• Backyard Bird Feeding–The Basics and Then Some

    Kinderhook Memorial Library 18 Hudson Street, Kinderhook, NY, United States

    Avid birder (and esteemed Library trustee) Kathy Schneider will be giving a talk on feeding habits of the birds we find in our own back yard! This topic can be a lot more complicated than simply putting out seeds and hoping for the best. Kathy will discuss a number of topics, including the best placement for feeders, bird feeder hygiene and maintenance, dealing with pests such as squirrels and bears. If you're interested in attracting beautiful local birds (while benefiting them as well), be sure not to miss this program! This program is sponsored by the Cornell Cooperative Extension.

    Free
  • Doug Tallamy’s “Bringing Nature Home”

    Kinderhook Memorial Library 18 Hudson Street, Kinderhook, NY, United States

    To celebrate our library's (and our community's) commitment to sustainability,we are collaborating with the Friends to kick off a brand new series of programs dedicated to keeping our homes and neighborhoods green, verdant, and healthy! Join us for a documentary screening of Doug Tallamy's “Bringing Nature Home.” This talk was delivered to a packed auditorium at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem last October. His presentation discusses his grassroots conservation project to add native plants to our yards and landscapes.  Non-native species dominate most developed areas, but using Tallamy’s solution-based call to action, every person can help create habitat for beneficial ... Read more

  • Landscaping with Native Plants

    Kinderhook Memorial Library 18 Hudson Street, Kinderhook, NY, United States

    When European settlers came to the Hudson Valley, they missed their native cultivars and brought them here to plant in their gardens. As a result, an estimated 80% of ornamental nursery plants are non-native species that do not support local food webs and can become invasive. By planting natives, we can increase biodiversity and reduce the risks associated with invasive species. In this talk, Master Gardener Frieda Pierce will review the insights provided by Douglas Tallamy, discuss native gardens, design elements, and plants that can be used to restore the ecosystem in your yard.

  • Book Talk: From The Hudson to The Taconics

    Kinderhook Memorial Library 18 Hudson Street, Kinderhook, NY, United States

    Please join authors of From the Hudson to the Taconics: An Ecological and Cultural Field Guide to the Habitats of Columbia County, New York for an engaging introduction to this richly illustrated and unique new book, which is the culmination of years of original research by the Farmscape Ecology Program and Hudsonia. Authors will share some of their experiences creating From the Hudson to the Taconics, exciting discoveries along the way, and how they hope to build on this work through a new habitat research and conservation initiative. The audience will also be invited to learn how one might use ... Read more

  • Alternatives to Lawns

    Kinderhook Memorial Library 18 Hudson Street, Kinderhook, NY, United States

    Well-trimmed lawns have been an icon of American suburbia for decades; however, new research has found that the traditional grassy lawn may be detrimental to our environment. Come learn all about lawns--why so many homes have them, and why so many people are seeking other options--and get some pointers on developing your own lush, easily maintained, and native alternative! Avid gardener and educator Wendy Tremper Wollerton will be hosting this presentation, and will have various suggestions for design and plants to use, as well as important resources for further research.

  • Lead Detection in Your Home

    Kinderhook Memorial Library 18 Hudson Street, Kinderhook, NY, United States

    Join us and the Village of Kinderhook Climate Smart Task Force for a special presentation on detecting lead in your home. Eric Ritter of DetectLead.com (IG: ericeverythinglead) will be showcasing some methods of lead detection and discussing the importance of mitigating exposure as soon as possible. We will also be highlighting new lead detection kits, soon to be available to borrow through the library!

  • Sketching the Natural World with Jean Mackay

    Kinderhook Memorial Library 18 Hudson Street, Kinderhook, NY, United States

    Try your hand at capturing the beauty of nature during this fun and relaxed workshop. Late-season flowers will be our focus, as we try to capture the essence of our subject and then add a poem or quote to express what is important to you. Whether you are experience at nature journaling or someone who wants to explore and record what you see, this workshop will give you a chance to learn and practice techniques for nature sketching. We will work primarily with pencil and pen, but you are welcome to bring colored pencils or watercolor. All skill levels are ... Read more

  • Managing Invasive Species in Your Garden Sustainably

    Kinderhook Memorial Library 18 Hudson Street, Kinderhook, NY, United States

    Join Kristopher Williams from the Capital Region Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (CR-PRISM) for a presentation on how to apply conservation-based practices on a small scale to provide ecosystem benefits within your yard or woodlot. The program will describe the need for native plantings, the benefits of producing a sustainable landscape on a small scale, and how to manage invasive species. The program will provide resources and open dialogue at the end of the program. Tools of the trade will be present for viewing.

    Free
  • Tax Credits for Historic Properties Info Session

    Kinderhook Memorial Library 18 Hudson Street, Kinderhook, NY, United States

    The Village of Kinderhook will be hosting Weston Davey and Frances Stern of NYS Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation for this important workshop! If you own a historic home or other property, there may be tax credits and incentives available to help with maintenance and rehabilitation. Come learn about possible funding opportunities, local resources, important policies, and more at this workshop! This program is presented through a collaboration between the Village of Kinderhook Historic Preservation Committee, the Columbia County Historical Society, and the Kinderhook Business & Professional Association.

  • New York State Clean Heat Info Session

    Kinderhook Memorial Library 18 Hudson Street, Kinderhook, NY, United States

    Is your home as energy efficient as it can be? Are you interested in a heat pump but unsure if it will be worth the expense? Have all of your questions answered at the library! We're happy to have Dana Grover of NYS Clean Heat answer any questions about energy efficient upgrades, available rebates, New York State incentives, and more! Thank you to the Village of Kinderhook Climate Smart Task Force for helping arrange this presentation.

  • Agrivoltaics & Solar Grazing: An Information Session

    Kinderhook Memorial Library 18 Hudson Street, Kinderhook, NY, United States

    What is "solar grazing"? You may have heard this term alongside "agrivoltaics", and we're giving you the chance to have your questions answered at the library! In short, agrivoltaics involves combining gathering solar energy and local farming in a way that benefits the community as a whole. But this is of course a more intricate subject! Luckily, we have experts in the field visiting to explain how it works, who benefits, and clear up some common misconceptions.