Aton Forest Centennial Science Lecture III Explores the Hidden Art and Ecology of Leafminers

For 100 years, Aton Forest in northwest Connecticut has protected habitat, supported ecological research, and expanded understanding of the natural world. Its centennial celebration honors that legacy, including the 2026 addition of the 965-acre Spaulding Pond Mini-Wilderness in Norfolk, created by Egler’s wife, Happy Kitchel, bringing Aton Forest’s owned natural areas to 2,500 acres.

 

As part of the celebration, Aton Forest will present its third science lecture, “Aton Forest Leafminers,” featuring Charley Eiseman, Aton Forest Research Fellow and published field biologist. The lecture will take place Friday, September 18, 2026, at 4 p.m. at the Norfolk Hub in Norfolk, Connecticut.

A recognized expert on leafminers, Eiseman will take audiences inside a fascinating and often overlooked corner of natural history. He will explore the world of leafminers—larvae of certain moths, flies, beetles, and sawflies that feed between the epidermal layers of leaves. Their activity leaves behind striking trails, blotches, and patterns known as leaf mines, creating a remarkable record on host plants. Eiseman will also highlight the complex relationship between insects and plants, and the vivid traces leafminers leave in their wake.

Since 2011, Eiseman has compiled and published natural-history information on leafminers across the continental United States and Canada, combining it with his own field observations and rearing records. He has traveled extensively to study leafminers in diverse bioregions and has written or coauthored more than 70 peer-reviewed publications, including descriptions of more than 90 new species.

Eiseman has served as an Aton Forest Fellow since 2022. In 2024, he received recognition from the Linnean Society of London and the Maxwell | Hanrahan Foundation for his contributions to insect natural history. He is the lead author of Tracks & Sign of Insects and Other Invertebrates and the author of Leafminers of North America, now in its second edition, with a third edition being released in monthly installments.

Science Lecture III is part of Aton Forest’s 2026 Centennial program and is sponsored by Aton Forest Inc., the Aton Forest Fellowship Trust, the Colebrook Conservation Commission, and the Norfolk Conservation Commission. The yearlong celebration has included a July exhibition at the Norfolk Hub that highlighted Aton Forest’s scientific research, the conservation work of the Egler and Kitchel families in Norfolk and Colebrook, Connecticut, and Frank Egler’s influence on Rachel Carson, author of Silent Spring.

The Centennial program also marks the publication of The Spirit of Aton Forest: Frank Egler, Rebel Ecologist, and the Pursuit of Science and Natural Area Protection by Billy Gridley, President of Aton Forest. The book is available at Les Renards Bookstore at Station Place in Norfolk, Connecticut.

About Aton Forest
Aton Forest is dedicated to protecting and stewarding its natural area preserves while advancing forest succession, ecological research, and demonstration work pioneered by its founder, Dr. Frank Egler. Through this mission, Aton Forest honors Dr. Egler’s practical and intellectual legacy and applies it to support both the natural environment and the human communities within the bioregion.

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Rooted in Remedy: Colonial Herbal Wisdom Comes Alive at The Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden

In Colonial America, families didn’t have modern pharmacies around the corner. Instead, they turned to what grew nearby. Knowledge of these remedies was practical, personal, and often passed down through generations. This September, The Glebe House & Gertrude Jekyll Garden, in Woodbury, invites curious minds, plant lovers, and history enthusiasts to explore herbal medicine in Colonial America in a two-part series led by Dr. Eugene Zampieron, known as Dr. Z.

With more than 25 years of experience as a licensed naturopathic physician, medical botanist, registered professional herbalist, professor, author, lecturer, radio personality, and Caribbean ethnobotanist, Dr. Z brings deep expertise and a lively teaching style to this one-of-a-kind program.

The series begins on Wednesday, September 23 at 6 p.m. with an engaging online presentation that introduces the foundations of colonial herbal medicine. Dr. Z will guide participants through the plants and practices that shaped early American healing traditions, highlighting the cultural and scientific roots of herbal care. This session sets a strong foundation for the garden and hands-on experience that follows.

The learning continues in person on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 11 a.m. with a fascinating hands-on workshop that brings colonial herbal traditions to life. The day begins with a guided garden tour designed to help participants identify medicinal and edible plants. Along the way, Dr. Z will share insights into the folklore, chemistry, and traditional uses of the herbs growing at Woodbury’s historic Glebe House, which dates to the 1740s.

