As the season of entertaining ramps up, the Darien Nature Center is asking community members and businesses to save their bottle corks during the holidays. Why? Not only is it your gift to the environment, it will also help raise funds for the ongoing care of more than 40 resident animals at the Nature Center. Executive Director Leila Wetmore says the Nature Center has partnered with Yemm & Hart Green Materials who recycle cork and make a financial donation in exchange for large cork collections. Cork can be used as a renewable and earth friendly replacement for plastics in home flooring, walls, furniture, tableware, and much more!
The Darien Nature Center is hosting “Small Tidings,” an art exhibit with more than 130 works from 11 local artists, each with their own unique style ranging from natural landscapes to abstract imagery. With holiday giving in mind, all works are priced at $250 and under. “The artists have created a beautiful variety of offerings for this show — there is truly something for everyone,” said Nature Center Executive Director Leila Wetmore. “New collectors will find pieces to start a collection and others will want to build their existing ones. Come with your holiday gift list and get ready to find something unique for the special people in your life.
The Darien Nature Center is inviting the community to celebrate the Halloween spirit at their annual Hoot n’ Howl party. It will take place rain or shine on Sunday, Oct. 29 from 4 to 6 p.m., with doors opening at 3:30 p.m. for children with special needs and their families. The event will feature hay rides, a magic show, s’mores and stories around a campfire, face painting, animal interactions, refreshments and more. Costumes are encouraged but not required.
The Darien Nature Center is inviting the community to celebrate the Halloween spirit at their annual Hoot n’ Howl party. It will take place rain or shine on Sunday, Oct. 29 from 4 to 6 p.m., with doors opening at 3:30 p.m. for children with special needs and their families. The event will feature hay rides, a magic show, s’mores and stories around a campfire, face painting, animal interactions, refreshments and more. Costumes are encouraged but not required.
Community business support for local not for profits has always been wonderful, and this year’s corporate sponsorship of the Darien Nature Center annual fundraiser, “Fireside,” on Saturday, Oct. 21 has been record-breaking, the organization said in an announcement. Here’s the rest of the announcement:
“All types and sizes of businesses are participating in our fundraiser and we are so delighted to say ‘Thank you!’ for their support of our work to promote access to, and appreciation for, nature to all ages,” said Leila Wetmore, executive director of Darien Nature Center. “We are very grateful to our corporate sponsors who have stepped up with such enthusiasm and generosity.”
Ring’s End will be a lead sponsor, along with Callari Auto Group.
The Darien Nature Center is pleased to announce a new gardening series starting this fall and continuing through the winter into spring. We will be joined by master gardener, Eve Mauger, and by native plant and composting enthusiast, Deepika Saksena, as we explore everything from pruning, planting, the benefits of native species, and what to do with those pesky weeds! “Adding native plants to your garden can have remarkable results — adding beautiful color and texture, simplifying care, and attracting birds, butterflies and pollinating bees,” said Mauger, who will be leading the series. “We also want to share tips on gardening basics and composting that every level of gardener can benefit from. Mostly, we will have fun in the garden and learn from each other as we share knowledge and experience.”
All classes will run from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and topics will include:
Propagation — Thursday, Sept.
While Earth Day is celebrated all over the globe, on Saturday and Sunday, April 22 and April 23 there will also be festivities a little closer to home. There’s an Earth Day celebration at Cherry Lawn Park on Saturday, and on Sunday afternoon, Darien Library holds its “All Things Green” festival. Also on Sunday, Darien Land Trust is asking volunteers to help with maintaining trails at Dunlap/Selleck’s Woods. Saturday, April 21 at Cherry Lawn Park
Darien Parks & Recreation and the Darien Nature Center have partnered to bring the community together at Cherry Lawn Park & the Nature Center for activities, informational displays, games and more to remind people just how important it is to take care of our planet. ______________
— This article presents announcements from Darien Nature Center, Darien Library and Darien Land Trust.
Environmental Horticulturist Kim Eierman will share her knowledge on landscapes as healthy ecosystems in her lecture, “The EcoBeneficial Landscape: From Trees to Bees,” at 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 7 at the Darien Library. The talk is free and is co-sponsored by Tree Conservancy of Darien, Darien Land Trust, Darien Nature Center and the Darien Library. __________
— an announcement from the Tree Conservancy of Darien
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Eierman will explain how even the most beautiful landscapes are not always healthy ecosystems, and that a landscape is more than a combination of trees, shrubs and perennials. Her talk will encompass how landscaping with an ecosystem approach contributes to species diversity, attracting and supporting more birds, butterflies, bees and other beneficial insects. She will explain how the design choices you make as a gardener: the plants you select, and the maintenance practices you use can make a huge difference in creating a beautiful, healthy ecosystem, filled with life.
