Doug Tallamy, Nationally Recognized Author to Speak
Douglas W. Tallamy, professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware where he has authored 104 research publications and has taught insect-related courses for 40 years, will be speaking on Nature’s Best Hope at Souhegan High School on October 23, 2021 at 7:00 PM. The public is invited to this talk hosted by The Amherst Garden Club.
Chief among Professor Tallamy’s research goals has been to better understand the many ways insects interact with plants and how such interactions determine the diversity of animal communities that are so necessary for the health of our planet. As the natural habitat of insects, plants, and animals has decreased dramatically over the years, these plant and animal communities are threatened with extinction. Using the knowledge he has gained from his research, Doug shows the ways people can contribute to the health of these communities by how they landscape and maintain their yards. He envisions how homeowners, by developing landscapes that enhance local ecosystems rather than degrade them, can create a 20-million-acre network of viable habitats that will provide vital corridors connecting the few natural areas that remain.
Doug’s book Bringing Nature Home was published by Timber Press in 2007 and was awarded the 2008 Silver Medal by the Garden Writers’ Association. The Living Landscape, co-authored with Rick Darke, was published in 2014. Nature’s Best Hope, a New York Times Best Seller, was released in February 2020, and his latest book, The Nature of Oaks, was released by Timber press in March 2021.
Among his awards are the Garden Club of America Margaret Douglas Medal for Conservation and the Tom Dodd, Jr. Award of Excellence, the 2018 AHS B.Y. Morrison Communication Award and the 2019 Cynthia Westcott Scientific Writing Award.
Following CDC guidelines, the Amherst Garden Club is requiring masks for all members of the audience. Reservations can be made by clicking here or clicking the SignUpGenius button. Reservations will be limited to enable social distancing in the auditorium. Doors open at 6:30 for open seating.
Legacy Gift to the Town
The Amherst Garden Club is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the club’s founding in 1971. One of the ways we have commemorated the occasion is with a legacy gift to the Town of Amherst.
Our gift to the town is an inscribed natural granite bench and a pink dogwood (Cornus florida) tree at the intersection of Mack Hill, Dodge, and Jones Roads. This small historical park, the site of the Town’s first Meeting House, is along a popular walking route in the historic district, not far from the Town Green.
It is hoped by the club that the tree and the bench will be welcoming for pedestrians and will draw attention to the historically significant site.
Past and Present Presidents Reunion
In celebration of the clubs 50th anniversary, a gathering of past and present club presidents, along with some longtime members, was organized by Marti Warren and recorded on Zoom by M.J. Bachman and Joan O’Brien. Those who attended had a wonderful time laughing, re-connecting, and sharing memories from earlier years of the club.
Click below to watch the one-minute highlights video.
The Amherst NH Garden Club 