From May 11th to July 24th, visitors to Concord can explore Barry Van Dusen’s beautiful nature sketches displayed at both Thoreau Farm and Walden Pond State Reservation Visitor Center. Van Dusen is a Massachusetts-based artist and the author of Finding Sanctuary, in which he describes and illustrates 61 of Mass Audubon’s wildlife sanctuaries, nature centers, and museums. He is known for working directly from life, even when sketching difficult subjects like wild birds.

At Thoreau Farm (341 Virginia Rd), the exhibition focuses on the birds of Concord that are chronicled in Thoreau’s Journal and in the 2024 book, A Year of Birds: Writings on Birds from the Journal of Henry David Thoreau edited by Geoff Wisner and illustrated by Van Dusen. Hours: Saturdays & Sundays, 10am to 4pm; Mondays, 10am to 2pm; and by appointment.

At Walden Pond (915 Walden St), the exhibition will expand to include a wide variety of nature subjects. The Visitor Center is open daily 10am-4pm. The exhibit is included in the parking fee: $8 for in-state plates; $30 for out-of-state plates. Parking may be limited. Check https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dcr-park-alerts or call 978-369-3254 for current conditions.

This program is offered by Thoreau Farm, Walden Pond State Reservation (DCR), and the Friends of Walden Pond as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature, Culture & History, an annual month-long celebration showcasing events and activities hosted by local partners celebrating the unique places, objects, and stories of the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Hidden Treasures programs are free and open to the public. Click to discover more Hidden Treasures!