Carole Smith Berney
Naturalist
Please join us for a “virtual walk” along the Charles River Upper Greenway Path in Newton and Watertown-a slide presentation focusing on the surprising diversity of the urban landscape presented by Watertown naturalist Carole Smith Berney. Ms. Berney’s colorful and entertaining slide show features images of birds, waterfowl, cormorants, cottontail rabbits, great blue herons, turtles, seasonal riverscapes and sunsets, and the people who walk, run, skate, bike, fish and birdwatch along the path. She will also discuss efforts over the last decade to restore the river banks as viable habitat for wildlife and to create a path that enables human enjoyment with minimal impact on the flora and fauna there.
Carole Smith Berney, M.A. is a Watertown naturalist, wildlife photographer, nature educator and member of the Newton Camera Club. Inspired by her many walks on the MDC Charles River Upper Greenway Path in Watertown and Newton, she has documented life along the river in all seasons and weather over several years. Her “portraits” of animals-great blue herons, snapping turtles, cottontail rabbits, wood ducks-help to enhance the community’s appreciation of the biodiversity and natural beauty found close to urban settings. She continues to exhibit her work locally, and to present slideshows for diverse audiences: libraries, community groups, assisted living facilities, senior centers, and public and private schools from kindergarten through high school.
Her publications include “Clever Critters,” featuring photographs of animal behavior, in a forthcoming issue of Highlights for Children, and Wildflowers Along the Upper Greenway Path, partially funded by the Watertown Cultural Council and the Department of Parks and Recreation (formerly MDC). The Massachusetts Cultural Council has designated the latter publication as an exemplary, “gold star” project for its significance in wedding the arts with community involvement. Her image, “Glowing Mallards,” was chosen by the Massachusetts Audubon Society for inclusion in its Important Bird Areas exhibit. Her various slideshows and exhibits have entertained and enlightened many a nature-lover, birder, and wildflower enthusiast.
This lecture is co-sponsored by the Newton Free Library (617-796-1360) and the Newton Conservators, Newton’s own organization that promotes the protection and preservation of open space. Carole Smith Berney’s lecture is the eighth in the twice yearly Newton Conservators Lecture Series, which features renowned experts in areas related to the open space mission of the Conservators. As part of their educational outreach, the programs are free and open to the public. Some of Carole’s photo prints and cards will be available for purchase as well as the Conservators publication Walking Trails in Newton’s Park and Conservation Lands. For further information on this event, please contact the Conservators coordinator for this event, Ted Kuklinski (617-969-6222).