Then comes the fun part: making your own remedies. Using herbs gathered from the garden, foraged from the wild, and purchased locally, attendees will get hands-on experience crafting two traditional preparations: a healing salve and a choice between a classic Colonial-style cough remedy or an immune-supporting tonic. Best of all, each participant will leave with finished handmade medicines plus the knowledge and confidence to recreate them at home.

This is more than a workshop—it’s a chance to reconnect with a living tradition. Whether you’re interested in herbal medicine, history, gardening, or natural wellness, this program offers a thoughtful and practical experience rooted in place and heritage. It’s a reminder that the connection between people, plants, and wellness has deep roots—and that some of the best lessons from the past are still worth carrying forward.

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Registration Details

Program fee: $65 per person

Includes: both sessions, equipment use, and all supplies

Pre-registration required at https://www.glebehousemuseum.org/single-post/herbal-medicines-of-colonial-america-webinar-workshop

For additional information, email office@glebehousemuseum.org or call 203-263-2855.

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Norwalk Oyster Festival Announces 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

The Norwalk Oyster Festival taking place September 11–13, 2026, at Veterans Park in Norwalk, has announced a special 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Friday, September 11, at 6 p.m.


“As we come together on this very 25-year milestone, the Norwalk Seaport Association would like to honor the 14 victims from Norwalk lost on that day,” said Rick McQuaid, President of the Norwalk Seaport Association.

The ceremony will feature remarks from McQuaid; a Presentation of Colors by the Norwalk Police Honor Guard; the National Anthem performed by Jonathan Peters; the Pledge of Allegiance led by former Mayor Harry Rilling, who served as Norwalk’s Police Chief during 9/11; and an Invocation by Reverend Artie Kassimis of the Word Alive Bible Church. Additional tributes will include the reading of the names of Norwalk’s 14 victims followed by the ringing of a bell, musical reflections, a Benediction by Reverend Artie Kassimis, and the retirement of the colors by the Norwalk Police Color Guard.

“We invite ticket holders to stand together in remembrance of those we lost and in gratitude for the first responders, service members, families, and neighbors forever impacted by that day,” McQuaid said.

Hosted by the Norwalk Seaport Association and presented by Mohegan Sun Online Casino, the Norwalk Oyster Festival is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser, supporting the ongoing preservation and restoration of the Sheffield Island Lighthouse.

Festival admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 5–12, with all entertainment included with the price of a ticket. Children age 12 and under receive free admission on Sunday with a paying adult. Discounted ride wristbands are available for $35 on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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This year’s entertainment includes Lita Ford at 8 p.m. Friday, Parmalee at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, and JUMP: The American Van Halen Experience at 4 p.m. Sunday. Festivalgoers can also enjoy family entertainment including the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack and the Ready Go Dogs Shows, along with an international food court, the New England Crafts Village, and the Mohegan Sun Online Casino VIP Lounge.

At its heart, the Norwalk Oyster Festival is more than an end-of-summer tradition—it is a celebration supporting education, preservation, and the region’s maritime legacy. For tickets and more information https://www.seaport.org/norwalkoysterfestival_entertainment

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Danbury Concert Association Opens 2026–27 Series with Acclaimed Pianist Ying Li, Sept. 20 @ 1 p.m.

The Danbury Concert Association launches its 2026–2027 concert season on Sunday, September 20, welcoming internationally acclaimed Chinese concert pianist Ying Li to the Visual & Performing Arts Center at Western Connecticut State University.

The 1 p.m. performance will take place at 43 Lake Avenue Extension in Danbury and promises an afternoon of dazzling technique, expressive depth, and a captivating program featuring celebrated masterworks of piano repertoire.

Single tickets for the September 20th concert are $33.85 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. Season subscriptions at $89 for all four concerts are also available at https://ticketscandy.com/e/danbury-concert-association-202627-series-18376

Ying Li, phonoto credit Shervin-Lainez

Born in China, Ying Li began studying piano at age five. Just nine years later, her exceptional promise led her to Philadelphia’s prestigious Curtis Institute of Music, where she studied with Jonathan Biss and Seymour Lipkin and earned her bachelor’s degree. She continued her education at The Juilliard School in New York, completing her master’s degree in 2021 under the guidance of Robert McDonald.

