"Salamander Sky" and "Water in Plain Sight": Women Writing About Nature The Nature Museum Hosts Two Events Featuring Vermont Authors

posted Thursday, February 1, 2018

GRAFTON, VT - This March, The Nature Museum invites you and your family to meet two Vermont authors who will delight bookworms and nature lovers of all ages.

On Saturday, March 3rd, children's author Katy Farber will read her new book, "Salamander Sky," an illustrated adventure of one girl who wants to help spotted salamanders. On Thursday, March 8th, author Judith D. Schwartz will lead a lively program on the global water cycle and climate change, including examples from around the world of water innovators whose understanding of the water cycle has helped address environmental challenges.

"Salamander Sky" with Katy Farber
Saturday, March 3rd at 1 PM at The Nature Museum in Grafton

Every spring, thousands of animal lovers across New England wait for the warmer, rainy nights which herald the miraculous migration of the spotted salamander.

"Down in their tree root burrows, the salamanders are waiting, too." Children's author Katy Farber takes us into the world of the salamanders in her new book, "Salamander Sky". This dramatic, full-color adventure features a mother and daughter who go out on a rainy night to help the salamanders safely cross the road to a nearby pond. "Salamander Sky" introduces readers to the elusive spotted salamander and the perilous nighttime journey they take each spring.

Spotted salamanders spend most of the year underground and emerge during the spring rains for a short breeding season. These big, black, yellow-spotted amphibians are also excellent indicators of a healthy woodland ecosystem. Throughout Vermont, people help these amazing amphibians cross roads during "Big Nights": the warm, rainy nights of spring when hundreds of salamanders crawl out of their burrows. These salamanders are heading to ponds and vernal pools for their breeding season - but they often need to cross busy roads. That's where humans help: They watch weather forecasts, they contact one another by telephone or by email: "Here come the spotted salamanders. It's Big Night!"

Learn more about these amazing creatures with a special reading of "Salamander Sky" with Katy Farber on Saturday, March 3rd at 1 PM. Hosted at the Nature Museum at 186 Townshend Road in Grafton, guests will be invited to meet the author, ask questions about the writing process, and learn more about this incredible natural phenomenon which happens every spring and how we can help the salamanders that live in our forests. This lively event is appropriate for all ages and includes light refreshments. Admission is by donation, and guests are invited to come early or stay after to explore all the Museum has to offer. The Museum will be open from 10 AM to 4 PM on March 3rd. There is a "Kindred Spirits" environmental education program for kids of all ages at 10 AM - we invite you to join both programs for a full day of nature fun!

"Climate Solutions in Plain Sight: The Role of Water" with Judith D. Schwartz
Thursday, March 8 at 7 PM at NewsBank Conference Center in Chester

How does water move across our landscape and through our atmosphere? What is the "water cycle," and how can we attune to it? Judith D. Schwartz, well-known author of "Cows Save the Planet" and "Water in Plain Sight: Hope for a Thirsty World," will present a refreshing perspective on water in a unique presentation on Thursday, March 8, at 7 PM at the Newsbank Conference Center in Chester, VT.

By allying with the water cycle, we can revive lush, productive landscapes. Like the river in rural Zimbabwe that, thanks to restorative grazing, now flows miles further than in living memory. Or the food forest of oranges, pomegranates, and native fruit-bearing plants in Tucson, grown through harvesting urban wastewater. Or the mini-oasis in West Texas nourished by dew. Animated by stories from around the globe, Judith's presentation is an inspiring reminder that fixing the future of our drying planet involves understanding what makes natural systems thrive. This event will include a presentation by the author, a group discussion, light refreshments, and book signings at the end of the evening.

This event, hosted at the NewsBank Conference Center at 352 Main Street in Chester, is recommended for adults and older children. Tickets are a $7 suggested donation before March 1st and a $10 suggested donation after. Refreshments from the Grafton Village Bakery will be served. To buy your ticket or for more information, please go to: www.nature-museum.org or call (802) 843-2111.

More information and tickets for both "Salamander Sky" on March 3 and "Climate Solutions in Plain Sight" on March 8 can be found at www.nature-museum.org.

The Nature Museum is a regional resource for nature, science and environmental education in Southern Vermont. More than a museum, this community-supported organization also provides hands-on exhibits, delivers natural history and science information, and inspires stewardship of the natural world through programming and events for all ages. For more information, please find The Nature Museum on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.nature-museum.org. The Nature Museum is located at 186 Townshend Road in Grafton, Vermont.

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