Audubon Greenwich
613 Riversville Road
Greenwich, CT 06831
203-869-5272
http://greenwich.audubon.org

Nature Programs & Special Events:
Sunday, January 1 – February 18, 2012

*** NATURE STORE NEWS FLASH: Enjoy a Huge Sale in the Nature Gift Shop – Great Books & Toys for All Ages!  Now and throughout the Holiday season, enjoy a huge sale in the Nature Store at Audubon Greenwich. Nearly all items are 20%-50% off plus dozens of clearance items discounted even more! ***

1ST SUNDAY BIRD WALKS @ GREENWICH POINT
Jan. 1 / Feb. 5 / March 4
9:00-11:00 am
A monthly bird walk along the Long Island Sound shore. Leaders will bring spotting scopes and help everyone locate and ID wintering birds in the rich variety of habitats at Greenwich Point. All ages and beginners welcome. Held in collaboration with Wild Wings, Bruce Museum and Audubon Greenwich. Meet at the second concession stand. Wear warm clothes and bring binoculars. No charge or RSVP required. Questions? Call Cynthia Ehlinger at 203-413-6756 or Meredith Sampson at 203-637-9822.
*****
Saturday, January 7
TRIP: Coastal Birding at the Edith Read Sanctuary
8:00 am-12:00 pm
Rise and shine for a survey of over-wintering ducks, herons, shorebirds, hawks, and other birds frequenting Read Sanctuary and Play land Lake in Rye, NY. Spotting scopes will be provided by the leader. Dress warmly and bring binoculars. $15/person. RSVP required to Ted at 203-869-5272 x230. Sign up for a spot in Audubon’s van or join the carpool. Loaner binoculars are available.
*****
Saturday, January 7
Averting the Climate Crisis: How urban/suburban lifestyle changes can help our environment
Presented by Peter Libre, MD
4:00-5:30 pm
Ring in 2012 with a Saturday afternoon presentation about our carbon footprint, climate issues, and the relationship of health and lifestyle to both. Dr. Peter Libre is a Columbia University eye surgeon who performs 350 eye surgeries a year while living a low carbon lifestyle. He bikes 2,500 miles a year, keeps chickens, and grows vegetables. With solar hot water and electricity, good insulation, and a woodstove, his family’s utility bills are $25 a month. Learn new ways to transform your way of living and by doing so, improve your personal, planetary and fiscal well-being..  $5/adult. Youth are free. RSVP requested. Leave a message for Jeff Cordulack at 203-869-5272 x239.  (Snow date: Jan. 14.)
*****
Saturday, January 7
Winter Moonlight Walk
6:30-8:00 pm
Come join us as we hike to Mead lake to enjoy the moonlit woods and lakeshore and listen for ice shifting, hooting owls, coyotes, or other wildlife. Dress warmly with soft, quiet outer layers. $5 per person. Ages 8 & up. RSVP required to Ted at 203-869-5272 x230.
*****
Saturday, January 14
Family Bird-watch: Lifestyles of the Birds of Winter
1:00-2:30 pm
A family-friendly class about how birds like chickadees, nuthatches, and woodpeckers survive & thrive in winter’s wonderland. Also, guests can help do the weekly bird count for Project FeederWatch while learning how the family can do these bird counts at home. RSVPs appreciated to Ted Gilman at 203-869-5272 x230.
*****
FILM SCREENING:
“Mother Nature’s Child” – Growing Outdoors in the Media Age
Friday, January 20
6:00-9:00 pm
Mother Nature’s Child explores nature’s powerful role in children’s health and development through the experience of toddlers, children in middle childhood and adolescents. With
interviews with experts like Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, the film asks: Why do children need unstructured time outside? What is the place of risk-taking in
healthy child development? How is play a form of learning? How can city kids connect with nature? Following the film, there will be a short discussion with a guest speaker from the Connecticut Outdoor & Environmental Education Association (www.coeea.org). For a trailer and more details, visit: www.mothernaturesmovie.com.  $15/adult or $5 under 21. RSVP required to Jeff at 203-869-5272 x239. Pre-film Reception at 6:00 pm & Film at 7:15 pm. Snow Date: Jan. 27.
*****
Saturday, January 21
Hillside Trail Hike
1:00-3:00 pm
Come along as we explore this 1.5 mile western trail loop away from the center for over-wintering birds and signs of wildlife activity from mice, shrews, and squirrels to deer, fox and coyote. Ages 7 & up. RSVP to Store at 203-869-5272 x221.
*****
Saturday, January 28
Insects in Winter Walk
1:00-2:30 pm
Learn how insects survive winter’s cold. Search for some hardy insects known to be active on the snow and along the winter-chilled Byram River. We will also search for insects hidden away under logs, tree bark, and other winter retreats. Ages 5 & up. RSVP to Store at 203-869-5272 x221.
*****
FILM SCREENING:
“American Meat” – A film & panel discussion
Saturday, January 28
4:00-7:00 pm
American Meat is a solutions-oriented macroscopic documentary surveying the current state of the U.S. meat industry. Featuring dozens of farmers across America, the film aims to be an
even-handed look at animal husbandry. For a trailer and more details, visit: www.americanmeatfilm.com. $15/person. RSVP required to Jeff at 203-869-5272 x239. Film at 4:00, followed by discussion & reception. (Snow Date: Jan. 29)
*****
FILM SCREENING:
“La Clé des champs” (The key fields)
Saturday, February 4
5:00-7:30 pm
In the French countryside, a young boy discovers a pond outside the village which soon becomes his secret Eden. He returns, fascinated, day after day, and discovers a whole
unknown world, populated by strange creatures. Then one day, a little girl becomes his accomplice and the two explore this secret paradise. Through vivid imagery and a great story, the
filmmakers take us on an adventure into the heart of an ecosystem close to us, yet totally unknown to us. This event is sponsored by Focus On French Cinema & Alliance Française of Greenwich.  Film in French with English subtitles. For a trailer and more details, visit: http://www.lacledeschamps-lefilm.com/index.html All ages. $15/adult. $10/child. RSVP required to Jeff at 203-869-5272 x239.  NOTE:
*****
Saturday, February 4
Hudson River ‘EagleFest’
9:00 am-4:00 pm
Visit Croton Point Park on the Hudson River in NY to scan its icy waters for wintering bald eagles during this annual celebration of Bald Eagles. Highlights include warming tents along the river, eagle conservation exhibits, live eagle presentations, and eagle-watching bus tours. Or pick-up a self-guided Eagle Tour map for all the best places to see eagles in the winter. Note: Bus & Show tickets tend to sell out. For more details and to buy EagleFest tickets, visit: http://www.teatown.org/eaglefest/index.htm (Snow date: Feb. 5.)
*****
Winter Vacation Adventures
February 14-15 & February 21-22
Sign up and explore the winter season with Audubon’s experts. They will enjoy short nature hikes, learn how wildlife weathers winter’s tough conditions, and have fun making crafts with new friends. Sign up for one or all the days. For Grades K-5. $65 per day. ($75 for non-members) Registration forms & details are online. Questions? Call James at x224 or Ted at x230.
*****
Saturday, February 18
Great Backyard Bird Count: a ‘training session’
1:00-2:30 pm
A great way to get the kids involved with science that matters, the Great Backyard Bird Count (February 17-20) is a nationwide ‘citizen science’ effort to research where the birds are in late winter. Count at home, in parks or neighborhoods. On Feb. 18, come with Audubon Greenwich staff when they check the bird feeding area and take a walk to count birds. Then, return to the
center and report the data to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology via the internet.  Fun for all ages. RSVP to Ted at x230. To learn more, visit www.birdsource.org.
*****

