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
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 2026 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.
29
Jan
Are you interested in caring for local land? It’s time to sign up for our 2026 WLC Land Steward Cohorts! Join us for a virtual info session on January 29 to learn more about the program, including special projects planned for the year ahead. At the end of the session, participants will have the opportunity to select a WLC Preserve to steward.
The Land Stewards program invites volunteers to adopt and care for a specific WLC trail or property, with ongoing guidance from conservancy staff and support from fellow stewards. Throughout the year, participants gain hands-on experience in trail maintenance and invasive species management, take part in optional nature walks, and connect with a growing community of caretakers while exploring the question: How do we care for this land together?
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