Paul Manship was into natural habitats and sustainability long before our contemporary awareness of the critical responsibility we have as stewards of the land took hold. Rather than cultivating formal gardens throughout his property, Manship also maintained wilder environments in which he knew the native fireflies would thrive. He waited until the end of July to mow his meadow, recognizing that only then the fireflies could have the chance to go through their life cycles. Manship delighted in sharing the land with the fireflies – he named the property “Starfield,” signaling his pleasure of walking through a field of fireflies twinkling all around him just like the stars above.
The Manship Artists Residency, likewise, is committed to protecting this unique natural setting and creating awareness around the current plight of fireflies and other insect species threatened by human activity. Manship Artists Residency is collaborating with Fitchburg State University, Mass Audubon, and Firefly Watch to sponsor a summer internship program during firefly season. The intern will pilot new techniques for quantifying firefly populations and assessing firefly habitats. Also, Manship and our organizational partners will develop educational and research materials for dissemination through programming and online portals. Manship will also have an artist-in-residence embedded with this project.
2022 FIREFLY FIESTA PROGRAMMING
June 22. 6:45 – 8:45 pm
Program change:
The Summer Night Sky Over Cape Ann
Location: Starfield
Richard Leucke of the Gloucester Area Astronomy Club will present an INDOOR presentation for a special night of star gazing in the Manship parlor!
July 1. 8:00 – 9:30 pm
Meet the Manship Fireflies
with Dr. Chris Cratsley, Firefly Watch Pro consultant
Location: Starfield
A behind the bushes look at where the Manship fireflies stage their flashy courtship dance. Come learn how you can contribute to a critical national effort to monitor firefly populations.
July 2. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Firefly Family Fun:
The Whats, Where and Whys of Fireflies
Location: The Lanesville Community Center
Including a bug scavenger hunt, children’s book readings, firefly signaling device and art project. Presented in partnership with the Virginia Lee Burton Writing Cottage, Lanesville Community Center, Fitchburg State University, and Mass Audubon’s Firefly Watch program. For families with 3 – 12 year olds.
July 6. 5:00 – 7:00 pm
The Wild We Make:
Planting a More Biodiverse, Just, and Resilient World
Location: The Lanesville Community Center
Learn how to create a beneficial habitat garden in this workshop with David Newsom, Wild Yards Project founder and Nick Anderson, a Native Plants specialist.
