Waterston champions ocean conservation

Waterston champions ocean conservation
Photo by Angela George

In 2016 an annual review from the Australian Institute of Marine Science read, “A decade ago, the general narrative was that coral reefs face an uncertain future under climate change. Now, as evidence from observational and experimental research is mounting, providing more signal to the noise, the narrative focuses increasingly on the consequences for society…"

Climate change has had a profound impact on ocean life, from rising sea temperatures to the loss of vital aquatic habitats. Founded in 2001, Oceana, an ocean conservation nonprofit led by actor Ted Danson, has lobbied for marine preservation, particularly in regard to halting overfishing, offshore drilling and wind farms. On Friday, June 2, The Salisbury Forum will welcome Academy Award-nominated actor and Chair of the Board of Oceana Sam Waterston to Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village, Conn., to discuss the organization’s conservation efforts to save our oceans.

During a phone interview from his home in Litchfield County, Conn., Waterston remarked that he grew up in New England believing the ocean was an endless expanse that would limitlessly provide. “Then I was reading the newspaper on the beach in Rhode Island in the ‘70s and learned the cod fish industry had collapsed. It was simply unbelievable, impossible…” he said. “The sea was not inexhaustible. I became more at more aware of how the environment was suffering because of our treatment, and carried this fear for Earth with me, and didn’t know what to do with it.”

Waterston’s talk is ahead of International World Ocean Day on June 8. Since its official recognition by the United Nations in 2008 the annual event has had a theme, with 2023’s announced as “Planet Ocean: Tides Are Changing.” Streaming live with presentations by UN representatives and celebrities, we can only hope they tell us the change is for the better.

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Classifieds - February 26, 2026

Classifieds - February 26, 2026

Help Wanted

PART-TIME CARE-GIVER NEEDED: possibly LIVE-IN. Bright private STUDIO on 10 acres. Queen Bed, En-Suite Bathroom, Kitchenette & Garage. SHARON 407-620-7777.

The Salisbury Association’s Land Trust seeks part-time Land Steward: Responsibilities include monitoring easements and preserves, filing monitoring reports, documenting and reporting violations or encroachments, and recruiting and supervising volunteer monitors. The Steward will also execute preserve and trail stewardship according to Management Plans and manage contractor activity. Up to 10 hours per week, compensation commensurate with experience. Further details and requirements are available on request. To apply: Send cover letter, resume, and references to info@salisburyassociation.org. The Salisbury Association is an equal opportunity employer.

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To save birds, plant for caterpillars

Fireweed attracts the fabulous hummingbird sphinx moth.

Photo provided by Wild Seed Project

You must figure that, as rough as the cold weather has been for us, it’s worse for wildlife. Here, by the banks of the Housatonic, flocks of dark-eyed juncos, song sparrows, tufted titmice and black-capped chickadees have taken up residence in the boxwood — presumably because of its proximity to the breakfast bar. I no longer have a bird feeder after bears destroyed two versions and simply throw chili-flavored birdseed onto the snow twice a day. The tiny creatures from the boxwood are joined by blue jays, cardinals and a solitary flicker.

These birds will soon enough be nesting, and their babies will require a nonstop diet of caterpillars. This source of soft-bodied protein makes up more than 90 percent of native bird chicks’ diets, with each clutch consuming between 6,000 and 9,000 caterpillars before they fledge. That means we need a lot of caterpillars if we want our bird population to survive.

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Stephanie Haboush Plunkett and the home for American illustration

Stephanie Haboush Plunkett

L. Tomaino
"The field of illustration is very close to my heart"
— Stephanie Plunkett

For more than three decades, Stephanie Haboush Plunkett has worked to elevate illustration as a serious art form. As chief curator and Rockwell Center director at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, she has helped bring national and international attention to an art form long dismissed as merely commercial.

Her commitment to illustration is deeply personal. Plunkett grew up watching her father, Joseph Haboush, an illustrator and graphic designer, work late into the night in his home studio creating art and hand-lettered logos for package designs, toys and licensed-character products for the Walt Disney Co. and other clients.

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Free film screening and talk on end-of-life care
‘Come See Me in the Good Light’ is nominated for best documentary at this year’s Academy Awards.
Provided

Craig Davis, co-founder and board chair of East Mountain House, an end-of-life care facility in Lakeville, will sponsor a March 5 screening of the documentary “Come See Me in the Good Light” at The Moviehouse in Millerton, followed by a discussion with attendees.

The film, which is nominated for best documentary at this year’s Academy Awards, follows the poet Andrea Gibson and their partner Megan Falley as they are suddenly and unimaginably forced to navigate a terminal illness. The free screening invites audiences to gather not just for a film but for reflection on mortality, healing, connection and the ways communities support one another through difficult life transitions.

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