Norfolk Earth Forum 2025: A Celebration of Nature and Community April 25 – April 27

 Mark your calendars! From April 25–27, 2025, the charming town of Norfolk, CT, will host the Norfolk Earth Forum 2025: "Our Glorious Northwest Corner: Celebrating the Connectedness of All." This inspiring three-day 8-event forum, presented by a collaborative of local organizations*, promises a rich lineup of activities centered on biodiversity, conservation, and our shared relationship with the natural world. “The Norfolk Earth Forum brings together experts, artists, and community members to address the critical biodiversity challenges facing our region and to celebrate our profound interconnectedness with all living beings,” said Erick Olsen, Pastor at Norfolk Church of Christ Congregational, which founded the first forum in 2024.

 

The forum kicks off with a special exhibition, "Imperiled Species in Our Community: The Biodiversity Crisis At Home," running from April 10–30 at The Hub. This unique exhibit, on loan from the Salisbury Association, shines a spotlight on local endangered species and showcases an educational poster created by the Norfolk Land Trust. Whether you’re a seasoned conservationist or simply curious about the environment, this exhibition offers a powerful lens into the biodiversity challenges right in our backyard.

 

The forum festivities officially begin Friday, April 25, with an opening reception and lecture by Tim Abbott, Conservation Director of the Housatonic Valley Association, who will discuss the national significance of local conservation efforts. The evening continues with a screening of "A Road Not Taken," a fascinating documentary on Jimmy Carter’s solar energy initiatives.

Saturday, April 26, offers something for nature enthusiasts of all ages, with three events. Start your day with the "Books & Boots" nature walk, inspired by Peter Wohlleben's The Hidden Life of Trees, and join Bina Thomson and Hartley Mead as they explore the lives of trees in the South Norfolk Woodlands. Later, Dr. Mike Zarfos, Executive Director of Great Mountain Forest, will lead a walk through spring wildflower blooms. Finally, Craig Repasz from Lights Out Connecticut will shed light on the critical Connecticut Bird Atlas project and the urgent need for bird conservation.

 

On Sunday, April 27, families can enjoy a delightful Children’s Crafts Workshop creating toad houses, followed by an educational program on reptiles and amphibians with the Roaring Brook Nature Center. The weekend concludes on a magical note with Paul Winter’s breathtaking concert, "This Glorious Earth," at the Church of Christ. Blending music with nature’s sounds, Winter’s performance celebrates the beauty of life on Earth, accompanied by an introduction to the concept of bioregionalism by Keetu Winter from Wellspring Commons.

Whether walking among Norfolk’s wildflowers, learning from passionate conservation leaders, or simply soaking in the melody of nature itself, the Norfolk Earth Forum 2025 promises to be an unforgettable event that inspires both action and appreciation for the world around us. Visit www.norfolkhub.org/norfolk-earth-forum for more information and registration details, or look for event flyers with QR codes around town. Together, let’s celebrate the beauty of our glorious Northwest Corner!

 

*Groups supporting the Norfolk Earth Forum: Church of Christ Congregational, Aton Forest, Great Mountain Forest, Norfolk Conservation Commission, The Hub, Norfolk Land Trust, Norfolk Library, Norfolk Rails to Trails Committee, Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, Manor House Inn, National Iron Bank

What’s Your Heirloom Worth? Find Out with Expert Appraisals & a Free Museum Tour of Matthews Curtis House

How many of us have inherited items from loved ones or acquired second-hand treasures, only to wonder what they mean or if they’re worth anything at all? It’s all too easy to leave these items collecting dust, their stories untold, and their potential unrealized. We imagine the lives they’ve touched, the journeys they’ve made, but without the expertise, those stories remain frustratingly out of reach.

Antiques Appraisal Day is here, hosted by the Newtown Historical Society on April 12 from 12 noon to 4 pm to help solve that mystery. For just $10 per item, you can finally answer that nagging question: What do I really have? Whether it’s a piece of jewelry, an antique book, or even a photograph of a larger item, you’ll get a professional evaluation from seasoned experts like Brian Corcoran of The Auction Barn, Tucker Frey of Tucker Frey Antiques, and John Renjilian of Pages of Yesteryear. These are people who don’t just appraise; they unlock history.

But the magic doesn’t end there. Just across the street, the Matthew Curtiss House will transport you back to colonial Newtown. This beautifully preserved 18th-century Saltbox home will be open to the public, giving you the rare opportunity to step into the shoes of those who walked these same streets centuries ago. Wander its rooms, marvel at its artifacts, and let history come alive before your eyes. What’s even better? Admission to the Matthew Curtiss House Open House is completely FREE—though donations are always appreciated to support the Newtown Historical Society’s incredible work. Whether you leave with a newfound appreciation for your family heirloom, a deeper connection to Newtown’s history, or simply a fun afternoon shared with friends and neighbors, Antiques Appraisal Day promises to be a day of discovery and delight. Because every treasure has a story. And every story deserves to be told. For more information visit http://www.newtownhistory.org. The Matthews Curtis House Museum is located on 44 Main Street, Newtown, CT.