PROGRAMS AND EVENTS: MONTHLY PROGRAMS
MONTHLY PROGRAMS
What should the human role be in Earth’s ecosystem? Locally, how does the current crisis of climate change affect communities in the Mid-Hudson Valley? At the Woodstock Land Conservancy, our 2025 programming aims to deepen the human connection to the land, focusing on an overarching theme of “observation.”
Observation encompasses many aspects. It encourages a close-up view from a particular vantage point – as in Kristen Garnier’s “Wildflower Watching,” which will bring field microscopes to Zena Cornfield. It can also include a sobering view of the present, which we will do by honoring the original stewards and studying long-term care of the land, highlighted by our Lenape Land Stewardship event with Wild Hudson Valley. Or, we can zoom out even further and observe from a distance. Take Robert Titus’ “A Journey Through Geological Time,” which will allow attendees to observe Earth’s systems across millions of years!
Whatever the scope, observation is also a way of slowing down. At times, humans have bypassed observation in favor of immediate action, missing out on all the natural world has to share. With this in mind, we’re introducing a new program, “Conversations in Conservation: WLC’s Annual Read.” Our inaugural book, The Light Eaters by Zoe Schlanger, illuminates the vanguard science of plant behavior.
There is always more of the natural world to see, cherish and study. By highlighting observation as a central element of our work, we invite all to linger on the sensory experience, savoring the awe-inspiring nature of the Woodstock area.
- Miranda Javid, Program Coordinator
01
Nov
Join us for Listening to Land, a field recording workshop led by local sound-artist Zaneta at Israel Wittman Sanctuary. This immersive outdoor experience invites participants to deepen their relationship with the natural world through attentive listening and the practice of recording ambient sound. Guided by Zaneta’s expertise in eco-acoustic art and mindful soundwalking, the group will explore how sound can reveal hidden dimensions of a landscape. No prior experience is necessary.
21
Dec
Join us for a special solstice broadcast of The Sounds of the Winter Solstice, a soundscape and vocal performance by artist Zaneta. This piece is an excerpt of a larger work Invitations from the Land, which was recorded at WLC’s Israel Wittman Sanctuary in the Zena Highwoods. Drawing from field recordings captured at powerful celestial moments like solstices and equinoxes, Zaneta creates immersive sonic worlds where the forest itself becomes both stage and collaborator. Layered within these soundscapes are her sung responses, an intimate practice rooted in her Filipinx heritage and the tradition of singing to the forest passed down by her grandmother.
22
Jan
Wednesday, 22 January 2025 6:30 pm
Conversations in Conservation (Virtual book discussion pt 1)
Zoom
The Woodstock Land Conservancy is proud to name Drinkable Rivers by Li An Phoa and Maarten Van Der Schaaf as our 2026 Book of the Year and the featured selection in our Conversations in Conservation series.
This book honors our 2025 Program Theme: Ecologies of Water. Join us for this, the first of two virtual discussions on the drinkability of rivers. Drinkable Rivers is available for purchase at The Golden Notebook for a 10% discount and for loan through The Woodstock Library.