Fall is a wonderful period of transition in New England. The air is crisp, the trees are producing brilliant natural colors, and many feathered friends will be stopping in our Valley to refuel on their annual migrations to warmer climes.

Join us on Saturday, September 23 as birding expert Katie Schroeder leads us on a stroll around hay fields and beaver ponds to identify some of the extraordinary bird diversity on Foxcroft Farm, which Kestrel Land Trust helped conserve in 2017. We will pause occasionally to take in the sweeping, picturesque autumn views from this part of Amherst. Peg Riley, co-owner of Foxcroft and professor of biology at UMass Amherst, will also share her knowledge and love of nature as we walk the farm.

After the walk, Jim Hoerle, co-owner of Foxcroft, will provide a tour of his majestic post and beam barn as he shares his journey to restore this farm to productivity. We will sample the honey, visit the chickens, and learn how Kestrel played a key role in preserving this land for future generations.

The program will include a 2-hour walk (7:00-9:00 AM) followed by light snacks in the barn. Tea, coffee, and pastries will be generously provided by Peg and Jim.

Katie Schroeder recently moved to the area from Pennsylvania and loves birding and hiking. She is currently a PhD candidate at UMass studying communication in songbirds.

Space is limited and registration is required with a sliding-scale donation.