VILES ARBORETUM DIRECTOR IS THIRD SPEAKER IN LITHGOW’S NATURE SERIES

Augusta, Maine - Mark DesMeules, executive director of Viles Arboretum in Augusta, will give a presentation as part of Lithgow Public Library’s nature series on Friday, November 30 at noon in the Reading Room.  The series, called “Fifty Shades of Good Green Living,” is being held in November and December and features a variety of speakers on different nature/outdoor topics.  All of the Lithgow nature programs are free and open to the public, and take place in the Reading Room.

      DesMeules will give a lively, interactive presentation that covers the colorful history of Viles Arboretum and its ambitious plans for the future.  Recent updates to the Arboretum include interpretive signs for its botanical collections, the creation of an “Adventure Trail Map” of the 224-acre preserve, and a host of diverse programs and events open to the public.

      DesMeules joined the Arboretum two years ago after 10 years as director of the Damariscotta River Association, a land trust in Damariscotta.  Prior to that, he worked in the Gov. Angus King administration as director of Land For Maine’s Future program, along with developing environmental policy for numerous initiatives.  He has also worked as an endangered species ecologist with the Nature Conservancy and was a Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala.  DesMeules has published a number of articles on a variety of conservation-related topics.

        The final program in the “Fifty Shades of Good Green Living” series will feature Jeff and Allison Wells, authors of Maine’s Favorite Birds, on Thursday, December 13 at 6:30 p.m. They will give a slide show and talk about birding in Maine.  Copies of the book will be available for purchase.

            Lithgow Library is located at 45 Winthrop Street in Augusta.  For more information, call the library at 626-2415 or visit the website at www.lithgow.lib.me.us.