LAWRENCE — In an effort to foster the next generation of stewards of our natural resources, the Department of Conservation and Recreation launched the Stewardship Corps in partnership with the Lawrence Boys & Girls Club.
The program gives middle and high school students 13-17 the opportunity to receive hands-on learning from staff about DCR and its initiatives, including the operations of the state parks and trails, as well as the agency’s climate resilience and natural and cultural resource work.
The Stewardship Corps is funded by a $20,000 Hearts of STIHL grant program provided by the Stihl Corporation.
Through the Stewardship Corps, up to 20 students from middle and high schools in Lawrence, Methuen and Tewksbury will attend after-school sessions at Lawrence Heritage State Park. They will learn about different fields within DCR, including park operations, aquatics, archaeology, cultural resources, engineering, climate resilience, natural resources, and research. The program kicked off on Sept. 21 and is continuing once a week for eight weeks. Participants will also attend two Saturday field trips, including to Walden Pond State Reservation. The program will culminate in a service project in spring of 2024.
A strong supporter of America’s State Parks, the company introduced its Hearts of STIHL grant program in 2021. It supports programs that prioritize responsible forest management practices, sustainability, recovery, conservation and environmental education.
Nature Poetry Workshop is Oct. 7
ROWLEY — Greenbelt, Essex County’s Land Trust, will host a free interactive Nature Poetry Workshop with award-winning local poets January Gill O’Neil and Dawn Paul on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Rowley. The address will be provided to registered participants before the workshop.
O’Neil and Paul will guide attendees through a series of writing exercises, including individual and group feedback, all in an outdoor setting offering inspiring views of the Great Marsh and the Parker River. Please bring a notebook and writing utensil.
This event is open to all levels and is free of charge. Pre-registration is required. For more information and to pre-register visit online at ecga.org/Events.
Haunted Verses Trail planned
HAVERHILL — The History and Art Preservation Network organization will debut its first exhibition with its Haunted Verses Trail on Saturday, Oct. 7, from noon to 4 p.m. at the John Greenleaf Whittier Birthplace, 305 Whittier Road. This Halloween themed event is free and open to the public and takes place along the Freeman Trail.
It will feature family-friendly haunted and spooky tales ranging from classic literature, theater, Indigenous and traditional folklore and original works, all performed by local performers and storytellers. In the event of poor weather, the event will be held in the welcome center.
HAPN is a pending nonprofit and equity company created in 2023 in order to help facilitate the utilization of historic spaces for arts and performance pieces.
Celebrate reading on Saturday
HAVERHILL — The public library will be host Let Freedom Read “Read-In” as a part of a state-wide celebration of everyone’s right to read. This all-ages event is Saturday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the library’s Johnson Auditorium. Come pull up a chair and read or listen to any book you please for as long or as little as desired.
There will be a book display of challenged and banned books, as well as light refreshments. No registration is required. Simply show up at anytime during the event and crack open a book with your fellow community of readers.
If you can’t come in person but still want to join in the celebration, post a selfie or video of yourself reading and use #LetFreedomRead, then tag the library on Facebook, @hplma on Instagram or @haverhillpubliclibrary on TikTok. Please visit the Events page at haverhillpl.org or call 978-373-1586, ext. 608 for more information.
Coffeehouse performance on tap
HAVERHILL — Blues musician and two-time Grammy Award nominee Guy Davis performs at the New Moon Coffeehouse on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 7:30 p.m. The coffeehouse is located in the Universalist Unitarian Church, 15 Ashland St.
Admission is $25 cash at the door and $15 for ages 21 and under. Tickets for this show are available at the door starting around 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets can also be reserved prior to the show by visiting newmooncoffeehouse.org.
The New Moon Coffeehouse is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to supporting and enjoying the creative talents of acoustic performers and strives to bring you the best performers in a relaxing, friendly, smoke and alcohol free environment, where you can enjoy a great show, fair trade coffee, and awesome desserts.
The entrance to the New Moon Coffeehouse is on Ashland Street, at the back of the UU Church. There are two parking lots available behind the church, on both sides of Ashland Street. Street parking is also available.