Connecticut River Estuary Lecture Series
Celebrating and conserving the natural environment through science, education, art, and community
Three spring lectures at Essex Meadows, Essex, Ct.
Teaching About Connecticut River Estuary Ecology: A Key to Engaging the Next Generation
Thursday, May 14, 4 p.m.
How do we inspire the next generation of conservationists? Michelle Eckman, director of education at Connecticut Audubon Society, will discuss her efforts to advance science-based inquiry through Science in Nature, Connecticut Audubon’s award-winning environmental education program. She will be joined by a science teacher from Essex Elementary School, which is participating in Science in Nature, as well as Dr. Paul Spitzer, nationally known Osprey researcher, who will discuss the Osprey’s return from near-extinction.
Reception to follow.
Special thanks to John and Eleanor Perkins, our Essex Meadows ambassadors for this event.
Almost 120 people attended this first lecture. We expect the second to be just as good …
The Value of the Connecticut River Estuary to Our Environment
Thursday, May 28, 4 p.m.
Estuaries like the lower Connecticut River are among the most biologically productive ecosystems on earth. A dedicated field station here would allow scientists to understand the biological and physical dynamics more effectively. Dr. Wayne (Rocky) Geyer, senior scientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, and Dr. Gail Kineke, associate professor at Boston College and a Woods Hole scientist, will discuss estuary research and why a field station would aid that work.
Reception to follow.
Special thanks to Dr. Ted Vanitallie, our Essex Meadows ambassador for this event.
Aesthetic Beauty of the Estuary: Vision of Artists and Writers
Thursday, June 4, 4 p.m.
Jeffrey Cooley, founder and owner of The Cooley Gallery in Old Lyme, will talk about the artists who have been inspired by the Connecticut River estuary. Looking at actual works painted by Old Lyme Impressionists a century ago, Jeff will share observations about how the estuary has – or hasn’t – changed over the course of the past 100 years. Joining him will be estuary photographer Joe Standart; Rob Hernandez, ecologist, Roger Tory Peterson protégé, and former senior editor of National Geographic magazine; and photographer Diana Atwood Johnson, chair emeritus of the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts; as well as a long-time docent at the Florence Griswold Museum with a special interest in Lyme Art Colony salt marsh paintings.
Reception to follow.
Special thanks to Max Belding, our Essex Meadows ambassador for this event.
All lectures will take place at Essex Meadows
30 Bokum Road Ste. 1
Essex, Connecticut.
For directions, please visit www.essexmeadows.com.
Admission is free but RSVP’s are required.
To RSVP, contact Allison Bryant at Connecticut Audubon Society: abryant@ctaudubon.org
or 203 259-0416 x106
About the Connecticut Audubon Society and the Connecticut River Estuary Lecture Series
Like many artists and naturalists before him, Roger Tory Peterson found inspiration in the science and beauty of the landscape he called home. Our Connecticut River Estuary Lecture Series honors his legacy and his place as as a successor to our founder, Mabel Osgood Wright, writer, scientist and, like Peterson, one of the seminal figures in 20th century conservation.
For more than a century, Connecticut Audubon Society has worked to conserve Connecticut’s environment through science-based education and advocacy focused on the state’s bird populations and habitats. Connecticut Audubon Society currently operates five nature Centers and two museums, and cares for more than 2,600 acres of open space in 19 sanctuaries. In addition to its centers and sanctuaries, CAS’ award-winning environmental education program, Science in Nature, has reached thousands of students across the state.
To learn more about how you can help, please contact Connecticut Audubon’s Director of Development Andrea Kerin at akerin@ctaudubon.org or 203 259-0416 x402.
Lower Connecticut River Regional Board
Herman Blanke, Chair
Patsy McCook, Secretary
Emily Bjornberg
Elsie Childs
Jim Denham
Margarita Emerson
Eleanor Robinson
Dr. Ted Vanitallie
Claudia Weicker
Connecticut Audubon Society and its Regional Board sincerely thank Essex Meadows for so graciously agreeing to host our lecture series, and for supporting our mission and the work we do. Learn more about Essex Meadows at www.essexmeadows.com.
Painting by William Chadwick (1879-1962), Salt Marshes, Oil on canvas
