Getting Warmed Up: Our Changing Climate and Its Effect on the Natural World

The effects of a changing climate are making themselves felt in the Andover area, with spring arriving earlier most years, summer temperatures on the rise, and the number of severe storms increasing. The director of the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Carol Decker, will explore the topic of climate change in Massachusetts and how it is already affecting the birds, forests, oceans—even people’s health. Learn how protecting forests can reduce the effects of climate change, what individuals can do to reduce their ecological impact, and the strategies Mass Audubon is implementing to prepare for the long-term effects of climate change.

The Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield, is one of Mass Audubon’s largest sanctuaries. Decker and her staff deal with a broad range of wildlife management challenges, and she strives to bring awareness of local flora and fauna to residents.

With more than 20 years’ experience as a field naturalist and educator, Decker teaches workshops on a broad range of topics, and enjoys connecting people to the natural world and its diverse bird life. She has led tours throughout the US, including New England, Alaska, Arizona, Texas, Hawaii, and New Jersey’s Brigantine and Cape May areas, as well as international tours to Arctic Norway, Atlantic Canada, the Caribbean, Galapagos Islands, Panama, and Brazil.

The program, which is open to the public ($10 donation requested for nonmembers), will take place on Tuesday, February 2, 2016, beginning at 10:00 AM with social time and refreshments, followed by a brief business meeting. Carol Decker’s presentation will begin at approximately 11:00 AM. The location is South Church, 41 Central Street, Andover MA 01810.

Founded in 1927, the Andover Garden Club (www.andovergardenclub.org) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that encourages the study and practice of horticulture, landscape design, and floral design; aids in the beautification of the town of Andover; and helps protect and conserve natural resources. A member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts, Inc., and National Garden Clubs, Inc., the club provides both financial and hands-on support to a variety of municipal, educational, and environmental organizations throughout the region.

The Andover Garden Club welcomes news members, and information about joining is available from AGC membership chairs Anne Collins (978-681-8052, collinsak14@verizon.net) and Donna Rudolph (978-475-7165, dlabsuper49@aol.com).

Photo of Carol Decker courtesy of Mass Audubon.