Great Mountain Forest Hosts First Annual Nature Writing Retreat August 7-9 in Falls Village, CT

Great Mountain Forest (GMF) will host writers at its historic 6,200-acre woodland for a retreat centered on craft, reflection, and connection to nature.

The event features six nationally recognized authors. Interest is high, and spots are filling quickly. Registration is intentionally limited to encourage strong engagement between participants and instructors. Interest is high and slots are filling quickly.

Held at Yale Camp in Falls Village, Connecticut, the First Annual Nature Writing Retreat is open to writers of all experience levels. Activities will include campfire conversations, guided nature walks, and workshop panels discussing ecological literacy, journaling techniques, and the evocative and ephemeral in nature writing. Attendees may also submit work created during the retreat for a post-event online anthology.

Inspired by the legacy of Hal Borland, the American author, outdoorsman, and longtime New York Times nature columnist, the retreat is designed to help writers sharpen their perception, strengthen their voice, and write with greater clarity, authority, and imagination. Borland believed that writing about nature is a way of learning how to live more fully within it.

According to GMF Executive Director Michael Zafros, the retreat reflects a broader vision for the role forests can play in public life: “There are few uses of a forest more sustainable than serving as inspiration. This new program demonstrates how Great Mountain Forest can be an antidote to the challenges facing our world. The retreat brings people together, builds community in the forest, gets participants outside and off their screens, and uses nature sustainably to heal and inspire minds and souls.”

Curated by Tom Shachtman and supported in part by H. Bruce McEver, Roshy and Dalton Dwyer, and Housatonic Heritage, the Nature Writing Retreat is the first of what GMF hopes will become a signature annual program celebrating the connection between people, forests, and the written word.

Event Details

Dates: August 7–9, 2026

Location: Yale Camp, 177 Canaan Mountain Road, Falls Village, CT

Registration Fees: $435 (General), $335 (Students)

Optional Lodging: $70 (two nights)

Registration Deadline: July 24, 2026

For full details or to register, visit For full details or to register, visit greatmountainforest.org/writing-retreat-2026

About Great Mountain Forest
Great Mountain Forest is a nonprofit leader in sustainable forest stewardship, encompassing more than 6,000 acres in Norfolk and Falls Village, Connecticut. Through education, research, and hands-on management, GMF demonstrates how forests can support biodiversity, strengthen communities, and provide lasting environmental and human benefits.

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Norwalk Seaport Association to Christen Captain M.C. Schlegel Vessel To Honor of Maritime Leader, June 22

The Norwalk Seaport Association will host a special maritime christening ceremony on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM, celebrating the legacy of longtime member Mark Schlegel with the official naming of the Captain M.C. Schlegel vessel. The ceremony will take place at the Seaport dock at 90 Water Street in Norwalk.

“This event honors Mark Schlegel’s enduring contributions to the organization and to Norwalk’s maritime heritage,” said Rick McQuaid, President of the Norwalk Seaport Association.“ As passionate preservationist, Schlegel played a pivotal role in the restoration of the historic Sheffield Island Lighthouse, helping transform it into the vibrant cultural and educational destination it is today.”

Beyond preservation, Schlegel’s impact extended directly onto the water. He oversaw the design and construction of the Seaport’s ferry vessel, ensuring generations of visitors could experience unforgettable journeys to Sheffield Island.

As fleet manager, he trained captains and lighthouse staff with patience, kindness, and a deep commitment to excellence, setting a lasting standard for the organization.

Schlegel was also widely known for his deep knowledge of Sheffield Island Lighthouse history, captivating passengers with stories that brought the past vividly to life.

The christening ceremony will be officiated by Pastor Artie and is expected to bring together community members, supporters, and maritime enthusiasts to celebrate Schlegel’s legacy and the future of the Seaport’s fleet.

The Norwalk Seaport Association, a nonprofit dedicated to providing cultural, environmental, and historical experiences on the Long Island Sound, continues to connect the community to its rich maritime heritage through lighthouse tours, cruises, and educational programming.

