Upcoming program at Berkshire Botanical Garden
STOCKBRIDGE – Berkshire Botanical Garden presents the following upcoming programs. Tuesday, June 3 to Friday, June 20. “Summer Bird Walks at BBG.” This summer, Ben Nickley, director of Berkshire Bird Observatory, will lead bi-weekly bird walks at the Berkshire Botanical Gardens. During these leisurely walks through our leafy grounds, Ben will help you learn how to find and identify dozens of dazzling birds that summer in the Berkshires. Come commune with nature! Few other outdoor pursuits offer physical, intellectual, and spiritual benefits that come naturally with learning to notice, identify, and watch birds. Join us in our pursuit of connection with the natural world through the gateway of bird watching. Week 1, Tuesday, June 3, 8: 30 a.m. and Friday, June 6, 8:30 a.m. Week 2, Monday, June 9, 8:30 a.m. and Friday, June 13, 8:30 a.m. Week 3, Monday, June 16, 8:30 a.m. and Friday, June 20, 8:30 a.m.; Saturday, June 7, 1 to 4 p.m., “Grass Menagerie.” Grasses are an integral component of naturalistic plantings, the garden style popularized by New York City’s High Line and the “Dutch Wave.” But with names like Schizachyrium, Spodiopogon, and Hakonechloa, they can be bewildering to even experienced gardeners. Join plantsman Robert Clyde Anderson for an overview of the most useful and beautiful species and cultivars for our climate, with an emphasis on their ecological value, distinguishing characteristics, and design possibilities. This three-hour session will include an illustrated lecture, handouts, and an on-site walkabout on the BBG grounds, as well as time for questions and shared experiences. Cost is $50 members, $70 nonmembers. To register or for more information, visit www.berkshirebotanical.org. Berkshire Botanical Garden is located at 5 West Stockbridge Road.
Nature Workshop at Stanley Park
WESTFIELD – Stanley Park is a great place to see a variety of birds especially during the breeding season. This nature workshop, “Spring Bird Walk,” will take place on Saturday, June 7, from 8 to 10 a.m. Bring your binoculars and help us do an eBird count in the wildlife sanctuary. Beginners welcome; no experience necessary. Martha (Marti) Kane grew up in Westfield but spent most of her career in North Carolina training park rangers and managing a nature preserve. She recently retired and moved back to the area. She enjoys doing eBird counts at area parks and monitoring nest boxes for bluebirds and other cavity-nesting songbirds.
The workshop will meet at the main entrance sign to the Frank Stanley Beveridge Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary located across from the recreation field. Rain or shine. Wear sturdy shoes that can get wet, a hat, sunscreen and bug spray. Nature workshops are free of charge.
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