A Spotlight on Starfield’s Early Residents

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.

Fireflies and Paul Manship loved Cape Ann because it was a "dark place." Male fireflies have a better chance of finding their mate when it is dark and their flashing signal is not obscured by artificial light. In nocturnal darkness, males are able to signal to female fireflies, who will flash back at them so they know where they are perched in the high grass and bushes. Dark places are also ideal for stargazing, and Paul Manship, whose sculpture took its themes from the Greek mythical figures that populate the night sky, was an avid student of astronomy and revealed in the the celestial dance of constellations above his STARFIELD property.

Manship celebrates our longtime residents!

ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EVENTS.

Click on titles of events to link to registration page

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.