Upcoming Environmental Programs at the Kathleen Clay Library - October - November

Monday Oct 22 - Great Plants and Great Ideas for Winter Interest - Discover which plants have special characteristics and colors that add winter interest to your landscape?  Master Gardeners will discuss choosing and growing some wonderful plants that can make your winter garden more captivating and unique. 6:30 – 7:30 pm

Fri, Oct 26, 9:30 am - 4 pm - Flying Wild - Educators, parents, and youth leaders learn hands-on activities to teach youth about birds, birding and the importance of wildlife.  Participants can earn EE Certification Credit and CEUs and receive the Flying WILD educator guide along with materials specifically about North Carolina wildlife. To register, e-mail melanie.buckingham@greensboro-nc.gov .

Sun, Oct 28 - Beginning Birder Workshop: Introduction to Birds and Birding - This introduction to birds and birding, begins with a 45-minute class, followed by bird identification practice around the library. Supervised older children are welcome. This is a joint activity with the T. Gilbert Pearson Audubon Society and the Piedmont Bird Club. 2:30 - 4:30 pm

Monday, Nov 5 - Composting and Vermicomposting - Composting is a great way to recycle, and produce an organic amendment that improves the texture and fertility of your soil.  Learn what should and shouldn’t be composted.  Master Gardeners will go over the easy steps for having a successful “worm bin” at home. 6:30 – 7:30 pm. To register, call 336-641-2400.

Wednesday, Nov 7 – Plant Families - Learn about some of the many plant families of the southeastern US from Olivia Lenahan of NCSU. This program is sponsored by the Native Plant Society. 7 – 8:30 pm.

Thursday, Nov 8 – Wild Turkeys of North Carolina - Christopher D. Kreh, Upland Game Bird Biologist for the NC Wildlife Resources Commission will speak about wild turkeys in North Carolina including grouse, quail and turkeys. This program is sponsored by the T. Gilbert Pearson Audubon Society. 7:00 – 8:30 pm.

Sun, Nov 11 - Thomas Berry Award Celebration - The Thomas Berry Award recognizes an individual(s) or organization that has implemented sustainable and outstanding environmental programs or has engaged in re-imagining the human-earth relationship through scholarship, writing, poetry, or the arts.  Meet this year’s award recipient and see a new art piece installed to recognize award winners. 3 - 5 pm

Thursday, Nov 15 – NC Neighborhood Nestwatch Study –Citizen Scientists participate by supplying data from re-sightings of color banded birds, which reflect how long birds live within their yard and nearby surroundings.  Elizabeth Farley-Dawson, the Raleigh Coordinator, Field Technician & Educator for NC Neighborhood Nestwatch at Smithsonian Institution, will talk about the data, analysis, and some of the recent outcomes of this study. 7 – 8:30 pm

Friday, Nov 16 - Thomas Berry Discussion - Elaine Stover will help lead a discussion of Thomas Berry’s book, The Great Work: Our Way Into the Future.  According to Berry, “A truly human intimacy with the earth and with the entire natural world is needed.” Pick up a copy at the branch prior to the program. Noon – 1 pm.

Wed, Nov 28 - Journey of the Universe. Film and Discussion - Join us for the Emmy-award winning film by Brian Thomas Swimme and Mary Evelyn Tucker which weaves a story about the role of humans and the nature of the universe combining astronomy, geology, biology, ecology, and biodiversity.  The film is inspired by The Universe Story written by Thomas Berry and Brian Thomas Swimme. 7 - 8:30 pm

Wednesday, Dec 5 – Seeds - Join us to share seeds, photos from the past years observations and edible goodies (store bought) during our winter celebration. This program is sponsored by the Native Plant Society. 7 – 8:30 pm

Friday, Dec 14 – E.O. Wilson Discussion - Join us for a discussion of the books written by E.O. Wilson, and American biologist, researcher, naturalist, and Pulitzer Prize winner.  Wilson has been called the “father of biodiversity.”  Pick up a copy of the book prior to the program. Noon – 1 pm.