BRATTLEBORO-Join the Retreat Farm in collaboration with Atowi Project to celebrate the unveiling of the Wantastegok Mskodal Ôwdi/West River Meadows Trail (known locally as the Hogle Trail) and the new mural on The Landing, the farm's historical grain bunker, on Sunday, May 18, from noon to 2:30 p.m.
The Wantastegok Mskodal Ôwdi was renovated by the Retreat Farm Lands and Farm team in 2024 with the installation of new bridges, stairs, benches, and interpretive signs. There are six signs along the trail that highlight the history of and connection to Abenaki heritage.
The nature-inspired mural was created by Charlie Adams, a Vermont and Maine-based artist. Retreat Farm volunteers and a Massachusetts-based nonprofit, Common Wealth Murals, helped bring the mural to life at a community paint party in January.
At noon, Adams will share their inspiration for the new 120-foot mural in The Landing. The mural will help create a place for quiet reflection, rest, and connection with others. Refreshments will follow the talk.
Adams is an artist who draws deeply from the natural world for inspiration. They also have a direct connection to Retreat Farm. Their great-grandfather, Merrill Sheltra, was once a herdsman and farm manager here, and he called the yellow farmhouse home.
A guided walk around the renovated trail, led by Rich Holschuh, co-director of Atowi Project, begins at 12:45 p.m. Participants will meet at the patio of The North Barn. Allow 90 minutes for this 2-mile (out and back) trek around Wantastegok (the Retreat Meadows). Participants should wear good walking shoes and be able to walk on moderate terrain in the forest.
According to a news release, Atowi Project "is a shared community initiative to affirm relationships with the Land and All of Our Relations, raise Native voices, and foster inclusion with understanding, in place."
This event is free, but participants are asked register in advance at bit.ly/815-mural to give organizers an idea of the estimated attendance.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.