Greetings all friends and neighbors!I am very excited for our upcoming free talk by local expert Mike Ather “Living like the Original People of the Winooski; Applying Ancient Knowledge of Native Trees and Plants for a Sustainable Future.” If you have already read William Cronon’s book, Changes in the Land, you know about the “paradise lost” that was once New England before first contact with Europe. Please come to this presentation to learn what we each, as individuals and members of community groups like Branch Out Burlington and BackyardWilderness.com (Mike's business) can do to restore the natural bounty and diversity that was once here.

WHO: Mike Ather, Noted local Naturalist, Backyard Wilderness.com

WHAT: Living Like the Original People of the Winooski: Applying Ancient Knowledge of Native Trees and Plants for a Sustainable Future

WHERE: Aiken Center, Room 102, Univ. of Vermont Campus (next to the Davis Center) FREE PARKING. Check out our website for details (www.branchoutburlington.org)

WHEN: Sunday, February 14, 4:00 pm

WHY: Learn how the indigenous people of the Winooski Valley used trees and plants to survive, and how to apply these skills to live a more sustainable life.

HOW MUCH: FREE

WHAT ELSE: Home-made refreshments will be served! Mike Ather, a 7th generation Vermonter is a noted naturalist and owner of BackyardWilderness.com, will share his insights about our city forest then and now at the Branch Out Burlington! annual winter seminar on Sunday, February 14 at 4:00 pm at Room 102 at the Aiken Center on the University of Vermont campus. When it comes to local nature, Mike Ather has seen a lot. He is known for his passion for organic gardening and composting, especially vermicomposting. As the title suggests, his lecture will describe how indigenous people of the Winooski Valley survived with the support from native trees and plants. His audience will learn how to use some of these ancient tricks to live a more sustainable life today.Branch Out Burlington! is a group of volunteers who help plant and care for the trees of Burlington. Our goal is to promote a vision of a city graced by a variety of beautiful and healthy trees, and a citizenry activelyinvolved with the perpetual expansion and preservation of our urban forest.

Here is a link to the BoB site for more information: http://branchoutburlington.org/ 

website: http://karendawson.com facebook page