“People often ask me what one thing I would recommend to restore relationship between land and people. My answer is almost always ‘Plant a garden.’ It’s good for the health of the earth and it’s good for the health of people.“
– Robin Kimmerer,
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
Join us for the second annual Community Read sponsored by Longwood Gardens, which is expanded this year to include a children’s title. We invite you to read Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Kimmerer. Together with local organizations, we will explore the book’s ideas about the importance of our relationship with plants, as well as Native American culture and storytelling, and the science of botany.
The children’s title, The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry, gives our younger readers an inspired look at what the kapok tree means to the creatures that live in it and what rainforests mean to the world’s ecology.
With Bayard Taylor Library and Longwood Gardens, TLC will explore the book’s ideas about environmental conservation, land stewardship, and community engagement through interactive programs. The series will include a book discussions, special speaker nights and various other opportunities to explore nature through the eyes of our authors.
Longwood Gardens, the host organization, will be holding an exciting event with the Robin Kimmerer and local community members to close the Community Read in April 12, 2015 at Longwood Gardens. We will discuss the text and its meaning.
It is inexpensive and easy to participate! Begin by reading this year’s books and then join us for one or all of the events below. For more information, contact firstname.lastname@example.org or call 610-347-0347 ext 104. Please register by using the links below or contact information provided.
Nature that Inspires: The Walk
Saturday, March 21, 2015 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Location: Bucktoe Creek Preserve (432 Sharp Rd, Avondale, PA)
Come on a woodland excursion and search for iconic creatures and plants that have inspired literary works such as Braiding Sweetgrass. Find something at the Bucktoe Creek Preserve that inspires you and join The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County at a later date for a writer’s workshop on nature writing on March 25, 2015. $5 members/ $10 non-members. Click here to register.
Nature that Inspires: The Workshop
Wednesday, March 25, 2015 from 6:00PM – 7:30PM. Location: Bayard Taylor Library, 216 East State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348
Discuss the many inspirations of nature that have led to great literary works. Try your hand at writing your own nature piece with the guidance of local writers. Searching for inspiration? Make sure to attend the first part of the program: “Nature that Inspires: The Walk” at Bucktoe Creek Preserve on Saturday, March 21st. Free. Click here to register.
Trails and Tales
Saturday, March 28, 2015 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Location: Bucktoe Creek Preserve (432 Sharp Rd, Avondale, PA)
Enjoy stories by the fireside at Bucktoe Creek Preserve after a brisk hike. Excerpts from this year’s Community Read: Braiding Sweetgrass will kick off our evening of nature stories, drinks and snacks. $5 members/ $10 non-members. Click here to register.
Braiding Bluestem: Native Grass Walk and Natural Art
Saturday, April 11, 2015 from 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM. Location: Bucktoe Creek Preserve (432 Sharp Rd, Avondale, PA)
Come take a morning stroll at Bucktoe Creek Preserve. Learn about the variety of native grasses present, followed by a relaxing art in nature session. The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County will provide drinks, snacks, and art materials. $10 members/ $15 non-members. Click here to register.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Location: Bayard Taylor Library (216 E. State Street, Kennett Square, PA)
Come learn about the creatures of the rainforest in Lynne Cherry’s The Great Kapok Tree! Following the reading we will create our very own rainforest where you can become the animal of your choosing. The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County will provide crafts and snacks. Free. Click here to register.
From the Amazon Rainforest to Our Forest
Saturday, April 18, 2015 from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM. Location: Bucktoe Creek Preserve (432 Sharp Rd, Avondale, PA)
Couldn’t make the first part of our reading of The Great Kapok Tree on April 15th? Join The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County in exploring our forests and the creatures that live there. Partake in snacks, games, and story writing. $5 members/ $10 non-members. Click here to register.