As the tell-tale signs of spring emerge around Grace Farms’ 80 acres of meadows and woodlands, including hillsides of crocuses and the noticeable presence of wildlife, our year-round programming also takes a cue from nature. Spring launches a full schedule of programming related to experiencing nature, encouraging the arts, fostering community, pursing justice, exploring faith, and advancing Design for Freedom, a movement to removed forced labor from the built environment. Admission to our public space is free and we are open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm, and Sundays, 12 – 5 pm. We are closed on Mondays. Feature photo by Julian Jarry.
Below are highlights of the upcoming spring season.
Featured programing
March is Women’s History Month! Our annual Making Space for Women programming series honors the integral role women play in equitable communities and the workplace, highlights progress made towards gender equity, and showcases voices of leading women who fearlessly push ahead towards innovation.
Band of Sisters Friday, March 3 | 7:30 – 8:30 pm
March kicks off with The Band of Sisters, a group of six executive-level women and authors of You Should Smile More: How to Dismantle Gender Bias in the Workplace. With operating experience across over 20 industries, the group offers unparalleled insight into dismantling gender bias and building inclusive corporate culture. Hosted by Grace Farms Program Officer Karen Kariuki. You Should Smile More will be available for purchase in partnership with Elm Street Books.
$15 | member: $12
Madam President: Women Leaders in Higher Education Thursday, March 9 | 7:30 – 9 pm
Hear from visionary leaders in higher education whose transformational leadership, guiding everything from admissions to athletics to the evolution of physical space on campus, is moving education systems forward. The night features Sian Leah Beilock, president-elect of Dartmouth; Helene Gayle, MD, President of Spelman College; and Laura Sparks, President of The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, in conversation about how filling roles not traditionally held by women can shape the future of education for everyone. This panel will be moderated by Grace Farms CEO Sharon Prince and followed by an audience Q&A. Students 14 and up are welcome to attend for free.
Design for Freedom Summit, Tuesday, March 30 | 10 am – 6 pm
“All good revolutions begin like this,” said Prince Zeid Ra’ad al Hussein, President and CEO of the International Peace Institute, and the former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, during his keynote at last year’s summit.
Our second annual Summit builds on the powerful momentum created last year, where 300 forward-thinking industry leaders committed to accelerating the movement towards an ethical and sustainable global materials supply chain. Hear from a diverse group of professionals representing the full ecosystem of the built environment, from architecture to interior design and manufacturing, policy makers, builders, engineers, owners and developers, as well as engaged community members, artist, activists and not-for-profits that are committed to a more humane future. Enjoy breakfast and lunch, cocktail hour, and ample networking opportunities, as well as an agenda designed to inspire collective action alongside leaders and partners in the Design for Freedom Movement.
Please visit our website to register, find travel information, and view the full agenda. AIA CES accreditation pending early bird price: $100 (ends February 1st)
$150 | Grace Farms member: $120 | student: $50
grace farms landscapes forum 2023
Save the Date: Wednesday, May 10
”It is not the Earth that needs fixing, it is our relationship to it,” said Karenna Gore, Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Earth Ethics, during her keynote at this past year’s forum. Our second annual forum focuses on creating biodiversity-positive, nature-based solutions in the landscape, and installing these landscapes with sustainable materials free of forced labor. U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo will open this forum, as we build on the important conversation we started in 2021, about the ethical role of landscape architecture and landscape design alongside Edwina von Gal, Founder of the Perfect Earth Project, as well as the Connecticut Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).
March & April Events
Garden to Kitchen Cooking Classes | March 1, 6 – 8:30 pm
Harness hearty seasonal flavors during this immersive garden-to-kitchen cooking experience led by our Director of Culinary Operations and Chef Neena Perez. We supply all the tasty ingredients, nourishing recipes, and cooking tools.
This class is for ages 18+
$50 | member: $40
Journey into the World of Tea | Tea 101 Saturday, March 11 | 3 – 5 pm
The first of this six-part series immerses guests in the world of tea with samplings of varieties from across the globe that highlight the differences between white, green, oolong, black, Pu-erh, and other major tea categories.
