12 pm, we will offer four Discovery Stations in the Plaza–The Art of Wind Energy, Wonders of Wildlife Painting, Co-Existing with Native Wildlife, and Living Sustainably. Each of these stations will offer a new way for young families to engage with nature and learn about wildlife and sustainability.

After Lunch | In the Landscape & Environmental Education

After a bite in the Commons children and families can enjoy falconry demonstrations (12 & 3 pm) and guided walks with experts (1 & 2 pm). In the Library, stop and listen to a reading (1–3 pm), or head to the Pavilion for a wildlife conversation (4–6 pm). Also, throughout the day, a showing of Winged Migration will play in our Lecture Hall.

In advance of Earth Day, as part of our Nature Initiative, we also invite you to participate in two related events:

April 20th: The Norwalk Valley River Trail clean-up with Mayor Harry Rilling, Keep Norwalk Beautiful, and employees of Shop Rite Supermarket, as well as other volunteers.

April 21st: After Dinner Conversation about Climate Change with Paul Hanle, the President of Climate Central (7:30 pm).

From 10 am to 12 pm children and families are invited to participate in our Discovery Stations in the Plaza.

From 12 pm to 12:30 pm watch birds of prey soar over the River building under the direction of professional Falconer, Brian Bradley.

From 1 pm to 2 pm join Nature Initiative Director, Mark Fowler, on a walk through Grace Farms' trails as he illustrates the importance of preserving open space.

From 1 pm to 3 pm visit the Library to hear Rachel Carson's Silent Spring, a book about the powerful effect that humans have on the natural world, read aloud by a rotating group of Grace Farms Foundation staff members.

From 2 pm to 3 pm Richard Wiese, host of the Emmy-award-winning Born to Explore, will lead visitors through the walking trails as he discusses how to live an active, outdoor, nature-filled life.

From 3 pm to 3:30 pm Brian Bradley will conduct a second falconry demonstration, flying birds of prey in Grace Farms' North Pines.

From 4 pm to 6 pm join Grace Farms Foundation's Nature Initiative Director, Mark Fowler, along with experts Jim Fowler, Richard Wiese, host of Born to Explore, and Rod Khattabi, Grace Farms Foundation Director of Safety and Justice Initiative Advisor, in the Pavilion for a conversation about the future of wildlife conservation.

From 10 am to 6 pm enjoy a showing of Winged Migration, an awe-inspiring documentary about migrating birds, playing all day in the Lecture Hall.

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