That same year marked a major milestone in Li’s rapidly ascending career. She won the Premio Internazionale Antonio Mormone in Milan and was named a laureate of the Young Concert Artists Auditions in New York. These honors affirmed her place among the most exciting young pianists on the international stage.

Li has performed worldwide at renowned chamber music festivals and with leading orchestras. Her performances have brought her to celebrated venues, from Teatro alla Scala in Milan and Verizon Hall at Philadelphia’s Kimmel Cultural Campus to the Chicago Cultural Center and ACT Concert Hall in Hamamatsu, Japan.

Widely praised for her “nerves of steel,” technical brilliance, and profound musical sensitivity, Li brings a presence that is both commanding and deeply communicative. For her Danbury appearance, Li will perform a compelling and wide-ranging program featuring works by Bach/Busoni, Amy Beach, Stravinsky, and Qigang Chen. The repertoire offers audiences an opportunity to experience the breadth of her artistry—from clarity and control to sweeping virtuosity and emotional nuance. Following the concert, audience members are invited to stay and meet the rising piano star in person.

With Ying Li’s dynamic artistry opening the season, the Danbury Concert Association’s 2026–2027 series begins on a high note—inviting music lovers to experience a remarkable performer whose international career is already making an indelible impression.



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 then, except during the COVID era. Today, performances are held at the Visual and Performing Arts Center at Western Connecticut State University, featuring internationally acclaimed artists in a state-of-the-art concert hall. The Association presents four concerts per season, two in the fall and two in the spring, each followed by a meet-the-artists reception.

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A Grand Finale to Summer: The 48th Norwalk Oyster Festival Returns September 11-13

Make the most of summer’s last hurrah at the Norwalk Oyster Festival, taking place September 11–13 at Veterans Park (42 Seaview Ave., Norwalk). Hosted by the Norwalk Seaport Association and presented by Mohegan Sun Online Casino, this festival is more than just a celebration—it’s the largest annual fundraiser supporting the continuing preservation and restoration of the Sheffield Island Lighthouse. Tickets are available online and at the gate at $20 for adults and $10 for children 5-12, with all entertainment included in the admission price. Families will appreciate that children ages 12 and under are free on Sunday with a paying adult, while discounted ride wristbands at $35 each (available Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) keep the thrills accessible for all ages.

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For those looking to indulge, the Mohegan Sun Online Casino VIP Lounge returns with an upgraded, upscale retreat in the heart of the festival. For just $50 per day, festivalgoers 21+ will score the VIP Lounge plus festival admission, comfy seating, three adult drinks, exclusive giveaways, and delicious bites including grilled oysters, hanger steak, corn salad, and smoked salt potatoes. It’s a refined way to experience the festival—equal parts relaxation and fun. For combination tickets https://www.seaport.org/mohegan-sun-online-casino-lounge

The Xfinity Main Stage) is bringing three nights of can’t-miss entertainment—starting with the fierce, glam-metal legend Lita Ford on Friday, September 11, at 8 pm. Known for hits like “Kiss Me Deadly” and the powerful duet “Close My Eyes Forever” with Ozzy Osbourne, her presence anchors opening night with grit, nostalgia, and undeniable star power.

Parmalee takes the Xfinity Main Stage on Saturday, September 12 at 8:30 p.m. With more than 1.6 billion on-demand streams and six No. 1 hits, Parmalee has redefined modern country music with powerful storytelling and a polished crossover sound. Expect a setlist stacked with fan favorites like “Carolina,” “Close Your Eyes,” and “Already Callin’ You Mine alongside newer chart-toppers including “Take My Name,” “Girl in Mine,” and “Cowgirl,” a track that recently made history as one of the longest-running No. 1 songs in over a decade on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.

Dance to the multi-platinum country group Parmalee

On Sunday, September 13, the festival shifts into high gear one last time as JUMP: America’s Van Halen Experience closes out the weekend at 4 p.m. The band delivers a high-octane tribute to Van Halen’s David Lee Roth era—complete with faithful renditions, theatrical flair, and a setlist that dives beyond the biggest hits to the delight of true fans.

