The Importance of Old-Growth Forests

“The Importance of Old-Growth Forests” will be discussed by Carl Safina and Joan Maloof, noted writers and ecologists, at the Southampton Arts Center (SAC) over the Thanksgiving weekend. The event will begin at 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 26, and will be followed by a reception and book signing in SAC’s main gallery, to end at 5 p.m.

The discussion will be moderated by Daniela Kronemeyer, curator of exhibitions and programming at SAC.

“Safina and Maloof will share unique stories from their travels to some of the world’s most biologically-diverse forests,” said Kronemeyer, “They will highlight the animals, flora and fauna that call them home. The talk will also focus on the various tree species on Long Island, including the rich ecosystem of the oak tree.”

The discussion comes in conjunction with SAC’s exhibition “A Celebration of Trees,” an ecological multi-media art exhibition created to educate and expand thought and consciousness about the world’s vast network of trees and featuring important messages from the world’s Indigenous peoples — the original guardians of the forest, notes Kronemeyer.

The exhibition features painting, photography, film and more. Artwork from the exhibition will be offered at a 10 percent discount as part of SAC’s Shop Local initiative during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Curated by Laurie Dolphin, Daniela Kronemeyer and Coco Myers, “A Celebration of Trees” is on view through Sunday, December 18. The discussion will feature stories from Safina’s New York Times bestseller “Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel” published in 2015 and Maloof’s book “Among the Ancients” released in 2011. The discussion will “take the audience on a journey to some of the world’s most extraordinary forests,” said Kronemeyer.

“We are so fortunate to welcome the brilliant Carl Safina back to SAC for another engaging discussion focused on the natural world,” added Kronemeyer. “To have conservationist Joan Maloof join in this conversation is a true gift to the Long Island community, as her wisdom and expertise on old-growth forests is profound.”

The two will also discuss their respective organizations: the Safina Center, which advances the case for life on earth by fusing scientific understanding, emotional connection, and a moral call to action, and the Old-Growth Forest Network, which is creating a network of protected forests across the country. Admission to the event is free. There is a $15 suggested donation. To register, visit southamptonartscenter.org. Southampton Arts Center is at 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton.