Join local nature artist and illustrator Zoe Keller and local sound artist and nature recordist Zaneta Sykes for a walk at Woodstock Land Conservancy’s Israel Wittman Sanctuary - a 210-acre preserve featuring vernal pools, a seasonal stream, bluestone quarries, and many native plants and animals.

During a low-key hike, we’ll hear from Zaneta about their new nature album and book, Invitations from the Land: the Zena Highwoods, which was recorded at the sanctuary, and from Zoe about advocating for the protection of the Zena Woods as co-chair of Stop Zena Development.

After the walk we’ll enjoy a BYO picnic lunch in the forest, so bring your lunch and a small blankets to sit on if you like. Be sure to RSVP as parking at the sanctuary is limited.

Tune into the many voices of the Sawkill River through this immersive field recording workshop, led by Filipinx nature recordist Zaneta.

In this workshop, participants will listen to multiple perspectives of the Sawkill River, the subtle bends, dips, and fluctuations in flow - essentially tuning into the many voices of this beloved water body. Participants will have the opportunity to listen with hydrophones and portable digital recorders, exploring different immersive field recording techniques and spatial listening.

Led by Filipinx interdisciplinary sound artist and nature recordist Zaneta, participants will also explore listening and field recording as a ritual of connection and reciprocity with local lands and waters, informed by the artist’s cultural traditions.

A limited number of digital recorders, headphones, and hydrophones will be available. Participants are highly encouraged to bring their own digital recorders and phones to practice field recording on their own devices.

Trail Accessibility: We will be accessing the Sawkill River through the Comeau Property. Restrooms are available and parking is located at trail entrance. The path is relatively flat but there are many thick, exposed tree roots on the ground. This is approximately a 1/2 mile walk, then we slope down to the river bank, which is completely made of smooth river stones.

Join acclaimed vibraphonist Chris Dingman, whose work was described by The New York Times as “hypnotizing,” for a dream-like sound journey in the Pitkin Room. Special guest ritualist Zaneta will be leading the creation of an altar for visioning and creativity. Join us for blue lotus tea, and to write down dreams and visions for the future. Zaneta will then guide a meditation, leading into Chris’s journey, to help call in your own intuitive highest guidance and creative visions to come through.

Enhanced by stunning projected visuals, Chris attunes his immersive music to the people present to create a transformative experience that will renew and inspire.