2017 marks the 200th anniversary of Henry David Thoreau – the great American naturalist, writer, philosopher, and social reformer. Born on July 12, 1817 in Concord, Massachusetts, Thoreau is being celebrated nationwide this year in numerous ways, including the first-ever Massachusetts Statewide Read.

Kestrel Land Trust is joining this celebration by hosting the first of four Thoreau Bicentennial events on Saturday, September 30th. Join us for a reflective and inspiring nature walk and talk at Scarborough Brook Conservation Area in Belchertown. Along the way, we will pause to share and talk about passages from Thoreau’s work.

Bring your favorite Thoreau passage to read aloud. Visit the Walden Woods Project online to see a list of all of the works by Thoreau that are available in digital format.

“People are particularly drawn to Thoreau’s belief of finding spirituality in nature – a philosophy woven throughout his books and essays. As our lives become ever more complex, we hunger for simplicity and a communion with nature that Thoreau insists will lead to truth and spiritual renewal.” – Walden Woods Project

Registration is required, and space is limited to 20 participants.

There is no rain date for this program. The event is free, though donations are welcome.