The Thoreau Sauntering Society

Walks and talks that are guided by experts and dedicated to close observation and deep appreciation of the world.

Saunter with leading naturalists and learn directly from nature as you observe and reflect. Or, saunter alongside historians in the footsteps of Henry. Or, enjoy a “true sauntering of the eye” with lectures that take deep dives into topics of nature, society, and history.  

SPRING 2024

Welcome Bees to Thoreau Farm! 

Sunday, April 28
1pm
At Thoreau Farm
FREE

Join us at Thoreau Farm in Concord for a unique public event where visitors can observe the delicate process of bees being installed in their new hive. We’re grateful for the opportunity to introduce these bees to our landscape and continue Henry David Thoreau’s legacy of appreciating nature’s wonders. Amidst the tranquil setting of Thoreau’s historic homestead, learn about the importance of bees and their role in our ecosystem from beekeeper Mel Gadd, who was named  “Beekeeper of the Year” in 2017 by the Massachusetts Beekeepers Association. 
 

Thoreau Farm Garden Clean-up

Saturday, May 4
7 – 10am 
At Thoreau Farm 
FREE 

Please bring gloves, hand tools, and closed footwear. 
 
Join us for a revitalizing morning at Thoreau Farm’s kitchen garden! Embrace nature as we weed and nurture this beloved space. Connect with like-minded individuals, share stories, and bask in the simple joys of community and stewardship. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a difference and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. We can’t wait to see you there! 

 

A Birding Saunter with Peter Alden

Saturday, May 11, 2024
4-6pm
$25 per person. Registration required.
 

Held in conjunction with the Day of Birds in honor of the book launch of A Year of Birds, this saunter will explore the birds in Thoreau Farm’s own backyard. 

Peter Alden is a Concord author and naturalist. He has spent 55 years leading birders and travelers to over 100 countries on the seven continents and the seven seas. He is the author of more than 15 books on North American and African wildlife, including the National Audubon Society’s Regional Field Guide Series and has sold over 3 million copies. He serves on the Thoreau Farm Trust board of directors and is part-time at the Thoreau Society’s Shop at Walden Pond.

**We do not exclude anyone for inability to pay. Please be in touch if you would like assistance covering this fee. 

Check back for more saunters. 

Have an idea for a saunter destination, topic, or leader? Email your suggestions to info@thoreaufarm.org

 

PAST THOREAU SAUNTERING SOCIETY PROGRAMS

Sunday, February 11, 2024 – Super Cup Sunday Fungus Saunter with Lawrence Millman

Sunday, October 29, 2023 – “My vicinity afford many good walks”; A Saunter Exploring Thoreau Farm’s Biology & History

Sunday, May 21, 2023 – “My vicinity afford many good walks”; A Saunter Exploring Thoreau Farm’s Biology & History

Sunday, February 12, 2023 — Super Cup Sunday Mushroom Saunter 

Sunday, October 23, 2022 — A Mushroom Saunter with mycologist Dr. Lawrence Millman

Sunday, October  16, 2022 — Autumnal Tints Saunter with Peter Alden and Ken Turkington

Sunday, September 25, 2022 — Determined to Know Beans: A Biological & Historical Saunter of Thoreau’s Bean Field at Walden Pond.

Sunday, September 11, 2022 — A Saunter with Peter Alden at Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge  

 

 

 

 

**Saunters proceed rain or shine and fees are non-refundable. Should your plans change, your saunter fees can be applied to a future saunter.