PLEASE NOTE: A printer-friendly Nature Program Calendar can be found here: http://greenwich.audubon.org/Programs_Calendar.html

NATURE PROGRAM FEES, UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED:
Members: Adults $3.00/Children and seniors: $1.50
Non-members: Adults $5.00/Children and seniors $3.00
(Program fees include admission to the Center and Grounds):
For updated information about special events, newsletters, and a printer-friendly calendar of events, visit us on-line at: http://greenwich.audubon.org.
*****

AUDUBON GREENWICH NATURE STORE
‘Nature Store Newsflash’

IT IS NOW ‘HIKE & SHOP’ SALE DAYS!
Enjoy a Huge Sale in the Nature Gift Shop – Great Books & Toys for All Ages!  Now and throughout the Holiday season, enjoy a huge sale in the Nature Store at Audubon Greenwich. Nearly all items are 20%-50% off plus dozens of clearance items discounted even more! Find the perfect gift for the nature lovers in your life, while supporting Audubon’s conservation programs. So come for a hike and shop for unique holiday gifts with great holiday savings. What could be better?

Children’s Books, Toys, Puppets
Binoculars & Spotting Scopes
Nature Guide & Garden Books
Bird Feeders, Poles & Seed
Holiday Cards & Tree Decorations
2012 Calendars (Wall & Appointment)
Kitchens Items & Window Thermometers
Nature-inspired Jewelry and much more!