$15 | member: $12
Nature Talks with The Nature Conservancy | Oceans, Our Global Watchdog, Thursday, March 16 | 10:30 am – 12 pm
The Nature Conservancy’s annual Nature Talks series comes to Grace Farms! Hear from Dr. Sylvia Earle, marine biologist, oceanographer, president and chairman of Mission Blue, and National Geographic Explorer at Large; Dr. Elizabeth McLeod, Global Reef Systems Lead at The Nature Conservancy; Dr. Tiara Moore, Black in Marine Science Program Lead at The Nature Conservancy, and more! This panel is hosted in partnership with The Nature Conservancy in Connecticut, whose mission is to conserve the land and waters on which all life depends. This panel will be livestreamed.
free
Meaningful Tastings | Tea Flight Thursdays | 3 – 4 pm, March 16, April 20
Experience teas from around the world with tea expert Frank Kwei and Grace Farms Foods’ Co-Founder Adam Thatcher during this interactive tasting that celebrates the impact of sustainably and ethically-sourced tea.
$15 | member: $12
Meaningful Tastings | Coffee Flight Fridays | 1 – 2 pm March 24, April 28
Discover different coffee varietals in an interactive tasting led by Grace Farms Foods Co-Founder Adam Thatcher and tea expert Frank Kwei that celebrates the impact of sustainably and ethically-sourced coffee.
$15 | member: $12
Introduction to the River Retreat Saturdays | March 25, Saturday, 2:30 – 3 pm
The Faith Initiative’s Katie Grosh introduces this self-guided exploration of the River building, and how it can inspire insights about your priorities, relationships, and visions of a life worth of our shared humanity. River Retreat guide booklets are included.
$5 | member: free
Wellness and Tea with Pilin Anice, Saturdays | 10 – 11:30 March 25, April 29
These restorative mornings start with a delicious cup of Grace Farms Foods’ Wellness Blends tea followed by a themed experience led by Pilin Anice, a renowned yoga, dance, and meditation instructor.
$20 | member: $16
Journey into the World of Tea | White and Green Teas Saturday, April 1 | 3 – 5 pm
These sessions explore the differences between Chinese and Japanese green teas and provides an introduction to Chado, the Japanese tea ceremony. Journey into the World of Tea is led by tea expert Frank Kwei and runs through August.
$15 | member: $12
Behind the Scenes with Architect Toshihiro Oki Saturday, April 1 | 10:30 am – 12 pm
Follow along on this guided tour designed to offer unique insights into the architectural choices that informed the River building’s distinct look and design. This in-depth tour is led by Grace Farms Architecture Advisor and New York City-based architect formerly of SANAA, Toshihiro Oki, and concludes with tea in the Pavilion.
$25 | member: free
Afternoon Tea Wednesdays | 3 – 4:30 pm, April 5
Our take on a traditional English tea service encourages guests and friends to gather over a warming pot of tea and a tasty assortment of English and Japanese-inspired bites created by Pastry Chef Leah Jones.
$30 | member: $24
Spring Astronomy with the Treworgy Planetarium Wednesday, April 12 | 7:30 – 9 pm
Space lovers of all ages are invited to observe and learn about the night sky over Grace Farms with the guidance of educators from the Treworgy Planetarium at Mystic Seaport Museum. Take turns looking at the sky through the planetarium’s Celestron 6″ automated reflecting telescope and work with a sextant to learn how mariners navigate by the stars.
$15 | member: $12 | children: $7
Earth Day
Seasonal Celebration: Woven Together Saturday, April 22 | 10 am – 5 pm
During Earth Day and throughout the year, Grace Farms offers visitors an opportunity to explore nature and nearly 80 acres of biodiversity. Nature-related programs allow for a deeper exploration for people of all ages and provides the opportunity to experience the awe and wonder of nature.
Celebrate Earth Day with family-friendly activities for all ages that explore the ongoing conservation of the surrounding 80-acre nature preserve, including the native meadows, forests, and gardens. Fabrics are this year’s theme! Along with our regular Earth Day programming, we’ll highlight natural fibers and take a closer look at the textile industry’s impact on the environment. Creating fabric from natural fibers is a practice spanning thousands of years. Today, fast fashion encourages consumers to buy a high volume of clothing that lasts a shorter period of time — a practice that can never be truly sustainable. Yet we are all woven together — and the way we shop can have a positive global impact. From caring for soil and plants to understanding how our role as consumers can benefit the environment, everyone can have a hand in crafting a more sustainable future.
$10 per car | member: free
Earth Day activities include:
Explore Grace Farms with Master Birder Frank Mantlik, who will discuss the habitats of the many species of birds that rely on our trees for food, shelter, and nesting. Our restoration of 10 biodiverse habitats has brought back over 100 bird species to Grace Farms.
Wildlife Encounters
Come face-to-face with native wildlife and learn about the animals in your backyard.
