Connecticut Travel

In today’s world where most things are mechanized or electronic, learning traditional skills is meaningful because it takes participants back to a time that they only read about in history books. One of the most amazing things about traditional skills is learning how to transform natural materials into something useful, by hand and sheer human ingenuity. On Sunday, April 28, at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., the Institute for American Indian Studies is offering two 1.5-hour traditional skills programs and walks that will focus on identifying and processing useful local minerals and stones used in tool making.

Join Traditional Skills Expert and IAIS Head of Fabrication and Exhibit Production, Griffin Kalin, for a discussion and walk that will take you back in time where local minerals and stones were used to produce ceramics, stone axes, projectile points, and adzes. This realm of knowledge has ensured the survival of people in the Eastern Woodlands for millenniums, and more importantly, is part of our human heritage.

With both a discussion and a short hike, potential participants should keep in mind the second half will require adequate footwear and may not be accessible to those with limited mobility.

Space is limited and pre-registration is required for this program. To register visit www.iaismuseum.org, email events@iaismuseum.org, or call 860-868-0517. The price of participation is $10 for members of the Institute and $20 for non-members.

About The Institute for American Indian Studies

Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have a 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, in Washington, Connecticut.

This April, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is calling on the community to join in celebrating Earth Day through its annual “Party for the Planet.” A series of engaging and educational activities are planned and designed to celebrate and inspire conservation action and appreciation for our planet’s incredible biodiversity.

Kicking off the Party on Saturday, April 20, at 9 am, the zoo will host an array of green-themed activities for all ages. In collaboration with the AZA SAFE program. One River School of Art & Design, an Art Sculpture Show will feature stunning sculptures of endangered animals created from recycled materials. Additionally, visitors can get hands-on at the DIY seed ball table and create custom seed balls to take home for their own pollinator gardens, contributing to local ecosystem support.

Also happening on Saturday, Energize Connecticut, in partnership with Avangrid, presents the “Energy In Action” Mobile Interactive Exhibit, a unique and innovative experience teaching children and adults alike how to become an Energy-Efficient Generation. Visitors can participate in energy-saving experiments while being introduced to green energy sources, emphasizing the benefits of an energy-efficient community.

Artwork created out of recycled items by students of One River Art School will be on display, showcasing the intersection of art, conservation, and sustainability. This exhibit, part of the “Party for the Planet,” demonstrates ways to repurpose materials and highlights the importance of recycling.

The weekend will also see the zoo leading a cleanup effort in Beardsley Park on both April 20 and April 21 from 9 am to 12 pm. This vital initiative aims to clean up litter and beautify the park, fostering a cleaner environment for all. Participants in the cleanup will receive free admission to the Zoo for the day they volunteer, with registration required to ensure a spot due to limited availability.

To round off the month’s events, on Saturday, April 27, the zoo invites the community to visit the Community Pollinator Garden in Beardsley Park. Volunteers, guided by the zoo’s educational staff, will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on conservation action, aiding in the garden’s upkeep and learning about the importance of pollinators.

“Our ‘Party for the Planet’ is more than a celebration; it’s a call to action,” said Gregg Dancho, Director of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. “Through these activities, we aim to foster a connection between our community and the environment, highlighting the importance of every individual’s role in conservation.”