(*Sale excludes seed & suet)

Audubon Greenwich’s Nature Store Hours:
Tues-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m./ Sundays 12-5 p.m. / Store Closed Mondays

Special order a gift? Questions about a bird feeding station? Call: Brian O’Toole, Audubon Greenwich’s Nature Store Manager & Volunteer Coordinator at 203-869-5272 x221. Weekend Volunteers Wanted: Duties include greeting visitors, answering phones, selling goods and collecting admission. No experience needed but good customer service skills are required. Contact Brian O’Toole to learn more.
*****

KIERNAN HALL NATURE ARTS GALLERY

From Sketch to Studio – An Exhibition of African and American Wildlife Art by Alison Nicholls
An Art Expo that is helping to fund conservation

On exhibit from December 2 to 31, 2011

Alison Nicholls lived in Africa for 9 years and returns on an annual basis to sketch in the bush. In this exhibit, which also includes some of her new North American wildlife art, Alison shows her original pencil and watercolor field sketches, as well as her larger watercolor and acrylic ink studio paintings. Alison will also be at the exhibit on Tuesday December 6th from 10am – noon and Thursday December 15th from 2- 4pm.

15% of exhibition sales will benefit Audubon Greenwich and 1a5% will benefit African conservation projects supported by Alison. The exhibition will run from December 2 – 31, 2011.

Alison Nicholls is a member of Artists For Conservation, the Society of Animal Artists, the Explorers Club and the Salmagundi Club. Her work has featured in wildlife art magazines in the USA and UK, has been exhibited at the Botswana Mission to the United Nations in New York and has been used by the US Department of State to promote the “Coalition Against Wildlife Trafficking” initiative. Nicholls frequently lectures about art, Africa, wildlife and conservation. In 2011 she guided Art Safaris in South Africa on behalf of Africa Geographic magazine in which she teaches her techniques for sketching wildlife. Alison Nicholls is English by birth but has traveled widely throughout her life. She currently lives near New York City, USA. For further information please visit her website – www.NichollsWildlifeArt.com

Opening Reception: Saturday December 3rd, 1-4pm, with 30-minute lecture at 2pm.

The Kiernan Hall Nature Arts Gallery is located inside the Kimberlin Nature Education Center. Stop in anytime from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday – Saturday and from 12:00 to 5:00 pm on Sundays. To visit during other hours, please call the Center Director for an appointment. For more information about current and past exhibits, visit the Audubon Greenwich Nature Art Gallery website: http://greenwich.audubon.org/AboutUs_AudubonCenter_Kimberlin_NatureArtsGallery.html
*****

AUDUBON GREENWICH’S IN-FLIGHT NEWSLETTER:
View the current and past newsletters from Audubon Greenwich: http://greenwich.audubon.org/News_Newsletters.html
*****

AUDUBON GREENWICH SANCTUARIES
~Audubon Greenwich & The Kimberlin Nature Education Center (613 Riversville Road, Greenwich)
~Fairchild Wildflower Garden (North Porchuck Road, Greenwich)
~Gimbel Sanctuary (Sherwood Avenue, Greenwich)
~Oneida Drive Sanctuary (Oneida Dr. & Indian Harbor Drive, Greenwich)
~Mildred Caldwell Sanctuary of Walden Woods (Bible Street, Cos Cob)
~Wood Duck Swamp (Carissa Lane, Greenwich)
For locations and trail maps, see “Walking Trails in Greenwich and Surrounding Areas” available in the Audubon Nature Store. Also, see the maps located in the Kimberlin Audubon Center lobby. View the list of Audubon Greenwich Sanctuaries online.

NATURE SANCTUARY ADMISSION
Members: No charge
Nonmembers: Adults $3.00/Students & Seniors $1.50
(Please pay in the store)

OTHER “AUDUBON CONNECTICUT” CENTERS & SANCTUARIES
For a list of all Audubon Connecticut centers and sanctuaries, click here: http://audubonct.org/Centers_Sanctuaries.html
*****
DIRECTIONS: http://greenwich.audubon.org/AboutUs_AudubonCenter_Kimberlin_Directions.html

Audubon Greenwich
613 Riversville Road
Greenwich, CT 06831

Greener Wine Room Design:
with Fred Tregaskis of New England Wine Cellars
(1.5 Hours, 1.5 AIA Learning Units, HSW, SD)

Thursday, December 8, 2011
6:00 pm: Holiday Festivities & Wine Reception
7:00 pm: Main Presentation
Hosted at Audubon Greenwich

Come learn how to create safe and sound storage for your favorite vintages. The evening will start with festivities in the main hall and will be followed by the presentation starting at 7:00 pm. This program will be suitable for professional builders and home owners who want to learn more about wine cellars and learn how they can be high effective without electricity, if designed properly. Please note: RSVPs are requested for this event.

