The land that Kestrel work’s to conserve today is the home of many generations of native peoples, including the Nonotucks, Pocumtucs and Nipmucs. As a first step in acknowledging that we are on Native land, we’re introducing the Native Names Project, marking the original names of four conservation areas according to the Nipmuc language.

With the help of volunteer Janine Roberts and members of the Nipmuc Nation, we created a Native Name Poetry Box at four conservation areas around the Valley. Each box contains beautiful information cards about the Nipmuc people and language, and a notebook containing indigenous poetry and writing inspiration.

On Saturday June 26, join Kestrel’s TerraCorps Community Engagement Coordinator Ellie Viggiani and Janine Roberts to learn more about this project and explore your own connection with the land. After a brief talk about the project, participants will have the opportunity to explore Kestrel’s new property on the Mount Holyoke Range with a walk around the pond and spend some time writing their own poetry using guided writing prompts inspired by the land and its native people.

This special program is free, but donations are encouraged. Space is limited to 15 participants and registration is required.