NEW SALEM — As part of a New Salem Public Library program, Joanne Pearson, a professional photographer for more than 25 years, will present a visual tour of some of the most beautiful gardens in New England on Friday, March 4, at 7 p.m.
With a slideshow, Pearson will share colorful photos of some of her favorite public and private gardens. She will also discuss the history of the gardens and offer pointers on garden design, plus some techniques for photographing flowers and gardens.
Prior to becoming a photographer, Pearson was a registered landscape architect in Massachusetts for 12 years. She lives in Worcester County, and her photographs have been published in calendars, magazines and books. She presents visual programs across the region (in person and via Zoom) on gardens, garden design and photographing gardens.
To register for the virtual event, call the New Salem Public Library at 978-544-6334 or email n_salem@cwmars.org. Visit bit.ly/3skHtTk to see some of Pearson’s photographs.
ATHOL — The Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust has raised more than $3 million in its “The Land Forever” campaign.
Publicly launched in June 2021, the campaign will help defend the 36,000 acres Mount Grace has protected while also providing a foundation to protect more land.
“We started this campaign with three goals: make sure we have enough resources to defend the land we’ve protected, expand our revolving loan fund so we are always ready to respond quickly when land needs to be conserved, and make sure we’re working efficiently and sustainably,” Max Feldman, president of the Mount Grace board of directors, said in a press release.
The campaign’s largest component is ensuring adequate resources to defend and care for the thousands of acres Mount Grace has so far protected, the release states.
Mount Grace’s revolving loan fund, now named the Leigh Youngblood Conservation Opportunity Fund in honor of the trust’s former longtime executive director, provides funds for initial investments to protect land in jeopardy.
The third aspect of The Land Forever campaign involves energy-efficient renovations and restoration of the 1790s farmhouse that serves as Mount Grace’s headquarters at Skyfields Arboretum, the release continues. It will also fund construction of a building to house the meeting space, event space and more workspaces to accommodate Mount Grace’s growing staff.
Visit mountgrace.org/thelandforever to learn more about and support The Land Forever campaign.