Presented by Fred Tregaskis, President, New England Wine Cellars & Generously Sponsored by Coastal Point Construction, LLC

About The Program:
A primer on the considerations, techniques and details for successful design and construction of a beautiful, functional and energy efficient wine storage room. Aesthetics, environmental conditions necessary for successful wine storage, materials of construction and mechanical systems will all be considered.

Learning Objectives:
Able to identify and explain the optimum temperature, humidity, ventilation and air quality conditions for successful wine aging, prevention of material decay and minimization of wine loss.
Able to determine and design the wine storage space layout and racking system based on the individual collector’s bottle inventory and functional needs.

Able to determine and design the wine storage room enclosure based on room location within the structure and it’s bordering environments.

Able to determine and design the wine storage room finish materials and mechanical equipment for optimum air quality, temperature, humidity, wine aging, and energy efficiency.

About the Speaker:  Fred Tregaskis began his career in wine during college in the vineyards of New York’s Hudson Valley.  After a three year tenure as a wine taster for a national magazine, he founded his own wine room design and construction company, starting with the 28,000 bottle wine cellar for the Lespinasse Restaurant at the St. Regis Hotel in New York City.  Since that start he has completed hundreds of beautiful and functional residential and commercial wine cellars throughout New England, across the country and around the world. Additionally, Fred writes for Country and Abroad magazine and hosts WHDD/ Robin Hood Radio on National Public Radio.

(1.5 Hours, 1.5 AIA Learning Units, HSW, SD ~ AIA Provider:  Coastal Point Construction, LLC)

$20 per person. Space is limited and RSVPs are required. To RSVP, email Jeff Cordulack, jcordulack@audubon.org or leave a message at (203) 869-5272 x239.

Audubon Greenwich
613 Riversville Road
Saturday, October 15, 2011
6:00-10:00 pm

“Farm-To-Table” Dinner Party in the historic Barn at Audubon Greenwich

A unique, food-centric event showcasing local organic farms, seasonal meals, and sustainably-managed vineyards. Guests will be treated to exquisite wines paired with farm-fresh goodness sourced from organic & biodynamic farms. The evening will include wine education from the Wine Institute of New England (WINE), live music by trio Jealous Dog, and an auction of small items to benefit Audubon’s conservation and education initiatives.

Farm-To-Table Dinner Menu

To be prepared by Chef Marc Alvarez

• Canapés, served with Sparking Wine
• Crostini of Nettle Meadow Farm Kunik Cheese & Stanley Plum Compote
• Seared Snow Hill Farm Beef Carpaccio, Horseradish & Crisp Russet Potato
• Fall Vegetable Crudités, Rosa Bianca Eggplant Baba Ganoush
• Warm Chickpea Fritters & AMBA Farms Tomato Chutney

Dinner

• Ryder Farm Roast Pumpkin Soup
• Wilted Sage, Black Trumpet Mushrooms & Mini Pumpkins

Followed by:

• Snow Hill Farm Duo Of Lamb
• Wild Hive Polenta & Spigarello (Wild Broccoli)

Or

• Cayuga Pure Organics Farro Risotto
• Cooperstown Creamery “Toma Celena” & Fall Vegetable Medley

Dessert

• Warm Cortland Apple Tart & Blue Pig Vanilla Gelato

$120 per person. Advance tickets required and limited to only 80 guests. To reserve your tickets or a table for 10 guests, contact Audubon’s Events Manager, Jeff Cordulack, at 203-613-8813. Payment by check or credit card & your choice of meal required in advance.

This event was made possible through the generous support of:

FairfieldGreenFoodGuide.com,
Concierge Foods,
The Metro North chapter of Slow Food USA
The Wine Institute of New England,
AOC Fine Wines,
Mike’s Organic Delivery Service,

For all the details and historic images of the barn, please click here:
http://greenwich.audubon.org/PDFs/FarmToTable.pdf

About the Chef:
Alvarez’s main concept is all about good products and simple preparations. It is Marc Alvarez’s genuine love of cooking that has fueled his passion for the restaurant business for the last 20 years. Marc Alvarez began his cooking career at the tender age of 16. It was at this point that he started to develop his own unique cooking style. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Mr. Alvarez began honing his skills in various New York City restaurants, where he received accolades from New York Magazine’s Gael Green.

In 1996, Mr. Alvarez moved to the exclusive island of Anguilla, where he quickly established himself as one of the most revered chefs on the island. He developed quite a following, was part of Anguilla’s culinary team, and won an award for the most innovative Caribbean dish. This drew acclaim from travel press and was featured in the Robb Report, the Conde Nast Traveler, and the New York Post.

