Community Calendar

To commemorate the late Rachel Carson and the 50th anniversary of the publication of her groundbreaking book Silent Spring, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and other organizations and scholars are collaborating to present an exhibit in the Visitor Center at the Gardens from September 7 through October 23.

               The public is invited to a free reception for the exhibit, along with an airing of a PBS documentary about Carson, at the Gardens on Wednesday, September 12, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. The reception will begin with refreshments and a chance to view the exhibit. Then, at 5:30 everyone will be invited to the Education Center, near the Visitor Center, to see the acclaimed, hour-long American Experience documentary, “Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring.” The reception is co-sponsored by the Southport Memorial Library.

               Through artwork, photos, and interpretive panels, the exhibit, “Rachel Carson: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Silent Spring,” is a way to learn about the life and works of biologist, author, and conservationist Rachel Carson, who faced the wrath of industry giants to voice her concerns about the devastating effects of indiscriminate pesticide use. Her landmark work on the subject, Silent Spring, was published in 1962.

               Carson, a seasonal resident of nearby Southport Island, wrote numerous other books focusing on marine biology and the wonders of nature. She has inspired generations of environmentalists with her courage, power of observation, and emphasis on the connectedness of all living things.

               The exhibit will be on view in the Visitor Center from 9-5 daily and is free with Gardens admission. Collaborating with the Gardens to bring Carson’s work to the public are the following organizations: Boothbay Region Land Trust, Hendricks Hill Museum, Maine Audubon, Rachel Carson Council, Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, Southport Island Association, and Southport Memorial Library. The individuals involved in the project are Dr. John Juriga and Dr. Linda Lear.

               The exhibit and reception are part of the Gardens’ year-long focus on bird life. To learn more about the exhibit or the reception, or for more information about Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, call 207-633-4333, ext. 101; visit www.MaineGardens.org; or stop by the Gardens, located off Barters Island Road in Boothbay.    

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