In her poem "Sometimes," Mary Oliver offers the following "Instructions for living a life: Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it." What would it mean for us to live this way in a world characterized by digital distractions, cynical detachment, and artificial intelligence? What if, instead of endless doomscrolling, we allowed ourselves to fully focus on a flower, find wonder in a raindrop, and shout about the miracle of a mountain? Join author and Maine Master Naturalist Andrea Lani for an afternoon of practicing these principles as we craft nature-inspired poetry and prose. During this three-hour workshop, we’ll give ourselves permission to tune out the static and noise of the modern world and instead listen to what nature is telling us. Using established nature writers and poets as our guides, we’ll practice paying close attention, re-energize our astonishment muscles, and play with language to help us best convey our own delight in the world. Participants will come away with the starts of several pieces of writing and a range of prompts and writing exercise that can be used any time. Writers of poetry, fiction, or nonfiction with any level of experience are welcome.
Spring is a time for change, and no creatures know this better than our migratory birds. Triggered by the changing lengths of day, this array of avian natives begins the journey back to the northern latitudes. Timing is crucial, and the competition for nesting habitat is demanding. We'll take an ecological look at many of our returning birds at a time when they are just arriving home. Spring is one of the best times to view these birds in their vibrant breeding plumage, unobstructed by dense foliage. Migration, nesting, feeding, and identification will be some of the topics we will discuss. Lecture. Held at Hobbs Library. Led by Chris Lewey.
Each week, we'll visit a different location as we listen for and spot returning warblers and other feathered friends. Join us for one or all of the morning "walks". We never go far. Location will be sent to registered participants 24 hours before the program.
Living with loss can feel lonely, crippling, and hopeless. Nature, creativity, and community can help. Join author Catharine H. Murray to learn how to use writing as a tool for healing. Warming up with a walk through Kezar River Reserve, the group will then return to Hobbs Library to complete the afternoon with time for guided writing and take-home tools for recovering from loss through the power of creativity.
Learn about composting and how to do it in your backyard! I’ll cover composting basics, what to do and not do, and how to effectively compost at home. A classroom session will be coupled with a hands-on composting tutorial, so come prepared to get your hands dirty! Registration is required. Held at Hobbs Library.
Join GLLT volunteers on this guided walk to search for spring wildflowers.