In 2000, Mr. Alvarez returned to New York to worked as a private chef for Michael and Judy Steinhardt and developed a small but intimate catering business. In 2002, he took over the helm of Crispo Restaurant and, two years later, joined the Union Square Hospitality Group where he was instrumental in opening Cafes at the Museum of Modern Art. For this work, he received a great amount of acclaim from The New York Times; Dinners Journal, The New York Post, Nations Restaurant News and the Italian Corriere Della Sera.

Today, he is a private chef for fashion icons and has his own company, Concierge Foods, that delivers fresh, local farm products to home and restaurants in the New York Metropolitan Area.

About the Music:

Jealous Dog will provide an eclectic mix of songs, sweet harmonies, and a range of beats that span from soothing to foot-tap moving. Their inspired interpretations of well-known tunes like, Knock on Wood (Sam and Dave), Heroes (David Bowie), Take Me To The River (The Commitments), After The Gold Rush (Neil Young), Take A Chance on Me (ABBA) are sure to appeal to a wide range of tastes. Either as a main course or as background music, they’ll add to the enjoyment of the evening.

Audubon Greenwich
613 Riversville Road
Greenwich, Connecticut

Message from Audubon Greenwich ~
Nature Programs & Events:

HawkWatch Weekend Festival & Green Bazaar
October 1 & 2
11:00 am-5:00 pm
A family-friendly, green-themed celebration of the amazing raptor migration occurring above the Audubon Greenwich center each Fall. This special event will feature kids activities, great food, eco-friendly businesses, and of course, the famous live birds of prey shows presented by “Talons: A Bird of Prey Experience”. Save the dates and please pass the word to friends in the region. Festival Admission: $7 for youth/$10 for adults (Current or new Audubon members pay only: $5 for youth / $7 for adults). National Audubon Society family memberships (just $35) will be available at the Festival Gate.  To get involved as a festival volunteer, corporate sponsor, or as an eco-friendly vendor on-site, contact Jeff Cordulack at 203-869-5272 x239.
*****

PLEASE NOTE: For a Printer-friendly Nature Program Calendar, visit: http://greenwich.audubon.org/Programs_Calendar.html

NATURE PROGRAM FEES, UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED:
Members: Adults $3.00/Children and seniors: $1.50
Non-members: Adults $5.00/Children and seniors $3.00
(Program fees include admission to the Center and Grounds):

For updated information about special events, newsletters, and a printer-friendly calendar of events, visit us on-line at: http://greenwich.audubon.org.
*****
SUMMER NATURE DAY CAMP – REGISTRATION NOW OPEN:
Visit our website for all the summer camp details: http://greenwich.audubon.org/Programs_NatureCamps.html
*****
AUDUBON GREENWICH NATURE STORE
Summertime Store Hours: Open Tuesday – Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm / Store closed on Sunday & Monday in July & August.

Visit Audubon Greenwich’s Nature Store For Great Gifts For Yourself Or Someone Special.  Plus, Audubon members enjoy 10% off (except seed and optics) and shopping in our Store supports the Center and Audubon mission.

Enjoy colorful hummingbirds in your yard this summer by hanging the easy-to-clean HummZinger hummingbird feeder.
Show your support by purchasing one of our new Audubon Greenwich key chains.
Stop by to see our beautiful new sterling silver pendants and earrings by Jennifer Rutheny.
Among new DVD’s be sure to check out “Better Bird watching in the East” which is a DVD field guide filled with 3 hours of video & audio for 270 birds commonly found in the eastern U.S.

Birds & Beans Coffee: Help songbirds by drinking bird-friendly coffee!!!
The Nature Store is proud to sell organic Birds & Beans Coffee available in a light, medium and dark roast. Every year many birds we know and love that spend summers in New England fly all the way to Latin America only to find winter habitats destroyed by sun-grown coffee farming. This is devastating to their ecosystem and threatens their very survival. By drinking Birds & Beans Coffee you are supporting farm families who grow their coffee organically under rustic shade canopy, ensuring that the birds of the northeast don’t disappear.

12 oz. Ground – $12.50 (with member discount – $11.25)
12 oz. Whole Bean – $12.00 (with member discount – $10.80)
Decaf Coffee from Birds & Beans is now available, too!

Weekend Volunteers Wanted: Duties include greeting visitors, answering phones, selling goods and collecting admission. No experience needed but good customer service skills are required. Contact Brian O’Toole at x228 to learn more.

For more information on Nature Store products or place a special order, call Brian O’Toole at 203-869-5272 x228. To visit our Nature Store website, click here: http://greenwich.audubon.org/AboutUs_AudubonCenter_Kimberlin_NatureStore.html.

