A collaborative community event to kick off the 2024 Ashokan Watershed Conference.
Join Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program and Morton Memorial Library in Pine Hill for Blue Spaces, Healing Spaces, a deep dive into the benefits of spending time near waterways featuring a talk by Dr. Don Rakow. Attendees can contribute to a mixed media art project by recording water memories, and mingle with neighbors during “connection hour” with light refreshments. Those who pre-register will be automatically entered into a raffle to win book bundles about the Catskills courtesy of Morton Memorial Library Pine Hill.
Dr. Don Rakow, retired Cornell faculty, has done extensive research on the physiological and psychological benefits of time spent in nature. Much of the early research in this field focused on “green spaces” like parks and forests. Recently, attention has been paid to “blue spaces” such as coastlines, lakes, and rivers. Dr. Rakow will share these research findings and their implications for modern society.
Other speakers at Blue Spaces, Healing Spaces will include Library Director Gisi Vella and Library Board Member and Video Artist, Jim Nevin. Tim Koch, conference organizer and Stream Education Leader with the AWSMP will introduce Dr. Rakow's talk.
Blue Spaces, Healing Spaces is co-sponsored by the Morton Memorial Library in Pine Hill as part of their First Library of the Watershed (FLOW) program. Pre-registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome.
This program is part of the 2024 Ashokan Watershed Conference, a series of nature-based experiences surrounding the theme Conservation Through Connection. Visit our website for the full schedule of events.
Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Programs are designed for residents and landowners of the Ashokan Watershed. If you are interested in participating despite meeting this criteria, please contact our event administrators.
Please leave pets at home. Please arrive promptly so we may begin on time.
We know that things come up unexpectedly, and cancelations happen. Please be respectful of others who would like to participate, and notify our team as soon as you determine you can no longer attend. Often our events have a waitlist and we work diligently to fill all spots to the best of our ability.