For more information about the Norwalk Seaport Association and upcoming events, visit event tickets and information at seaport.org

About the Seaport Association
The Seaport Association in Norwalk was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. The Seaport Association offers a cultural, environmental, and historical journey to the Norwalk Islands. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper’s Cottage provide a unique historical and educational venue that strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration for the environment and how the preservation of historic buildings contributes to our quality of life. The combination of the Lighthouse and the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to educate children of all ages and adults about the importance of preserving Long Island Sound, our environment, and our maritime heritage.

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Docktails & Oysters A Seaside Celebration of Flavor & Tradition Hosted by the Norwalk Seaport Association June 20, 2026

Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 20, 2026, and prepare for an unforgettable evening on the water. From 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the Norwalk Seaport Association, in partnership with fourth-generation oyster farmers Norm Bloom and Son, invites you to its signature summer celebration — Docktails and Oysters. Set against the stunning waterfront backdrop of the historic Norm Bloom and Son dock in Norwalk, this one-of-a-kind event blends fresh-from-the-Sound oysters, live music, local flavors, and maritime tradition into a celebration like no other.

Beyond the food and festivities, Docktails & Oysters supports a meaningful cause. Every ticket purchased benefits the Norwalk Seaport Association’s educational programming and the ongoing restoration and maintenance of Sheffield Island Lighthouse. “For guests who have sailed to the lighthouse aboard one of the Association’s popular cruises, this Sheffield Island–inspired gathering offers another way to connect with the organization’s mission in a relaxed and festive setting,” said Rick McQuaid, President of the Seaport Association.

This event is also a celebration of Norwalk’s deep-rooted oyster-farming heritage. The renowned Copps Island Oysters cultivated by Norm Bloom and Son are nurtured under the dock, and then planted in the sandy bottom of Long Island Sound. The time-honored farming techniques used today have been practiced for centuries. The result? Oysters prized worldwide for their sweet, briny flavor and plump, tender meat.

If you’ve never tasted oysters literally fresh off the boat, this is your moment. Watch skilled shuckers expertly open each oyster before your eyes — setting them on trays with fresh lemons and a variety of delicious sauces. It’s culinary theater at its finest! Not an oyster lover? No problem. The evening will also feature a delicious spread of stationed appetizers catered by Seaside Sliders, along with craft beer and wine to complement the coastal cuisine.

With Long Island Sound as your backdrop and live music filling the early summer air, Docktails & Oysters blends fun, flavor, and philanthropy. It’s a chance to reconnect with friends, meet new faces, and celebrate the working waterfront that defines Norwalk’s character. Attendance is limited to just 200 guests, and the event sells out each year. Tickets are available online at https://www.seaport.org/docktailsandoysters2026.

For those looking to toast summer while supporting a cherished Connecticut landmark, Docktails & Oysters promises an evening that is as meaningful as it is memorable.

About the Norwalk Seaport Association

The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. The Seaport Association offers a cultural, environmental, and historical journey to the Norwalk Islands. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper’s Cottage provide a unique historical and educational venue that strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration for the environment and how the preservation of historic buildings contributes to our quality of life. The combination of the Lighthouse and the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to educate children of all ages and adults about the importance of preserving Long Island Sound, our environment, and our maritime heritage.

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Danbury Concert Association concludes 2025/26 series June 7 with Sophie Shao & Friends

The Danbury Concert Association (DCA) will conclude its 2025/26 season on Sunday, June 7 with a program designed to feel both celebratory and deeply personal: the return of acclaimed cellist Sophie Shao, joined by four highly acclaimed musical professionals—violinist Carmit Zori, violist Cora Pogossian, bassist Max Zeugner, and pianist Amy I‑Lin Cheng.

The concert begins at 3 p.m. at the Veronica Hagman Concert Hall in the Visual Performing Arts Center (VPAC) on Western Connecticut State University’s Westside campus—an intimate, in-the-round venue known for warm acoustics and a welcoming, come-as-you-are atmosphere. Single tickets for the June 7 concert are $25 and may be purchased online, at wcsuvpac.eventbrite.com, or at the VPAC Box Office (203-837-8732) up to curtain time. Admission is free for ages 18 and under, courtesy of the Danbury Cultural Commission.

