2026 Bedford Field Notes
Bedford Field Notes is an educational speaker series dedicated to exploring nature in and around Bedford, New York — from birds, pollinators, and forests to land stewardship and the systems that sustain life in our region.
Following the success of our 2025 launch, with three sold out sessions, we are pleased to announce our 2026 season:
Wednesday, April 15: Birds
Thursday, May 7: Forests
Wednesday, June 3: Bugs
Join us for a new season of engaging, community-centered conversations about the natural world around us. The series is presented by Mianus River Gorge, in partnership with the Bedford Historical Society, Bedford Garden Club, and Rusticus Garden Club.
2026 Program
Birds: April 15
The rivers and streams that crisscross Bedford—including the pristine Mianus River running through the Bedford Village Historic District—and the lands around them, are brimming with life. Some of it is visible to the naked eye, yet mysteries abound both above and below the ground. Come learn all about the distinctive ecology of Bedford, in the company of friends and neighbors.
Moderated by “CBS Sunday Morning” correspondent David Pogue, Bedford Field Notes will feature nationally acclaimed speakers—including Dr. Andrew Farnsworth of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (April 15), forester and bestselling author Ethan Tapper (May 7), and entomologist Dr. Jessica Ware of the American Museum of Natural History (June 3)—along with distinguished local experts, in a series of insightful conversations.
Read about our 2025 season here.
Forests: May 7
Bugs: June 3
About Mianus River Gorge
Mianus River Gorge (MRG) comprises a 960-acre preserve with over 100 acres of old-growth hemlock forest and the 22-mile Mianus River flowing through it—a unique treasure in the New York metropolitan region. Mianus River Gorge protects and manages over 1,200 acres in the Mianus River Watershed in parts of Bedford, North Castle and Pound Ridge, NY, and Stamford and Greenwich, CT.
Founded in 1953, the Mianus River Gorge, Inc. is an independent 501(c)(3). It was the first land project of The Nature Conservancy and, in 1963, was designated the first National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Our mission is to protect irreplaceable natural habitats for our community, wildlife, and future generations.
The Mianus River Gorge Preserve is open seasonally with seven miles of scenic, challenging, and well-tended hiking trails and outdoor exhibits. MRG also owns 41 acres in the Twin Lakes and Taylor Preserves. It provides habitat for hundreds of species of animals, plants, fungi, and microbes in the soil and water.
