Ascienzo Naturalist-in-Residence

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The Red Hook Public Library

presents

Susan Fox Rogers

The Ascienzo Naturalist-in-Residence

I am delighted to be named the Red Hook Public Library’s first Ascienzo Naturalist-in-Residence. It could be a daunting role, except my definition of a naturalist is simple: it is someone curious about the world around them. That curiosity has led me down many paths, to being a bird watcher, kayaker, rock climber, writer and teacher. For twenty-two years I was writer-in-residence at Bard College, where I taught creative essays that focused on the Hudson River, the natural world, and on birds. Out of my teaching and a life-long interest in the outdoors emerged two books: My Reach: A Hudson River Memoir, which explores the Hudson River from the perspective of my kayak and Learning the Birds: A Mid-Life Adventure, which chronicles the thrilling first years of my birding life that took me from Florida to Alaska. I have traveled to Antarctica (on a National Science Foundation grant) and to the Arctic (by tall sailing ship on an artist’s grant) but am most happy exploring the Tivoli Bays and other haunts near home. I look forward to sharing my knowledge of the natural world (with a keen focus on birds!), and of this region, and to learning from others as we meet for walks or sharing ideas on a Thursday evening. We have so much to be curious about in this beautiful place we call home—so come join me.

Launch Event at Greig FarmSaturday, March 9, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.Join the library at Greig Farm for cider and snacks, a short walk along the trails, and an introduction to the next three months of natural adventures.We will meet at the picnic benches. Bring quarters to buy food to feed the goats!All are welcome.

MONDAY MORNINGOFFICE HOURS

Join Susan on Monday mornings at 7 a.m., starting on March 11, with a walk down Cruger Island Road in the Tivoli Bays.  These walks are a great way to start the week!

These walks are open to all. The terrain is easy—a wide gravel road that allows for walking side-by-side. There is some incline—the road goes downhill to the bays—so the return might be strenuous for some. We will walk out onto the Cruger Causeway, which can be muddy, so wear sturdy shoes, and if you want to venture further out, ones you don’t care if they get muddy. For walks in March/April dress warmly. Birding is slow. Participants can join and leave the walk at any time—this is an “out and back.”On May 6 and May 20 our walk will start at 4 am for the dawn chorus (owls!).Parking at the top of the gravel road is good for 3-4 cars, so park in the Bard “Robbins” lot and walk down.For more information, contact susanfoxrogers@gmail.com

 

THURSDAY EVENINGNATURE CONVERSATIONS

Every other Thursday evening, starting on March 14th, join Susan in the Library’s community room for a series of nature talks. These sessions will include nature observations and ideas on sustainability, and opportunities to share knowledge from moths to eels to salamanders.

Check our calendar for guest speakers. SATURDAY MORNINGNATURE WALKS

Every other Saturday, Susan will guide us through and around local open spaces, with partner organizations including Winnakee Land Trust, Bard College, and the O Zone.

Visit our calendar to learn more.