Science Lecture I was given on July 12th by Susan A. Masino, Ph.d. in partnership with the Green Team at UCC Norfolk
Science Lecture I: “Forests & Brain Health: Minding the Gaps” was delivered on July 12, 2026, in partnership with the Green Team of UCC Norfolk, by Susan A. Masino, Ph.d., Trinity College’s Paul E. Raether Distinguished Professor of Applied Science and Aton Forest board member.
The Lecture is part of the July 2026 month-long Aton Forest Centennial program which includes an Exhibition at the Norfolk Hub highlighting 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.
Aton Forest Inc. is a dual-purpose 501c3 organization: an Ecosystem Field Station and a Natural Area land trust. This year we are celebrating both our Centennial and the 2026 acquisition of the Spaulding Pond Preserve, a 1000-acre Natural Area, the creation of Happy Kitchel Egler.
“Forests & Brain Health: Minding the Gaps” addressed the critical human need for both Nature and healthy brains: studies evidence that spending time in Nature directly promotes brain health; in particular, spending time in complex intact forest ecosystems is therapeutic for higher functioning human metabolism. See attached Masino Forest & Brain Health Presentation
The Centennial program also 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, and rhereafter it will be available at Les Renards Bookstore at Station Place, Norfolk, CT.
Science Lecture II: “Mason Hale’s Aton Forest Lichen Collection: 70 Years Later Report” will take place on July 17th at 4:00 pm at the Norfolk Hub. Speaker: Dr. James Lendemer, Curator of Botany, New York State Museum. Registration: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/vsg5yg9