The high octane performance of JUMP: America’s Van Halen Experience closes out the weekend

Beyond the Xfinity Main Stage, the Norwalk Oyster Festival is packed with interactive entertainment for all ages. The Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show brings the world of logging to life. Watch as World -Class and World -Champion Lumberjacks go head-to-head in epic battles of muscle vs. machine, showcasing skills like logrolling, axe throwing, and springboard chopping that have been wowing audiences for over 35 years! The Ready Go Dog Show, as seen on FOX, ESPN, and the Today Show, features a cast of rescued canine athletes that steal the show with their amazing stunts and boundless energy. After the show, meet the pups in person, making the experience even more memorable.

Food lovers can take a culinary journey around the world without leaving the fairgrounds at the International Food Court. Feast on everything from New England seafood favorites, including buttery lobster rolls, creamy clam chowder, and freshly shucked oysters, to Italian specialties, Southern soul food, Latin-inspired dishes, amazing sweets, and much more. Wander through the New England Crafts Village, where artisans and makers showcase their work. From handcrafted jewelry and fine art to ceramics and wearable pieces, each booth offers something unique—perfect for discovering a one-of-a-kind treasure.

At its heart, the Norwalk Oyster Festival is more than an end-of-summer tradition—it’s a celebration with impact, supporting education, preservation, and the region’s maritime legacy, Sheffield Island Lighthouse.

Festival Essentials
Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for kids 5-12. Children 12 and under are Free with an adult paid ticket on Sunday. Tickets are available online at https://www.seaport.org/norwalk-oyster-festival or at the gate.

The daily festival combination ticket provides entrance to the festival and the Mohegan Sun Online Casino Lounge for 21+ for $50 per day. Combination tickets are available at https://www.seaport.org/mohegan-sun-online-casino-lounge.

Discounted business ticket packages are also available in blocks of 100 or more at 50% off general admission and available at https://www.seaport.org/business-ticket-packages.

Festival hours are Friday, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. For FAQs, including parking and shuttle information, visit https://www.seaport.org/faqs_norwalkoysterfestival

About the Norwalk Oyster Festival
Now in its 48th year, the Norwalk Oyster Festival is the main fundraiser for the Seaport Association and Sheffield Island Lighthouse. This is a three-day festival celebrating the maritime heritage of Norwalk held every September. The Norwalk Oyster Festival is known for music, a wide variety of entertainment, family fun, delicious food, children’s rides, and the New England Craft Village

About Mohegan Sun Online Casino
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Great Mountain Forest Partners with Northwest Conservation District and UConn 4-H to bring Ethan Tapper’s “How to Love a Forest” to Norfolk

On Friday, August 14 at 4:30 p.m., Great Mountain Forest, UConn 4-H, and Northwest Conservation District will host “How to Love a Forest,” a timely and thought-provoking conversation at Norfolk United Church of Christ. This presentation features Ethan Tapper—an internationally recognized forester, best-selling author, and digital storyteller—whose work has challenged long-held assumptions about conservation and land management. Tapper is the author of How to Love a Forest: The Bittersweet Work of Tending a Changing World, which has earned wide acclaim since its publication in September 2024, including the 2025 New England Book Award for nonfiction.

This program offers the public a rare opportunity to hear from a leading voice in contemporary forestry and to engage with one of the most important questions facing conservation today: How to balance preservation and management? Participants will learn that at the center of Tapper’s approach is a clear but often uncomfortable idea: caring for a forest does not always mean leaving it untouched.

Tapper’s talk will draw from “Bear Island,” the Vermont forest he has worked to restore. Once burdened by invasive plants, exotic pests, overabundant deer, and the long shadow of poor logging practices, the land had reached a critical point. Tapper chose to intervene with management actions that may sound counterintuitive at first—bringing in loggers, using chemicals where necessary, and intentionally disrupting parts of the forest to support its long-term recovery. The result is a powerful case study in modern stewardship.

For anyone interested in forests, ecology, or the future of environmental stewardship, this is a program not to be missed. To register for this free program, visit https://greatmountainforest.org/events

This event is sponsored by Doolittle Lake Company, Haystack Book Festival, Society of American Foresters, and the Norfolk United Church of Christ Congregational (UCC).

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