A spotting of the Barred Owl at Grace Farms. Listen to its unique hoot. Photo by Frank Mantlik
Meadow, Garden, and Forest Engagements
Encounter our education team and Horticulture Advisor Kim Kelly throughout the landscape to learn more about the many habitats and beneficial insects that surround us.
Textile Demonstrations
Learn about fabrics made from regenerative fiber and those working in this essential industry. Local farmers and artisans will give demonstrations including yarn spinning, weaving, and creating natural dyes using plantbased pigment.
Open Arts Studio | Learning from the Landscape
Inspired by the black locust grove, the Arts Initiative invites children with adult caregivers to weave recycled yarn through the trees, encouraging participants to consider the interrelatedness of life.
Reflections on a Flourishing Life
In Braiding Sweetgrass, Robin Wall Kimmerer knits together scientific and Indigenous perspectives and offers poetic reflections on reciprocity, relationships, and responsibility. Join our Faith Initiative in conversation and a close reading of these essays. This and other books related to our initiatives can be found in our Library.
Meet the Authors: Life Worth Living Book Celebration Thursday, April 13 | 5:30 – 7 pm
Five years ago, our Faith Initiative hosted the first-ever Life Worth Living course outside of Yale University, inviting a broader audience into the curriculum. Today we celebrate the release of Life Worth Living: A Guide to What Matters Most, which shares the insights of this curriculum with everyone. Gather for a celebratory book signing with the co-authors: theologians Miroslav Volf, Founding Director of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture, Matthew Croasmun, our Faith Initiative Director, and Ryan McAnnally-Linz, Associate Director of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture. (This book can also be found in our Library.)
free
Conversations in Architecture | Architecture as Processes Saturday, April 15 | 3 – 4 pm
Grace Farms Member Reception | 4 – 5 pm
The first lecture and discussion in this conversation series features architects and academics Andrés Jaque, Dean of Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, and Kiel Moe, Gerald Sheff Chair in Architecture at McGill University, as well as Grace Farms Foundation CEO and Founder Sharon Prince in a discussion moderated by Grace Farms Architecture Advisor Toshihiro Oki (formerly of SANAA). This discussion focuses on the far-reaching impact that certain processes in place during building construction can have, from the resources used to the energies consumed. Members are invited to join Toshihiro, Andrés, and Kiel for a tea reception afterwards.
free
Gardener-to-Chef’s Table: Spring Community Dinner Friday, April 28 | 6 – 7:30 pm
Gather around the community table with friends, family, and neighbors, and experience a true garden-to-table meal highlighting seasonal produce from our Community Garden. Master Gardener Lauren Elliott provides insights on cultivating nutritious, local, and well-rounded plates, while Director of Culinary Operations Neena Perez crafts an impeccable meal showcasing fresh seasonal flavors.
$30 | member: $24
Beauty & Logic Saturday, April 29 | 7:30 – 9 pm
Join us in the Sanctuary for a lively exploration of how creativity and aesthetics interact with math and science, and how this interaction can enrich our lives. This evening features a discussion and musical performances by Music Director Marcus G. Miller and special guests.
$20 | member: $16
Exhibits & Ongoing Programs
Peace Forest Exhibit, West Barn
Photo by Sahar Coston-Hardy
What is Grace Farms and how does Grace Farms Foundation advance good in the world? Explore Peace Forest, an immersive installation inspired by nature, offering visitors an interactive experience highlighting how the landscape, architecture, and people at Grace Farms are part of the Foundation’s mission. Pedestals made with ethically sourced steel and wood repurposed from the site gently sway when touched and feature text, objects, and archival photos. A video installation and a map of Grace Farms highlight offerings each day. The installation is curated by Grace Farms Foundation Creative Director Chelsea Thatcher, and designed by Peter Miller (Palette Architecture) and Shohei Yoshida (shohei yoshida + associates / SYA), members of the architectural team of the award-winning SANAA-designed River building at Grace Farms, with the graphics designed by Pentagram.
Common Good Through Crisis Exhibit, with MASS Design Group, East Barn
Common Good Through Crisis considers the relationships and connections that inspired Grace Farms Foundation’s efforts to provide 2 million critical PPE to frontline healthcare workers and hundreds of thousands of nutritious meals to our neighbors in need. Grace Farms Foundation’s work to close the PPE gap during the initial surge of the pandemic was furthered by collaboration with the State of Connecticut, the Town of New Canaan, and many other municipalities, hospitals, healthcare organizations, not-for-profits, and individuals.
Visitors are encouraged to participate in this immersive installation by weaving a piece of fabric that connects their story to others, and ponder the power in acting for the common good, not just in times of crisis.