KIERNAN HALL NATURE ARTS GALLERY
The Kiernan Hall Nature Arts Gallery is located inside the Kimberlin Nature Education Center. Stop in anytime from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday – Saturday and from 12:00 to 5:00 pm on Sundays. To visit during other hours, please call the Center Director for an appointment.  For more information about current and past exhibits, visit the Audubon Greenwich Nature Art Gallery website: http://greenwich.audubon.org/AboutUs_AudubonCenter_Kimberlin_NatureArtsGallery.html
*****

AUDUBON GREENWICH’S IN-FLIGHT NEWSLETTER:
View the current and past newsletters from Audubon Greenwich: http://greenwich.audubon.org/News_Newsletters.html
*****

AUDUBON GREENWICH SANCTUARIES
~Audubon Greenwich & The Kimberlin Nature Education Center (613 Riversville Road, Greenwich)
~Fairchild Wildflower Garden (North Porchuck Road, Greenwich)
~Gimbel Sanctuary (Sherwood Avenue, Greenwich)
~Oneida Drive Sanctuary (Oneida Dr. & Indian Harbor Drive, Greenwich)
~Mildred Caldwell Sanctuary of Walden Woods (Bible Street, Cos Cob)
~Wood Duck Swamp (Carissa Lane, Greenwich)
For locations and trail maps, see “Walking Trails in Greenwich and Surrounding Areas” available in the Audubon Nature Store. Also, see the maps located in the Kimberlin Audubon Center lobby. View the list of Audubon Greenwich Sanctuaries online.

NATURE SANCTUARY ADMISSION
Members: No charge
Nonmembers: Adults $3.00/Students & Seniors $1.50
(Please pay in the store)

OTHER “AUDUBON CONNECTICUT” CENTERS & SANCTUARIES
For a list of all Audubon Connecticut centers and sanctuaries, click here: http://audubonct.org/Centers_Sanctuaries.html
*****

Audubon Greenwich
613 Riversville Road
Greenwich, CT 06831
203-869-5272

http://greenwich.audubon.org

DIRECTIONS: http://greenwich.audubon.org/AboutUs_AudubonCenter_Kimberlin_Directions.html

at Audubon Greenwich
613 Riversville Road
Sun., Sept. 18, 2011
2-4 p.m.

“Upland Watershed: The Source and Filter of Good Water.” Bruce Spaman, Superintendent of Parks and Trees and Town Tree Warden, discusses the forest and watershed management on the Audubon Greenwich property at Riversville Road and John Street. Please reserve at: treeconserv@optonline.net.

Audubon Connecticut/Audubon Greenwich
613 Riversville Road
Greenwich, CT 06831
203-869-5272 x239

Friday, May 27, 2011
6:00-9:00 pm

PLAY AGAIN – A film about ‘Nature Deficit Disorder’

(wine & cheese reception at 6 pm)

What are the consequences of a childhood removed from nature? Come watch our ‘screen’ and learn from top experts who discuss the toll this is taking on youth. This emotionally moving and humorous documentary follows six teenagers who, like the “average American child,” spend five to fifteen hours a day behind screens. PLAY AGAIN unplugs these teens and takes them on their first wilderness adventure – no electricity, no cell phone coverage, no virtual reality.

Through the voices of children and leading experts including journalist Richard Louv, sociologist Juliet Schor, environmental writer Bill McKibben, educators Diane Levin and Nancy Carlsson-Paige, neuroscientist Gary Small, parks advocate Charles Jordan, and geneticist David Suzuki, PLAY AGAIN investigates the consequences of a childhood removed from nature and encourages action for a sustainable future.

To see a trailer and learn more about the event, visit our event website: http://greenwich.audubon.org/Programs_SpecialEvents_PlayAgain.html

Film suitable for all ages. $12/adult. Youth & Environmental Educators are welcome, free of charge.
Reception: 6-7 pm. RSVP required for all film events to Jeff: 203-869-5272 x239 or email<mailto:jcordulack@audubon.org>.  Audubon Greenwich, 613 Riversville Road, Greenwich, CT.
*****

What they do not know, they will not protect. And what they do not protect, they will lose. -Charles Jordan, PLAY AGAIN
Everyone should see this film! – Richard Louv, Author of Last Child in the Woods
A festival of wisdom! – Bill Bigelow, Rethinking Schools
Thank you for making a film that inspires everyone, but judges no one. – A young biologist and gamer, Orem, Utah

FILM SYNOPSIS
One generation from now most people in the U.S. will have spent more time in the virtual world than in nature. New media technologies have improved our lives in countless ways. Information now appears with a click. Overseas friends are part of our daily lives. And even grandma loves Wii.

