Programs

Connect with Nature at Graylag

Graylag offers programs in all seasons that can help you learn about and engage with the natural world.

Our expert naturalists will bring the flora and fauna of Graylag into focus as they share their knowledge of the rocks and wetlands, trees and insects, native flowers and birds.

Join us for one of our upcoming programs — and add your name to our mailing list to stay up to date on future programs and events.

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The Graylag Artist Residency

2025 marks the launch of the Graylag Artist Residency. This program is designed to foster the intersection of creativity and nature, offering artists an immersive environment where creativity can thrive in direct connection with the natural world. Through this residency, we seek to cultivate a vibrant exchange of ideas between visiting artists and our local community. By providing artists with time and space to create, reflect, and collaborate, we offer a rare opportunity for artistic growth and community engagement.

With great excitement, we welcome our 2025 resident artists:
Katherine Reaves — Digital Filmmaker & Video Artist, August 16 – 29
Michele Johnsen — Painter, August 30 – September 12
Sophia Li — Photographer, September 13 – September 26
Shaina Gates — Experimental Photography, September 27 – October 10
Elizabeth Leone Holmes (Betsy) — Painter, October 11 – October 24

Each artist will spend two weeks at Graylag, offering a public program, workshop, or artist talk during their stay. Stay tuned for more details!

Nature Prints

Saturday, Sept 6, 10 AM - noon

Join us for Nature Prints, a hands-on workshop led by artist in residence Michelle Johnsen, where participants will take a short walk along the preserve’s scenic trails to gather natural materials like leaves and plants, observing their unique shapes and textures. Back in the studio, we’ll use these found treasures to create beautiful nature prints, exploring techniques for layering and arranging items into pleasing designs. Expect a fun, messy, and creative process, so bring an apron or old shirt! This workshop is perfect for anyone (age 8 to adult) who enjoys art and the outdoors.

Graylag Challenge: Swim across the Pond

Saturday, September 13 at 10 am

Join us for a 3/4-mile swim on Wild Goose Pond from Graylag to Camp Storer and back – a great opportunity to enjoy a quiet pond with no public access! All funds will help complete Lakeside Pavilion. We ask that each swimmer raise $100 in pledges in order to participate.

Botanical Blueprints

Saturday, September 20, 10 AM - 12 PM

Discover one of the earliest photographic techniques while surrounded by the beauty of Graylag Nature Preserve. In this beginner-friendly, hands-on workshop, we’ll explore the grounds to gather natural materials like leaves and flowers, then use sunlight and light-sensitive chemistry to create blue-toned prints. Open to adults and teens, no experience necessary!

Yoga at Graylag

Tuesday mornings, 9:30 - 10:45

Mary Ellen Shannon, certified yoga teacher and Reiki Master, as well as long-time friend and steward of the land here at Graylag, will be offering an all-levels Hatha flow yoga class on Tuesday mornings. Classes will include relaxation, meditation, asanas, and guided breathing. Come occasionally or come for all sessions. Class size is limited -- please call or email to reserve a space.

Camp Graylag History

Video Available

Watch the video of the June 2023 program with the Pittsfield Historical Society, as the daughters of Graylag's founding families share their memories and stories of old camp days.

Video Series

Ongoing

Check out our Video Exploration series! Here's where you can find recordings of our virtual programs and some fantastic field investigations too.