[SEMCO] Authors talk and walk at Mass Audubon

[Melissa Lowe]

“Beyond the Book”:  Local Authors to Speak at Mass Audubon and Lead Walks

South Wellfleet, MA. – Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is
hosting a series of four lectures and four walks led by local authors of
current natural history books and field guides. Beth Schwarzman, Tom Long,
Mario DiGregorio, and Blair Nikula are the authors highlighted in this
special “talk and walk” series. In the lectures, writers will share what
inspired them to write, how they tackled the project, and expand on the
subjects of their books. Copies of the books will be available for purchase
and signing. After the talk, each author will also lead an educational walk
that covers the area of their expertise.

BETH SCHWARZMAN, author of “The Nature of Cape Cod,” will kick off the
series with her talk and walk scheduled for SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22. Beth’s book
is a comprehensive guide to the environment and natural surroundings of the
Cape, including this peninsula’s geologic history and details about the
unique flora and fauna found in the various natural communities. This book
is a fantastic guide for both the newcomer to Cape Cod and the seasoned
resident. The lecture and book signing will start at 1 p.m. and will be held
at the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Beth will also lead a walk focusing
identifying trees in winter by recognizing the bark, twigs, shape, and
habitat of the different species of trees and shrubs.

The series continues on Sunday, March 21 with Boston Globe columnist and
author Tom Long presenting on his book “New England Nature Watch” and
leading a walk in search of signs of spring.

Local botanist Mario DiGregorio, author of “Cape Cod Wildflowers: A
Vanishing Heritage” will give a slide show on Sunday, April 4. He will also
lead a walk highlighting the rare coastal heathlands and the endangered
broom crowberry, the first plant to flower in the spring.

Blair Nikula will close the series on Sunday, May 23. His field guide “A
Field Guide to the Dragonflies and Damselflies of Massachusetts” is one of a
kind and a much needed local resource. Blair’s talk and walk will provide an
introduction to the life histories and identification of these popular
insects.

Cost for each lecture is $3 for Mass Audubon members and $5 for non-members.
Walks are an additional $5 for Mass Audubon members and $9 for non-members.
Space is limited on the walks and pre-registration is required. Reservations
can be made by calling the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary at 508-349-2615.

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Melissa Lowe
Education Coordinator
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
PO Box 236, South Wellfleet, MA 02663
508-349-2615 or mlowe at wellfleetbay.org
www.wellfleetbay.org