Several July Events & An Exhibition with focus on the lives of ecologist Dr. Frank Egler and his wife the photographer Happy Kitchel Egler, two Connecticut pioneers of natural area preserve conservation.
We will highlight Aton’s scientific research work and the history of the Egler and Kitchel families’ regional conservation work in assembling the Egler Preserve, a 1500-acre Natural and Semi-Natural Area, and as of 2026 also the Spaulding Pond Preserve, a 1000-acre Natural Area. We will also shed light on Egler’s relationship with the ecosystem-thinking leader Rachel Carson who ushered in the modern global environmental era.
Events include:
July 10th (Friday) at 4:30 pm. Aton Centennial Exhibition Opening Reception. “What is Aton Forest? What Acquiring the Spaulding Pond Preserve Means to Us” at the Norfolk Hub. Speaker: Billy Gridley, President, Aton Forest. 20 minutes plus Q&A.
July 10th (Friday) at 6:00 pm. Music Friday Night On-The-Green. Bluegrass Jam & Food Trucks. Led by Grant Mudge, Board Member, Aton Forest.
July 12th (Sunday)at 4:00 pm. Aton Forest Science Lecture I. “Nature & Brain Health: Minding the Gaps”. UCC Battell Chapel. Speaker: Dr. Susan Masino, Professor, Trinity College. 40 minutes plus Q&A.
July 17th at 4:00 pm. Aton Forest Science Lecture II & Walk.“Mason Hale’s Aton Forest Lichen Collection: 70 Years Later Report” at the Norfolk Hub. Speaker: Dr. James Lendermer, Curator of Botany, New York State Museum. 45 minutes plus short Q&A then Walk at Aton Forest (15 minutes away)
The Exhibition will also launch the 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. 2026.
Future posts will include registration details.