The Pioneer Valley Library Collaborative is proud to present a variety of programming in honor of Climate Preparedness Week 2023 – a national event held each year September 24 through September 30.
Thursday September 14, 2023
4:30pm-6:30pm: Wild Edibles Walk with Russ Cohen
Westhampton Library & Grown in Westhampton (co-host)
Join author and wild foods enthusiast Russ Cohen on a two hour ramble to learn about over a dozen species of edible wild plants. Keys to the identification of each species will be provided, along with information on edible portions, seasons of availability and preparation methods. Guidelines for safe, ethical and environmentally responsible foraging will be included.
Russ has received numerous distinguished awards for his rivers work and foraging programs. He has led wild edible walks and talks for over 46 years throughout New England and eastern New York. In addition, his foraging book, Wild Plants I have Known…and Eaten is now in its eight printing. This event will take place at MA Audubon Lynes Woods. No foraging is allowed on any Mass Audubon sanctuaries and the event will be purely informational. REGISTRATION is required, so that we can coordinate carpooling from the library. Please contact Meaghan at 413-527-5386 or westhampton@cwmars.org to sign up. For more information, go to https://www.westhampton-ma.com/westhampton-public-library/events/89741
Friday September 22, 2023
4:00pm-5:00pm: Backyard Birding for Everyone
Easthampton Public Library
Join Nancy for a presentation and showing of birdwatching materials (binoculars, bird guides, etc.), then go outside together to listen and see what birds you can find. This program is happening rain or shine. In the event of bad weather, Nancy will lead a bird-friendly/birdwatching craft.
Nancy Stenberg has been an avid birdwatcher since she was 10 years old. She was inspired by the novel Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach. She enjoys her work as an elementary school librarian, and is a proud mother and grandmother.
For more information, go to https://ewmlibrary.org/event/backyard-birding-for-everyone/?instance_id=12961
Tuesday September 26, 2023
6:30pm-7:30pm: The Quiet-Loud Machine: Giving Voice to a Biodiverse Landscape
Easthampton Public Library
Join local musician and biologist, Leah Nichole, to learn about Project “Birdsong” and her “Musical Microlife Series” The Quiet-Loud Machine: Giving Voice to a Biodiverse Landscape through music, storytelling, and art. Get to know your invisible neighbors & learn how you can help participate in the “Black-Capped Chickadee Challenge” in your own neighborhood. Ages 8-108 welcome. Note: this event will include a little participatory, environmental-themed singing. For more information, go to https://ewmlibrary.org/event/the-quiet-loud-machine/?instance_id=12955
Wednesday September 27, 2023
5:45pm-8:00pm: Clean Energy Incentives Forum
Westfield State University- Wilson Hall
The public is invited to the Clean Energy Incentives For All Forum at Westfield State University. The Forum’s goal is to highlight state and federal incentives for homeowners, renters, businesses, municipalities, nonprofits and individuals to cut costs by shifting to clean energy sources, move away from fossil fuel use and thus assist Massachusetts in the transition to a greener, low-carbon economy. Registration is recommended: https://westath.libcal.com/event/10939744
Thursday September 28, 2023
6:30pm-8:00pm: Slow Gardening with Alexis Doshas, Nasami Farm (Native Plant Trust) Nursery Manager
Westhampton Library & Grown in Westhampton (co-host)
Come explore the tenets of slow gardening through the lens of ecological horticulture. Learn how to take cues from nature (aka, biomimicry) and save your back and knees from all that weeding, raking, tilling, and turf removal. We’ll discuss passive, elegant, and simple techniques that work in concert with natural processes. Fall is a great time to establish many of these slow techniques for a rich and rewarding growing season!
Alexis Doshas is a conservation biologist, plant ecologist, and soil enthusiast. She is the nursery manager at Native Plant Trust’s Nasami Farm. Native Plant Trust’s mission is to conserve and promote the region’s native plants to ensure healthy, biologically diverse and resilient landscapes. Alexis and her small but mighty staff collect local seed and produce thousands of native plants each year. For more information and to sign up, go to https://www.westhampton-ma.com/westhampton-public-library/events/89741
Saturday September 30, 2023
11:00am-12:00pm: Terrific Turtles! presented by Mass Audubon
Forbes Library Northampton Community Room
Are turtles attached to their shells? How are turtles impacted by climate change? Find out the answers to these questions and more! We’ll explore the wonderful world of turtles by playing games, touching a variety of turtle shells, and making a turtle craft. You will also get to meet Pita the live ornate box turtle and learn about her life, diet, and behavior. For more information, go to https://forbeslibrary.libcal.com/event/11213228
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Climate Preparedness Week is a project of CREW (Communities Responding to Extreme Weather). To find events in other communities please visit CREW’s Climate Preparedness Week Page.