Naturalists’ Corner: No Mow May by Dori Dittmer

Newsletter: Spring 2025

May Meeting

Kestrel Land Trust’s Nature Retreats

Presented by Monica Green and Marilyn Castriotta

The Valley’s regional land trust owns seven nature retreats that offer forest trails, brooks, rock ledges, ponds, a bog, and other unique features. These properties are open to the public for hiking, snowshoeing, birding, picnics, and other ways of enjoying the outdoors. Kestrel staff Monica Green and Marilyn Castriotta will provide a virtual tour of these special places and share an update on the Land Trust’s work to connect Valley residents from all walks of life with the land.
About the Speakers: Monica has spent her adult life working for small nonprofits committed to the common good. Growing up in eastern Massachusetts, she spent summer vacations camping on Cape Cod and the Maine coast. After living in Maryland, Ohio, and Washington DC, she found her home in the Valley in 1995. Monica has served as Kestrel Land Trust’s development director since 2012. She is passionate about the power of generosity and gratitude in our community and world.
Marilyn developed an affinity for nature growing up in the small central Massachusetts town of Barre, where she gravitated to the woods and a nearby MassAudubon sanctuary. Drawn to science during her schooling, her professional path began in the medical field. Concerned about climate change and convinced of the importance of conservation as a solution, she transferred her understanding of biological systems to the environmental field, working for Northeast Organic Farming Association, Massachusetts Dept. of Conservation and Recreation, Ceres, and The Climate Project. In 2014, Marilyn completed her Master of Science degree in Environmental Studies at Antioch University New England. Following a year of TerraCorps service at Kestrel, Marilyn joined the staff in 2018 as Community Engagement Manager.

Wednesday, May 21, starting at 7 p.m.

Tolman Auditorium, Springfield Science Museum

Visit some of our partners’ websites: Springfield Stars Club Allen Bird Club Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary