Aligning arts and conservation

MILFORD, PA — Dartmouth professor Robert L. McGrath will discuss the connection between the Hudson River School of landscape painting and the emergence of the American Conservation Movement on Saturday, May 8.

The free lecture, “Art and Actuality: Landscape Painting and Public Policy in 19th Century,” will begin at 5:30 p.m. It kicks off the 2004 Kindred Spirits series at Grey Towers National Historic Landmark.

McGrath will explore what prompted many artists of the Hudson River School to advocate conservation, and whether this advocacy contributed to the creation of actual conservation practices.

Reservations are recommended, as seating is limited.

For more information call 570/296-9669.

Other events during the day

• The Gifford Pinchot Chapter of the Audubon Society will lead a bird walk through Grey Towers’ woods in search of early migrants. Call 570/296-2244 between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. for information about start times and where to meet.

• Grey Towers Horticulturist Elizabeth Hawke will explain composting and soil preparation for container planting to children ages five to 11. Bring a clean eight by 10-inch plastic or terracotta pot and Grey Towers will provide the soil and annual plants. Pre-registration is required. Group size is limited. Call 570/296-9661.

• House tours will begin at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Tour guides will show the first floor of the mansion and adjacent gardens and describe the life of Gifford Pinchot, founder and first chief of the Forest Service and two-term governor of Pennsylvania.

All events are free and open to the public. Call 570/296-9630 unless otherwise noted.