The Nature Museum's Fall Programs and Events

GRAFTON, VT - September 13, 2017 - The Nature Museum announces its fall lineup of nature-related programs and an ear-thrilling benefit concert.

In a free program on Thursday, September 14, 7-8:30 p.m. at Compass School, 7892 US-5, Westminster, Vt. well-known author, teacher, and activist David Sobel will present "Wet Sneakers and Muddy Clothes: The Importance of Nature-Based Play and Education". Educators, parents, and grandparents will learn more about how critically important nature is not only for our children's well-being, but also for the future of the planet.

This engaging presentation by one of the foremost leaders in nature-based education is presented by the Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association and co-sponsored by The Nature Museum, Putney Mountain Association, and Windham Regional Woodlands Association with program support from the Bellows Falls and Springfield Rotary Clubs. This event is free and no tickets are required. Doors open at 6:30pm.

The Nature Museum's 9th Annual Fairy House Festival takes place in the beautiful town of Grafton on Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, September 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visitors follow a woodland path inhabited by a fairy village all made from natural materials. Along with being able to make your own fairy house, everyone can enjoy fun crafts, music, bubbles, hula hoops, tasty treats and more.

The Nature Museum is also seeking fairy-friendly volunteers to help out during this year's event. All volunteers get a free tee-shirt and free admission. If you are interested in being a volunteer, please register at www.nature-museum.org/volunteer-at-the-festival/ or call the Museum at (802) 843-2111 by September 15. The success of the Fairy House Festival is dependent upon the loyal and supportive efforts of our volunteers and donors. Light refreshments are available for purchase; picnicking is encouraged. Discounted tickets may be purchased in advance at nature-museum.org or for full-price at the gate.

The Mighty Acorns Club for preschoolers meets on the second Friday of each month from September to June. Budding naturalists explore the Museum's interactive indoor space as well as the wildlife garden, woods, fields, and pond. Kindred Spirits, for all ages, is held year-round on the first Saturday of each month and is designed for families to learn about nature through hands-on activities, both indoors and out. Drop-ins are welcome; RSVP is encouraged. Visit nature-museum.org for more information.

The Museum is pleased to present a benefit concert showcasing Big Woods Voices on Sunday, October 22, at 4:00 p.m., at the White Church located at 55 Main Street in Grafton. The a cappella ensemble is comprised of Alan Blood, longtime member of area groups the Blanche Moyse Chorale, I Cantori, Blue Moon, and House Blend; Will Danforth, singer-songwriter and traditional acoustic artist; Becky Graber, leader of the Brattleboro Women's Chorus and Animaterra Women's Chorus in Keene; and Amanda Witman, co-leader of the Brattleboro Pub Sing with Tony Barrand. Tickets are sliding scale from $10 to $25. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased in advance at nature-museum.org; cash accepted at the door.

The mission of The Nature Museum is to connect people and planet through programming for all ages. For more information, please visit Facebook.com/naturemuseumatgrafton, Instagram.com or nature-museum.org. The Nature Museum is located at 186 Townshend Road in Grafton, Vermont. The phone number is 802-843-2111.