An Opening Reception was held on July 10th for the month-long (through August 2nd) Centennial Exhibition about the lives and legacies of ecologist Dr. Frank Egler, his wife the photographer Happy Kitchel Egler, her mother the conservationist Helen Binney Kitchel, and the author and ecologist Rachel Carson. See attached Comments made by President and Head Steward Billy Gridley
The Exhibition highlights Aton’s scientific research work, the history of the Egler and Kitchel families’ conservation work in Norfolk and Colebrook, Connecticut, and Egler’s influence on Rachel Carson, the author of Silent Spring. The Exhibition runs through August 2, 2026.
Aton Forest Inc. is a dual-purpose 501c3 organization: an Ecosystem Field Station and a Natural Area land trust. This year we are celebrating our Centennial and the 2026 acquisition of the Spaulding Pond Preserve, a 1000-acre Natural Area, the creation of Happy Kitchel Egler, thereby reuniting husband Frank Egler and wife Happy Kitchel. Aton Forest also owns the Egler Preserve (1926), a 1500-acre Natural and Semi-Natural Area in North Norfolk and Colebrook. It is the second largest Norfolk-based protected land owner with 2500 acres.
Opening Reception Formal Remarks. “What is Aton Forest? What Acquiring the Spaulding Pond Preserve Means to Us” at the Norfolk Hub. Speaker: Billy Gridley, President, Aton Forest. See attached Formal Remarks
The Exhibition launched the 2026 book: THE SPIRIT OF ATON FOREST: Frank Egler, Rebel Ecologist, and the Pursuit of Science and Natural Area Protection, by Billy Gridley, President, Aton Forest. The book is available for sale at the Norfolk Hub for the month of July, Thereafter it will be available at Les Renards Bookstore at Station Place, Norfolk, CT.
The Exhibition was followed by 6:00 – 8:00 pm Friday Night On-The-Green Hub and Aton-sponsored Music by Kathleen Parks Band https://www.kathleenparksmusic.com/. The event led by Grant Mudge, Board Member, Aton Forest.