But what are we missing when we are behind screens? And how will this impact our children, our society, and eventually, our planet?
At a time when children play more behind screens than outside, PLAY AGAIN explores the changing balance between the virtual and natural worlds. Is our connection to nature disappearing down the digital rabbit hole?

This emotionally moving and humorous documentary follows six teenagers who, like the “average American child,” spend five to fifteen hours a day behind screens. PLAY AGAIN unplugs these teens and takes them on their first wilderness adventure – no electricity, no cell phone coverage, no virtual reality.

Through the voices of children and leading experts including journalist Richard Louv, sociologist Juliet Schor, environmental writer Bill McKibben, educators Diane Levin and Nancy Carlsson-Paige, neuroscientist Gary Small, parks advocate Charles Jordan, and geneticist David Suzuki, PLAY AGAIN investigates the consequences of a childhood removed from nature and encourages action for a sustainable future.

BACKGROUND
Seventy years ago, the first televisions became commercially available. The first desktop computers went on sale 30 years ago, and the first cell phones a mere 15 years ago. During their relatively short tenure these three technologies have changed the way we live. Some of these changes are good. Television can now rapidly disseminate vital information. Computers turned that flow of information into a two-way street. Cell phones enable unprecedented connectivity with our fellow human beings.

And the merging of cell phones and the internet has even allowed protest movements, like those in Iran, to organize and thrive. But there’s also a down side. For many people, especially children, screens have become the de facto medium by which the greater world is experienced. A virtual world of digitally transmitted pictures, voices, and scenarios has become more real to this generation than the world of sun, water, air, and living organisms, including fellow humans.

The average American child now spends over 8 hours in front of a screen each day. She emails, texts, and updates her status incessantly. He can name hundreds of corporate logos, but less than ten native plants. She aspires to have hundreds of online friends, most she may never meet in person. He masters complicated situations presented in game after game, but often avoids simple person-to-person conversation. They are almost entirely out of contact with the world that, over millions of years of evolution, shaped human beings – the natural world.

The long-term consequences of this experiment on human development remain to be seen, but the stakes couldn’t be higher. By most accounts, this generation will face multiple crises – environmental, economic and social. Will this screen world – and its bevy of virtual experiences – have adequately prepared these “digital natives” to address the problems they’ll face, problems on whose resolution their own survival may depend?

As we stand at a turning point in our relationship with earth, we find ourselves immersed in the gray area between the natural and virtual worlds. From a global perspective of wonder and hope, PLAY AGAIN examines this unique point in history.

Who: Jesse Terry (Greenwich’s own) w/Michael Logen

What: Music in the Garden Concert Series: Armstrong Court Community Organic Garden Benefit show (healthy & organic light fare and wine will be served)

Where: Audubon Greenwich ~ 613 Riversville Rd. ~ Greenwich, CT 06831 ~ 203-869-5272

Date: Sunday, May 15, 2011

Time: 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Tix: $25 adults, $12 under 21, kids under 12 free *

Ages: all

Website: www.jesseterrymusic.com

*note that reservations are recommended as seating is limited.  Please contact Patty Sechi at psechi@gmail.com or call 203-629-1499.

Jesse Terry Bio:

With his down-to-earth appeal and deceptively sharp writing, Jesse Terry plants himself firmly among the most promising singer-songwriters of his generation. His 2009 debut, The Runner, which was licensed to popular MTV shows The Hills and The City, introduced him as an inspired prodigy with the potential to score big on the Americana scene. Michael McCall of the Nashville Scene lauded Terry for offering “a sophisticated melodic touch to his tender musings about love and finding his place in the world.” While the sounds of popular music become increasingly inflated, he wades into the fray with graceful, understated arrangements that embrace his ambitious songs.  Jesse recently performed a Premiere Showcase at Far West Folk Alliance and is a regular at the Bluebird Cafe, Nashville’s premiere venue for emerging musical talent.  He also recently performed at Florida’s prestigious 30A Songwriting Festival, along side such songwriting luminaries as Rodney Crowell, Dar Williams, Mary Gauthier and Mat Kearney.  He will be one of the headlining acts for this year’s Plymouth Folk and Blues Festival, held in Plymouth Notch, VT.  Jesse is currently finishing up the songs for his second album, which will be recorded by heralded producer/engineer/mixer/artist Neilson Hubbard (Kim Richey, Matthew Perryman Jones, Amy Speace, Glen Phillips).

