Among the Trees: A Naturalist’s Retreat

Event Overview

Twin Farms is excited to welcome a special guest, Ed Kanze. Ed is a naturalist, author, and Adirondack guide with over 30 years of experience leading walks in the great outdoors. He's worked as a ranger at Acadia National Park and Gulf Islands National Seashore, served as Curator of the Trailside Nature Museum in Cross River, New York, taught field ecology for the National Audubon Society, and was senior naturalist at the Teatown Lake Reservation in Ossining, New York.

Ed has a keen personal interest in the challenges and opportunities that the mountains and their climates present to living things, humans included. Ed is the author of many books as well as a longtime nature newspaper columnist, magazine columnist, photographer, lecturer, and videographer.

Date: Saturday, June 14 - Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Reservations: Hotel reservations required.

Cost: Included.

Sunday, June 15

The Art of Nature Journaling - 10am

Venture into the fields with Ed Kanze for a hands-on workshop exploring the timeless practice of nature journaling. A dedicated journal-keeper since 1982, Ed shares how observing and recording the natural world deepens your understanding of place and self. Suitable for all levels.

Field Sketching - 2:30pm

Pair the keen eye of a naturalist with the creative touch of an artist. Join Ed Kanze and Twin Farms resident artist Myra Hudson for a guided session in field sketching. Discover how to translate the rhythms and textures of the landscape into your own visual language — no prior art experience needed.

Fireside Talk: Life in the Wild - 8pm

Join us around the fire at Twiggs for an informal conversation and interpretive talk with Naturalist Ed Kanze, where he will pull from his three decades of experience working as a licensed Adirondack guide specializing in natural history.

Monday, June 16

Nature Walk: A Closer Look - 10am

Follow your natural curiosity as Ed leads a relaxed exploration of the forest, meadows, and stream habitats that define our property. Discover the subtle signs of seasonal change, animal activity, and ecological interplay that are easy to miss but deeply meaningful.

Field Hike - 2:30pm

Step a bit deeper into the wilderness with Ed as your guide, observing the landscape through a trained naturalist’s eyes.

Fireside Cocktails - 8pm

Join us around the fire at Twiggs for cocktails, informal conversation, and stories from Ed's 30 years of experience in the field working as a naturalist for some of the nation's top naturalist organizations.