‘Awe and wonder’: Noted ecologist and author Brad Timm to lead HCT Cold Brook walk

Brad Timm’s love affair with the great outdoors began early in life. “Nature has always filled me with feelings of awe and wonder, both as a young kid all the way through the current day,” he said. “There are so many amazing things that we know, and importantly still are learning, about even the most common animals all around us which constantly fascinates me.”

The noted ecologist and author will share his insights and enthusiasm during a special Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) program at the Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve (203 Bank St., Harwich Port), on Sunday, July 19th from 8 to 10 a.m.

The Cold Brook Wildlife Walk is a family friendly event that will delight both fledgling naturalists and those who have years of experience deciphering the wild world around us.

Registration is required, with a program cost of $20. For more information and to reserve your spot, click here. Signed copies of Timm’s books will be available for purchase following the program at discounted rates ($20 for each; cash and Venmo preferred).

Fun facts about wildlife

Timm said he is excited about exploring HCT’s Cold Brook Preserve, where a recent rewilding project added a half-mile All Persons Trail, restored 44 acres of wetland and a mile of stream habitat. Now home to all kinds of wildlife and flourishing native plants, the area has become a popular hiking and nature-watching destination.

“We’ll take a leisurely stroll and keep our eyes and ears open for all sorts of wildlife, from birds to butterflies and everything in between,” said Timm. “Folks will learn lots of fun facts about common everyday wildlife that they may not have already known such as: blue jay feathers have no blue pigment — it’s a trick of light that makes them appear blue to us.”

Participants will learn about the hidden lives of local wildlife, with tips on how to identify birds by sight and sound. Timm will also talk about wildflowers and the pollinators that depend on them, and share engaging stories that will help you see familiar surroundings, and the animals that inhabit them, in a whole new way.

Timm is the author of “Wildlife Out Your Window,” which features fascinating info about 100 animals commonly seen in the Northeast. It includes nuggets about species like woodchucks–they don’t chuck wood, but got their name from the Algonquin word “wuchak” which means “digger.”

His latest book, “America is Wild!”, is a beautifully-illustrated guide to 200 plants and 200 animals found across the country. The book is designed to spark curiosity and inspire a deeper connection with the natural world, featuring four plants and four animals for each state.

Deep connections to Cape Cod

Timm is also the founder of the Northeast Wildlife Team, a group of wildlife ecologists, educators, and conservation practitioners who offer guidance on simple actions people can take to support wildlife living in their communities.

He also has deep connections to Cape Cod. Timm’s grandparents had a home on the Upper Cape that he visited frequently as a youngster.

“I spent a lot of time fishing along the Cape Cod Canal with my grandfather and trying to find new, hidden freshwater fishing holes in the area,” Timm recalled. “And I lived year-round on the Outer Cape from 2005 to 2010, when I did my Ph.D. research on Eastern spadefoot toads out in the dunes of the Province Lands at Cape Cod National Seashore, which is such a special place.”

Timm’s guided walk offers a great opportunity to see HCT’s beautiful Cold Brook Preserve through the eyes of an expert with a gift for sharing insight that makes nature come alive. We hope to see you there!

What:  Cold Brook Wildlife Walk with ecologist and author Brad Timm

When: Sunday, July 19th from 8 to 10 a.m

Where: HCT’s Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve, 203 Bank Street, Harwich Port

Cost: Registration is required, with a program cost of $20. For more information and to reserve your spot, click here.

Books: Signed copies of Brad Timm’s books, “America is Wild!” and “Wildlife Out Your Window” will be available for purchase following the program at discounted rates ($20 for each; cash and Venmo preferred).

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—Your tax-deductible contributions help fulfill the mission of the Harwich Conservation Trust to preserve land that protects woods, water, wildlife and our shared quality of life. And your land-saving financial support helps us preserve beautiful properties that can become stellar trail destinations. Find out how to donate by clicking here.