RECORDING -- The Trees Are Speaking: Dispatches from the Salmon Forests
2025-12-31 00:05 - 23:55 (America/New_York)
The Trees Are Speaking: Dispatches from the Salmon Forests
SEE THE RECORDING HERE.

“What we’re really talking about when we talk about forests isn’t only about the trees, and it certainly isn’t only about the lumber; it’s about the relationships.” Lynda V. Mapes

Registration for this event has closed, however we are pleased to provide the recording HERE.
Unfortunately, we have only the author’s slides and audio. Her initial slide is up for quite some time, which might seem like an error, but please presevere! Lynda’s talk is wonderful! And varied slides do come up.

This work focuses on the critical role of forests everywhere, but especially on both coasts of the U.S., and on the role of indigenous voices in advocating for ecosystem integrity.
Do you look at your own yard and see stressed trees? Spruces dying back? Fir trees struggling? The heart-wrenching loss of beautiful beeches to beech leaf disease? What is the connection between our local trees and the health of our forests? Increasingly, we recognize the importance of forests for key ecological functions, such as clean air, clean water, important pollinator/wildlife populations, carbon storage, and a balanced climate. So how are our forests doing? And how can we advocate for trees, near and far?
Lynda V. Mapes, award-winning environmental journalist for the Seattle Times, was inspired to write The Trees Are Speaking after exploring the richness of old growth forests in the Northwest U.S. and Canada. But she also came face to face with the widespread destruction of these forests. Mapes writes, “The book therefore became a witness not only to the incredible ecological and cultural values of these forests but to the connected history of their loss, beginning on the East Coast in Maine and repeated across the United States and continuing over the border into Canada, even today.”
But not all is gloom. Mapes also outlines the resilience of nature, the insights and perseverance of First Nations people who have raised their voices to protect and renew ecosystems, understandings of our inter-relatedness uncovered by scientists, and even new approaches to commercial forestry.
Please join us.

This talk is co-sponsored by the Acton Conservation Trust, the Acton Garden Club Shirley Towle Lecture Fund, the Silver Unicorn Bookstore, and EnergizeActon.org.

EnergizeActon.org is a joint effort of the Acton Climate Coalition and the Town of Acton Sustainability Office. Interested in lending a skill? Contact us HERE. We meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month.

Biosphere Book Club - Is a River Alive? by Robert Macfarlane
2026-01-30 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
The Biosphere Book Group is an experiment!
Join us to read authors who reflect on climate vis-à-vis the health of human and ecological communities.

Our first author is Robert Macfarlane who has received acclaim for his 2025 book, Is a River Alive?
We know that folks have many demands on their time. As much as we would like to read on a regular basis, this goal is often difficult. So, the Biosphere Book Group will be “text-based,” that is, each session leader will read the book, pull out key quotes, and plan questions or reflections that can involve all the participants, whether they have read the book or not. Of course, if you have time to tackle the book, that enriches the experience for you! But reading the book before our meeting session is not required. The session page of quotes and questions, along with the zoom link, will go out to registered participants the Friday before each session.
Our first session will be online, but perhaps we might meet in person at times, depending on our participants. The idea is to explore a different book every 2 months, for 6 sessions per year.
The true goal is to foster discussion about our extraordinary, yet endangered biosphere. What are researchers, scientists, journalists, and authors saying about the natural world? Can clean energy advances, government policy, and life style choices make a difference? What are we ourselves noticing and thinking? What gives us joy? What leaves us deeply concerned? Can we create a sense of community, however humble, that gives us strength? Can that sense of community help us to make a concrete difference? Big questions aside, pour yourself a cup of tea or other beverage, have a good time, and celebrate the written word!

Solar without federal incentives: why it still works and what options exist
2026-02-18 19:00 - 20:00
Thinking about solar but not sure where to start? Join our webinar to learn how solar works, what options are available, and how it can help lower energy costs while supporting a cleaner, healthier community!
Register: www.tinyurl.com/home-solar-webinar

Clean Energy Home Tour -- Focus: SOLAR SHINGLES!
2026-03-01 11:00 - 14:00 | Address shared upon registration, West Acton Village Area, Acton, Massachusetts, US
Clean Energy Home Tour
March 2026 Focus on Solar Shingles
“David Martin was top notch! We will be following up with him.” 2023 Clean Energy Tour
“This went way beyond my expectations!” 2024 Clean Energy Tour
Register HERE.
People know about rooftop solar panels and the great long-term savings on electricity bills. But what about SOLAR SHINGLES? Is this the new way to save? Join the Energize Acton March Clean Energy Home Tour and see a house that has been a model for many clean energy innovations, now including solar shingles! Acton Clean Energy Coach David Martin is delighted to show you this new update to his home and explain how it compares with traditional solar. This house is also unique because it has both a standard mini-split heat pump and a larger heat pump to hot water system. Feel the comfort level for yourself and talk with David Martin about his experience moving the home from fossil fuel heating and cooling to cleaner energy systems. David has experience with a wide variety of clean energy technologies.
When: Sunday, March 1st with an 11:00am tour and a 1:00pm tour.
Where: South Acton (Address sent unpon registration.)
The technologies you will see in this home include:

Solar Shingles
Hydronics whole-house heat pump
Mini-split heat pump
Heat pump dryer
Heat pump water heater
Induction range
EV and Electric car chargers
Battery-electric hard tools (lawn mower, snow blower, chain saw, etc.)

There will be two 1-hour sessions to see the house at 11am and 1pm.
Register HERE.
After registration you will receive an email with the house address and specific information about parking, etc. Coffee and snacks will be provided. Also, there will be handouts about state incentives as well as background material about the technologies you will see..
EnergizeActon.org is co-sponsored by the Acton Climate Coalition and the Town of Acton Sustainability Office.
Do you have ideas or a talent you would like to contribute? Please contact us at EnergizeActon.org@gmail.com. The Energize Acton team meets the 1st Wednesday of each month.
