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Quote of the Week
"It is really important to get outside and paint once in a while and see the real thing."
--Marjorie Mason, painting en plein air last Saturday for VCS

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Conservation Calendar

Felix Neck Bird Walk
Thursday, July 30, 8:00 to 9:30 am, Edgartown.
Felix Neck hosts a casual birding stroll through the Sanctuary every Thursday. Free with general admission ($4), more info at website or call (508) 627-4850.

Short Films: Sustainable Vineyard
Thursday, July 30, 7:00 pm, Chilmark.
Three short documentaries from filmmakers Liz Witham and Ken Wentworth: The Secret Life of Conch, Goatscaping, and The Story of Seeds. The films are each 10-16 minutes long and will be followed by a Q&A with people featured in each film. At the Chilmark Community Center, tickets $13 ($10 in advance), call (508) 693-3672 for more info.

Arboretum Volunteer Day

Thursday, Aug. 6, 9:00 am to noon, West Tisbury.
Interested volunteers can learn about the Arboretum and lend a helping hand. Dress appropriately and bring gloves; necessary tools will be provided. Please call ahead if planning to attend, (508) 693-9426. For directions and more info, see website.

Car-Free Living Talk
Thursday, Aug. 6, 6:00 to 7:30 pm, Oak Bluffs.
Think you can't live without a car? Think again. Holly Nadler leads a panel discussion with Cheryl Burns, Paul Mohair, David Whitmon, and Jessica Harris. At the Oak Bluffs Library, free.

Nature Stories for Kids
Tuesdays, 10:30, West Tisbury
Tuesday mornings in August, the Polly Hill Arboretum holds a short story session with nature-based children’s books, followed by a simple walk or activity related to the story. Books are selected for children 3-8 years old, but all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free, more at PHA website.

West Tisbury Farmers' Market
Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9:00 to noon at the Grange Hall, West Tisbury.
Fresh picked produce from local farms, flowers, delicious baked goods and prepared foods from Island kitchens and more.

Teaching Farm Open Hours

Wed., Sat., and Sun., 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Chilmark.
Native Earth Teaching Farm is open for tours, animal visits and rural skills building. Off North Road, near Tea Lane. More at website.

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In Season Recipe
Kale Slaw

This slightly spicy fresh veggie concoction is both healthier and more interesting than the usual cabbage and mayo slaw. Pair with pretty much any meat, fish, or other protein off the grill, or pack some for picnics -- it's the perfect summer side dish. (Pictured above with local bluefish and fresh tortilla chips)

Ingredients
Simply mix the following together and let sit in the fridge for at least an hour before serving:

• 1 large bunch of kale, chopped
• 3 large carrots, grated
• 1 large green onion (or a small bunch), sliced into thin rings
• 1/4 to 1/2 tsp each of cumin and paprika (to taste, and depending on size of recipe)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lime juice (or lemon, but lime is better)
• sea salt and cracked pepper to taste

This summer, in celebration of the 50^th anniversary of VCS, thirteen local artists have been creating original works inspired by the natural beauty of locations preserved through the efforts of the Island’s environmental advocacy watchdog. The paintings – of iconic spots and stunning landscapes such as the Gay Head Cliffs, the West Basin of Lobsterville, the Edgartown Lighthouse, and Allen, Brookside, and Katama Farms – will be auctioned during our 50^th birthday party, a fundraiser benefit dinner next Wednesday, August 5^th.
 
This Saturday (Aug. 1), from 5 to 7 pm, all are invited to a free preview of all thirteen paintings at the Granary Gallery in West Tisbury. Six of these works (by Lowely Finnerty, Nancy Kingsley, Thaw Malin, Harry Seymour, Wendy Weldon, and Rez Williams) were completed over the past several months, but the other members of our “Fresh Paint” collection were done just this past weekend. On a picture-perfect summer day, Valentine Estabrook, Marjorie Mason, Tiffiney Shoquist, Jeanne Staples, Liz Taft, and Allen Whiting invited the public to watch them work at some of their favorite locations. See this slideshow for more images of Marjorie, Jeanne, Liz, and Allen at work, as well as their amazing settings – think of it as a preview-to-the-preview!
 
If you are interested in purchasing any of the paintings, make sure to register for the August 5^th event right away – tickets are nearly sold out!

Allen Whiting at Moshup Trail on Saturday; above, Marjorie Mason at the West Basin (photos by Samantha Look, other slideshow photos also by Richard Toole and Joan Malkin)

All Artists and Locations
Valentine Estabrook, Nip 'n' Tuck Farm
Anna Lowell Finnerty, Wakeman Center
Nancy Kingsley, Seven Gates Farm
Kanta Lipsky, Lagoon Pond Shucking Shed
Thaw Malin, Frances Newhall Woods Preserve
Marjorie Mason, Lobsterville West Basin
Harry Seymour, Edgartown Lighthouse
Tiffiney Shoquist, Katama Farm
Jeanne Staples, Menemsha
Elizabeth Lockhart Taft, Gay Head Cliffs
Wendy Weldon, Brookside Farm
Allen Whiting, Moshup Trail
Rez Williams, Allen Farm

VCS has nearly completed a new conservation restriction that would permanently protect 7.1 acres in Chilmark, along Middle Road near Tea Lane. While we await final approval from the Secretary of Environmental and Energy Affairs, the long process is close enough to officially celebrate! Though it is a small property, it is surrounded by existing conservation land, increasing its value as natural habitat and a "greenbelt" connector. By preventing further development, this CR substantially reduces the risk of habitat fragmentation, in addition to expanding a foothold of open space.
 
The most recent issue of the Vineyard Gazette has a summary of this new CR, as well as a thoughtful letter to the editor from VCS board member Joan Malkin, explaining the purpose and benefits of conservation restrictions. Many thanks, Joan!