Michael Logen Bio

Singer/songwriter Michael Logen has logged many miles on tour, in the studio, and in songwriting sessions, and his unique brand of alternative rootsy pop has landed him a deal with Nettwerk Music/Moraine Music, joining two rosters of already impressive acts.  Logen, who has toured across 47 states as well as extensively in Europe, is a regular tour support act for Jonny Lang and Matt Kearney, and he has written with both of them as well as with Will Hoge, Katharine McPhee and Melissa Manchester, among others.  Nettwerk is based in Vancouver and their roster includes many incredible artists including Old Crow Medicine Show, Sarah McLachlan and William Fitzsimmons.  Moraine Music Group is based in Nashville, and is owned and run by Grammy-Award winning producer and songwriter Brent Maher (Tina Turner, Ray Charles, The Judds).  Logen’s most recent album, Things I Failed To Mention, was released in 2007, after which he toured with Kearney.  The two went on a writing trip to Istanbul together, on which they wrote the title track to Kearney’s new album, City of Black & White.  Songs from Things I Failed To Mention were recently featured on MTV”s “Real World” and ABC’s “Kyle XY,” and Logen has won multiple awards including the International Songwriting Competition’s 2009 Song of the Year Award in Folk/Singer-Songwriter Category, and Unisong International Songwriting Competition’s 2009 Song of the Year in the Americana Category.

About Armstrong Court Community Organic Garden

Armstrong Court Community Organic Garden was founded in April 2009 by a group of community members dedicated to organic gardening, sustainable living and the belief that community gardens can change health, wellness and the attitudes of the gardeners it serves. Located at the 144-unit Armstrong Court Housing Complex in Greenwich, CT, this 15,000 square foot garden dates back to the late 1960s, but was left dormant for over 30 years. Greenwich resident and life-long organic gardener, Patty Sechi, and a leadership group of seven are responsible for the garden’s rebirth, with the goal of creating a self-sustaining food source for residents of Armstrong Court and for members of the community. In time, they hope to create and support organic community gardens throughout Greenwich in order to ensure access to healthy, affordable food, to create opportunities for community building, and to encourage exercise, health and wellness.

Resplendant Quetzal - Photo by Karen Ann Sullivan

Audubon Greenwich
613 Riversville Road
Greenwich, Connecticut
Saturday, May 7, 2011
2:00-4:00 pm

ART SHOW RECEPTION: COSTA RICA:  Images from the Land of Pura Vida – Photography by Karen Ann Sullivan

Karen Ann Sullivan is passionate about documenting life in all its variety, whether the subject is large or small, exotic or familiar.  A lifelong lover of nature, she is always searching for subjects that convey the beauty of the world around us.  Being able to capture and ultimately share these moments with others is Karen’s constant source of inspiration. An avid traveler, Karen has embraced the photographic opportunities she has encountered in the Galapagos Islands, Ireland, Australia, Fiji, Costa Rica, Canada, and many locations in the United States.

The images for this show were taken during two trips to Costa Rica; the first in July of 2009, the second in January of 2010.  The focus of Karen’s travel was to photograph a variety of Costa Rican nature and wildlife, and then display and share it with others.  She traveled to the following regions in Costa Rica; Caribbean, Northern Lowlands, Central Highlands, Central Pacific, and a small part of Guanacaste.

About Costa Rica:
Costa Rica is an amazing place for the nature lover, and specifically for bird enthusiasts.  With approximately 10% of all the world’s bird population able to be seen in Costa Rica (both indigenous and migratory), and the size of the country making it easy to see many diverse ecosystems in a short period of time, this country was an amazing place to experience. In addition to 12 different life zones in the country, they also boast approximately 50 different hummingbird species, and 1,000 butterfly species.  With one of the highest percentages of protected land in the world, Costa Rica has approximately 25% of its land in National Parks and other protected areas. The diversity of two coastlines, rainforests, cloud forests, temperate rain forests, multiple volcanoes, and much more, gives visitors a wide variety of opportunities for natural experiences and wildlife viewing.

About Karen Sullivan:
Striving to present her work in the fullest possible way, Karen always includes informative wall captions in her exhibitions.  They may discuss details of a subject’s habits or history or specifics about how the photograph was captured.  Karen’s goal with the majority of her work is to display the subject of each image as she saw it through her lens.  Each of these images was taken digitally and only minimally processed.  Some Series of Karen’s images have been additionally processed to attain specific results.

Karen has studied at the International Center of Photography in Manhattan and the Westchester Art Workshop in White Plains, New York.  In addition to taking formal classes, Karen has also attended workshops and seminars on lighting, Polaroid transfers, travel photography, and other topics.

This reception will feature a raffle to benefit Audubon & SPCA to be held at reception. Tickets will be sold at the reception.  Cost: $5.00 each.  Prize:  Fiery-throated Hummingbird 8″x12″ Image printed on canvas with a floating frame.

To RSVP and for more information about the event, contact Karen Ann Sullivan at (914) 656-1965 or ksullivanphoto@optonline.net