For DCA audiences, Shao’s return is more than a season finale—it is the kind of artist-centered homecoming the organization has long championed. It reflects a rare concert experience defined by world-class musicianship in a setting where every seat feels close, every phrase feels immediate, and the post-concert conversation remains part of the tradition.

Shao and her fellow performers will present three works, each offering a distinctive voice and atmosphere. Elena Ruehr’s Sonata for Cello and Piano No. 2 brings modern expressiveness and rich color, highlighting the lyrical warmth of Shao’s cello and the refined sensitivity of pianist Amy I-Lin Cheng. The program continues with a deeply meaningful tribute to Danbury’s own Charles Ives, who’s Piano Trio is especially fitting in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary. Following intermission, the afternoon concludes with Franz Schubert’s Quintet for Piano and Strings in A major, D. 667 (“The Trout”). With its buoyant variations and luminous lyricism, the beloved work offers an uplifting and generous finish to the season, bringing the concert to a joyful close.

That spirit of connection continues after the performance, as each DCA concert is followed by a meet-the-artists reception open to all, reinforcing the series’ tradition of community.

The June 7 season finale will also offer a first look at the 2026/27 series that includes: Ying Li, piano on September 20, 2026, Camerata RCO, chamber music orchestra on October 25, 2026, Kathryn Lewek soprano, and Zach Borichesvsky, tenor on March 21, 2027, and the Brubeck Brothers Quartet, on June 6, 2027. Special subscription pricing for the new season will be available at www.danburyconcert.org beginning June 8.

About the Danbury Concert Association
The Danbury Concert Association is a nonprofit organization with roots dating back to the 1930s. Officially spun off from the Danbury Music Centre in 1957, the Association has brought internationally renowned talent to Connecticut every year since, with the exception of the COVID era. Today, performances are held at the Visual and Performing Arts Center at Western Connecticut State University, in a state of the art facility. Each series features four concerts, two in the fall and two in the spring. Every performance begins at 3:00 p.m. and is followed by a reception with the artists.

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Wine, Cheese & Art Please A Garden Party to Savor at the Glebe House Museum

In the early days of summer, as fragrant blooms fill the air and golden light drifts through historic trees and gardens, the Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden—one of earliest historic house museums in the country invites you to experience something truly extraordinary. On Saturday, May 30th (Rain Date: May 31st) from 4:00 – 7:00 pm, the museum will host a festive fundraiser, “Wine, Cheese & Art Please,” at 49 Hollow Road in Woodbury. The celebration unfolds in the museum’s renowned Gertrude Jekyll Garden, designed in 1926 by the famed English horticultural designer, writer, and artist Gertrude Jekyll. Influential in shaping modern garden design, Jekyll’s work is revered around the world—and this garden remains the only surviving example of her design in the United States.

Adding artistic vibrancy to the event are 12 talented artists, showcasing work in a rich array of styles and media. From abstract canvases to delicate pastels, charcoal portraits to cutting-edge digital work, ceramics to poetry books, there is truly something for every art lover. Guests can watch works come to life, commission original pieces, and even sit for a portrait! Participating artists include: Raffaela Arcamone, Becky Butler, Sandy Carlson, Sharon Curran, Sandra Daignault, Sharon Famiglietti, David Jean, ShawnaLee W. Kwashnak, Kathleen L’Hommedieu, Lucy Pierpont, Christiane Schmohl, and Aaliyah Willets. Every purchase carries added purpose: 20% of all art sales support the Glebe House Museum, a National Historic Landmark, which has operated as a museum for 101 years. A silent auction featuring specially selected items will provide yet another opportunity to support the museum’s preservation efforts.

Guests are invited to indulge in a selection of tasty bites, each chosen to elevate the experience. The menu features delectable cheeses from New Curds on the Block, fresh oysters supplied by To the Gills, and an enticing array of sweet and savory hors d’oeuvres. Enhancing these culinary offerings is a selection of fine wines, including the renowned Walker Road Vineyard’s “Gertrude’s Garden.” Each pairing has been selected to enhance this historic setting, creating an atmosphere perfect for lingering and savoring every moment. With glass in hand and surrounded by natural beauty and intriguing pieces of art, this promises to be an experience to remember, while supporting history for future generations.

