Stroll along an outdoor sculpture installation at the Schuylkill Valley Nature Center
Although the Nature Center’s website states The Bird Ethic was to be exhibited through December 2023, the series of eight sculptures are still installed along the Widener Trail.
Susan Hagen, LandLab artist-in-residence, created eight unique diorama-inspired pieces dealing with bird conservation, bird science, and humankind’s influence on bird populations. Before creating the pieces, she interviewed birders and ornithologists. Each miniature sculpture is mounted on a tree stump or nestled between tree branches and Hagen used reclaimed lumber from the Nature Center as well as other media.
Each sculpture has an explanatory panel. The first one depicts the founding of the Audubon Society (created by women protesting the use of bird feathers in hats). Other scenes depict Rachel Carson testifying before Congress; Dr. Nate Rice, the ornithology collections manager at the Academy of Natural Science; a bulldozer destroying a natural habitat; Sue Biniaz speaking at the UN Conference of the Parties on climate change; the growth of collaboration between birders through Ebird, an online database is depicted by three birders; a cat depicts a natural enemy of birds; the final scene depicts a variety of birdhouses.
Even if you can’t join the Village Walk, consider going to the Schuylkill Valley Nature Center on your own to enjoy this unique exhibition!
Want Thursday Walk emails? We walk most Thursdays at 10 AM, usually in the neighborhood, starting at the garden of the Falls Library. If you'd like to get the unofficial email with weather updates, destinations, and more, send an email to marshRRR@gmail.com.
First Photo: Rachael Carson testifying before Congress
