The Remarkable Landscapes of the Montague Plains

This illustrated talk for adults explores the natural history of the Montague Plains through four complementary perspectives. Geologist Richard Little explains the glacial lake Hitchcock origins of the Montague plain and why Turners Falls would not exist if not for this delta. Pat Conlin, Habitat Biologist at MassWildlife, describes the agency’s long-term stewardship and restoration of imperiled natural plant communities, Caren Caljouw, Prescribed Fire Manager at MassWildlife, covers the benefits of prescribed fire, and ecologist Mike Akresh, PhD, reviews findings from wildlife research conducted there. Together they show how geology, land management, and ecological research have shaped our understanding of one of New England’s most distinctive pine and oak barrens. There is time for questions following the presentations.

Meet in the Great Hall.