Guests will also have the unique opportunity to explore the main floor of the Glebe House during the early evening hours—a rare occasion, as the home is seldom open to the public at this time. Authentically furnished to reflect its Revolutionary War era origins, the house offers an immersive glimpse into the daily life of Reverend John Rutgers Marshall and his family, who once resided in the “glebe.” Touring these historic rooms in the soft, ambient light provides an atmospheric experience, evoking a sense of what life might have been like before electricity, when candlelight softly illuminated the walls.

Whether you come for the wine & bites, the art, the historic home, or the internationally celebrated garden, “Wine, Cheese & Art Please” promises a joyful celebration of creativity, community, and preservation. All proceeds from Wine, Cheese & Art directly benefit the Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden, ensuring that its history, garden, and educational programs continue for generations to come.

Event Details:

What: Wine, Cheese & Art Please

Where: Glebe House Museum 49 Hollow Road, Woodbury

When: Saturday, May 30th (Rain Date: May 31st) 4:00 – 7:00 pm

Tickets: $30 per person For online ticket purchases and additional information, visit: http://www.glebehousemuseum.org

To reserve tickets by check or cash 203-263-2855 / office@glebehousemuseum.org

About the Glebe House & Garden
Nestled in the scenic Litchfield Hills in the heart of historic Woodbury, the Glebe House Museum offers a unique look at Revolutionary War-era Connecticut. The restored 18th-century farmhouse, once home to Reverend John Rutgers Marshall and his family, is furnished to reflect daily life during the American War for Independence. Opened to the public in 1925, the Glebe House is one of the nation’s earliest historic house museums and has welcomed visitors for over a century. Its restoration was led by Henry Watson Kent, a leading figure in American decorative arts. Gertrude Jekyll, one of the most influential garden designers of the 20th century, designed the museum’s garden in 1926. This classic English-style garden features 350 feet of vibrant mixed borders and is the only surviving example of Jekyll’s work in the United States. The garden is now in its fourth year of full restoration.

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Spring Tea at the Mansion: Step Into the Gardens of the Gilded Age

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum in Norwalk, CT invites you to experience an enchanting afternoon at their annual Spring Tea at the Mansion on Sunday, May 3, from 2–4 p.m. This highly anticipated event, chaired by LMMM Trustee Lynne H. Byington, promises a delightful blend of history, horticulture, and High Tea in a stunning historic setting.

A Glimpse Into Gilded Age Grandeur
Highlighting this year’s Spring Tea is a captivating presentation by renowned author, speaker, and garden designer Jana Milbocker. Her talk, “Gardens of the Gilded Age,” is a richly illustrated journey through the breathtaking estates and legendary landscapes designed for America’s most illustrious families — the Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, and du Ponts — and the visionary architects who brought their dreams to life.

Guests will be transported to a time of unparalleled elegance and discover the stories behind these magnificent gardens, learning about the people and artistry that shaped them. Ms. Milbocker, based in the Boston area, is the author of four influential garden travel guides profiling 310 gardens along the East Coast. With decades of experience as an art director, marketing specialist, and garden enthusiast, her expertise promises an inspiring look into America’s horticultural heritage.



Afternoon Revelry in Historic Style
The Spring Tea offers much more than tea and treats. Attendees will enjoy:


Luxurious tea refreshments curated for a true Gilded Age experience
A hat contest—show off your most elegant or whimsical headwear
A silent auction featuring exclusive gifts donated by local businesses
A special drawing for added excitement
As Lynne H. Byington notes, “The Tea Committee is thrilled to open the Mansion’s doors for another memorable afternoon. Guests will enjoy a lavish tea, shop for gifts, and revel in the Gilded Age, while learning about its magnificent gardens from author Jana Milbocker.”

Event Details & Reservations
Date: Sunday, May 3, 2026
Time: 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Location: 295 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT
Tickets: $65 for members, $75 for non-members
RSVP by April 24th (hats encouraged!)
Reserve: lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, email info@lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, or call 203-838-9799 ext. 113.
Tickets are limited and reservations are required. All proceeds will benefit the Museum’s cultural and educational programs.

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