The Town of Kent is rich in natural wonders, and at 7pm on Tuesday, April 12, attendees will have a chance to learn about them at a presentation at the Kent Public Library in the downstairs program room.

Our town has thousands of acres of protected open space that provide habitats and corridors for a variety of animals and plants, some rare. Miles of hiking trails offer residents the opportunity to explore the woods and enjoy a variety natural treasures that are within our very own borders. But for many residents, these natural wonders are as yet undiscovered.

Join Beth Herr, chair of the Kent Conservation Advisory Council (KCAC), and Dave Ehnebuske, president of the newly-formed Kent Conservation Foundation (KCF) on an armchair tour of the many places people can enjoy hiking, fishing, kayaking, hunting, photography, mountain-biking, bird-watching, and sketching–all within the 43 square miles that comprise Kent. The program will feature local favorites such as the Mount Nimham Fire Tower and Hawk Rock, as well as the wildlife found there. But lesser known treasures will be highlighted as well.

The KCF carries out necessary projects as identified by the KCAC. State law prohibits the Town of Kent from funding many of them, so the KCF is charged with raising the necessary funds. All of the projects help protect, preserve and promote Kent’s natural areas.

The Kent Public Library is located at 17 Sybil’s Crossing in the Kent Town Square complex.

As you’ve no doubt heard, the CAC has been planning a work day for October 3 at the Mount Nimham Fire Tower to prepare the tower and the grounds for the upcoming festival on October 11. Given the stormy weather predicted for tonight and tomorrow, we will postpone the work day to this Sunday, October 4, 10am–2pm.

The weather forecast for Sunday looks good so we hope you’ll come give us a hand. To volunteer, or for more information, please call Beth at 845-228-5635 or Bill at 914-671-2764.

On Wednesday, June 12, 2013, from 11 to 11:30 AM at the Mount Nimham Fire Tower, the Kent Conservation Advisory Committee will hold a ceremony honoring members of the Go Green Club of George Fischer Middle School who have designed and painted four mural panels for the cabin at the top of the fire tower. During the ceremony, the murals will be unveiled at the base of the tower.

Shuttle transportation from the parking area at the end of Mount Nimham Court to the fire tower (see map) will be available from 10:30 to 10:45 AM for those who do not wish to hike from the parking area to the tower. Those who wish to join members of the CAC and of the Go Green Club for a hike to the tower should meet at the parking area by 10:15 AM.

Regrettably, in the event of heavy rain, the ceremony will be canceled. If you would like shuttle transportation from the parking area to the tower, please let us know. To request shuttle transportation or for more information, call Beth Herr at 228-5635.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013, 7 PM

Artist, naturalist, and author Carol Gracie will share her love and knowledge of spring wildflowers and their important interrelationships on Tuesday, May 14, at 7 PM at Arts on the Lake. Copies of her book, Spring Wildflowers of the Northeast: A Natural History, will be available for purchase.

See the poster, here, for additional details. This event is cosponsored by the Kent CAC with the Friends of Kent Library, Arts on the Lake and Friends of the Great Swamp.