Athol Bird and Nature Club fall events

ATHOL – Below are some of the upcoming events this fall through the Athol Bird and Nature Club.

Sunday, Sept. 22, 1:30 p.m. – “Forest Stand Improvement in the Quabbin Watershed” with Austin Gelinas. In the winter of 2023 DCR Division of Water Supply Protection launched the Forest Stand Improvement pilot project. This seeks to improve forest resiliency in young forests to increase native tree biodiversity, improve wildlife habitat, and climate resilience. Millers River Environmental Center 100 Main St., Athol. Doors open at 1p.m.

Friday, Sept. 20, 27, and Oct. 4, at 7:30 a.m. – Early Bird Birding with Jeff Johnstone. Join Jeff for the traditional look at the local fall bird migration. Meet at the Millers River Environmental Center at 7:30 a.m. For more information, call Jeff at 978-249-9052. This event is free and open to all regardless of birding experience.

Friday, Sept. 27, 9:30 a.m. – The North Central Mass. Nature Journal Collaborative will meet to investigate local fauna. Gather at Barton Cove at 9:30 a.m. to explore local ferns. The group will stop for a moment to journal and /or observe.

Banned Book Week Events at the Beals Memorial Library

WINCHENDON – The Beals Memorial Library is shining a light on censorship and highlighting the freedom to read with activities and events from Sept. 23-28 in honor of Banned Books Week. During that week, children are invited to take part in a special Banned Book Storywalk outside on the library lawn, while teens and adults are invited to a fun and informative evening playing Banned Book Trivia.

On Wednesday, Sept. 25, at 6 p.m., come celebrate the freedom to read with a fun spin on trivia that is themed around banned books. This fun and fact-filled game will be played in teams of two to four. Prior registration is recommended, not required.

On Friday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., join the library and the Winchendon CFCE on a reading adventure with the Banned Book Storywalk. This year’s banned book will be “Strega Nona,” by Tomie dePaola. This children’s book featuring a kind grandma witch with a magical, endless pasta pot has been banned from a number of children’s libraries in the United States for depicting magic, witches, and witchcraft in a positive light. For participants, the Winchendon CFCE will be handing out free copies of this year’s banned book pick while supplies last.

The Beals Memorial Library is located at 50 Pleasant S. in Winchendon. For more information, contact the library at 978-297-0300, email at bealsmemoriallibrary@gmail.com, or visit bealslibrary.org.