Those who attend can learn how their suburban, urban or rural garden can slow the rate of extinction.
The Friends of Rancocas Nature Center (FRNC), along with the Native Plant Society of NJ, will host the “Bringing Nature Home” Music & Craft Festival on Sunday, Aug. 27, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine, at Rancocas State Park Fairgrounds, Rancocas Road, in Westampton.
Those who attend can learn how their suburban, urban or rural garden can slow the rate of extinction. The event will also honor the work of noted entomologist and author Doug Tallamy.
Tallamy will give a brief talk and hold an open discussion, book signing and Q&A with attendees.
According to event organizers, Jersey-Friendly Yards will also show how anyone can create a Jersey-Friendly Yard that creates a beautiful landscape that does no harm to the environment, reduces environmental impact and allows locals to learn how fertilizers are harming bays, rivers and lakes and find native plants for home landscapes.
For the festival’s major raffle prize, L.L.Bean is donating a Manatee 10 Solo Kayak Package, which event organizers say comes with everything needed to get started paddling. The package includes kayak, paddle and cockpit cover.
Brown & Brown Insurance is another general sponsor.
Festival activities will include kids activities, a boot toss, seed planting, nature photography tips from Harold Buchanan and and L.L.Bean’s Sleeping Bag Stuffing Challenge (fit a backpacking sleeping bag into its compression sack in 30 seconds or less.)
Emcee John Limanni, a.k.a John Cook, will be musical producer/sound system provider for the day. Returning to the RNC Festival are The John Byrne Band and Camille Peruto, along with a new act this year, The Williamsboy.
Nature-themed craft & activity vendors will include L.L.Bean with sporting and outdoors supplies, demonstrations and activities, Simons Berry Farm with nature themed fabrics, unique towels, pillows, etc., and Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge bringing a screech owl. As such, no dogs are allowed at this event.
Also, Al’s Wood N Bowls hand crafted wooden items will be on display, along with Rankokus Pottery and Regeneration Clay Works with nature-themed pottery and mosaics, Wild Birds Unlimited of Cherry Hill with bird supplies, The Wandering Fairy with creative t-shirts, plus information about yoga classes.
Food vendors will also be on hand.
Admission is $15 per carload or $5 per person. Sponsorships are still available. All proceeds benefit Rancocas Nature Center.
For information, go to info@rancocasnaturecenter.org or call (609) 261–2495.
“The many programs and people that make up our Rancocas Nature Center are ultimately symbiotic groups that encourage environmental harmony with native plants and wildlife, as exemplified in Dr. Tallamy’s book,” said FRNC Co-Chair Toni Price, who is spearheading this event. “Our Nature Center building is an 1874 farmhouse that hosts nature programs for all ages…we believe Doug Tallamy’s appearance at our festival will broaden that circle of nature lovers and ultimately help our planet.”
Learn more at http://rancocasnaturecenter.org/august-music–craft-festival.html.
