Seacoast towns paying tribute to Rachel Carson
Area groups taking year-long look at legacy of 'Silent Spring'
YORK, Maine — A consortium of York and regional
environmental groups have banded together to offer a yearlong look at
the legacy of scientist and environmental activist Rachel Carson, on the
50th anniversary of her book "Silent Spring."
This
Thursday evening, a live video conference will be offered at the York
Public Library of a panel discussion being held at the Portland Public
Library. Scientists and researchers from throughout the state will
explore the impacts and implications of "Silent Spring."
Published
in 1962, "Silent Spring" documented the detrimental effects of
pesticides on the environment, particularly birds. It has long been
credited with launching the modern environmental movement.
Carson
lived in Maine during part of her life, and the Rachel Carson National
Wildlife Refuge was established in 1966 along the coast between Kittery
and Cape Elizabeth.
The recent local focus on
Carson began with York Reads, a York group headed by York Public Library
Director Robert Waldman, which picks a book each year for the community
to read.
Waldman said when they were
discussing what book to chose for the 2012-13 year, which begins in the
fall, someone mentioned "Silent Spring."
"I
said it seems to me if we're going to do that, we have to get the
community involved," said Waldman. "Each person got in touch with
someone else and before you knew it, we had quite a significant group."
The
group now includes the Center for Wildlife, Cornerstones for Science,
the Mount Agamenticus Conservation Program, the Rachel Carson National
Wildlife Refuge, RiverRun Bookstore, White Pines Program, York Adult
Education, York School Department, York Art Association, Greater York
Chamber of Commerce, York Energy Efficiency Committee, York Land Trust,
the York Rivers Association, and Gateway to Maine: Outside.
Read More: http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20121204-NEWS-212040379
Upcoming events
• Dec. 6: Video conference at York Public Library about "Silent Spring." 7-9 p.m., "Silent Spring: 50
Years Later." The panelists will discuss the legacy of the book from
scientific, historical and literary approaches. Included will be marine
biologists, scientists and oceanographers.
•
Dec. 11: Center for Wildlife: "Celebrating Rachel Carson: Exploring
unseen connections between wilflife and human health." 6-7:30 p.m.
• Jan 18: Film "Living Downstream," York Public Library
• Feb. 15: Film "The Story of Stuff," York Public Library
• March 8: Film "Mother, Caring for 7 Billion," York Public Library
