Rec Room provides after-school enrichment

GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Recreation Department’s Rec Room, a drop-in after-school program for all Greenfield Middle School students, breaks the school year into three seasons, the third of which began on March 18. Activities include a game room, academic support and a choice of enrichment activities.

March 25: ‘Water Cools the Planet’

GREENFIELD — “Working with Nature to Restore our Climate” is the theme of Greening Greenfield’s spring series of free in-person events. The first event, “Water Cools the Planet,” will be held Monday, March 25, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Second Congregational Church on Court Square.

“In this series, we will look into some novel ways of thinking that can help restore biodiversity and mitigate climate change,” Dorothea Sotiros, an avid gardener and Greening Greenfield member, said in a statement. “I am particularly interested in the powerful role that water, plants and soil play in building climate resilience at home and beyond.”

Monday’s event will start by watching “Water Cools the Planet,” the first part of the documentary “Regenerating Life.” The film offers insights into the role of water and plants, especially trees, in nurturing and balancing our climate.

A 30-minute discussion, facilitated by Mary Westervelt, will follow the screening.

Other upcoming events in Greening Greenfield’s spring series include a viewing and discussion of “Life Sustains the Climate,” the second segment of “Regenerating Life,” on April 1; and a presentation by Rachel Lindsay, ecologist, gardener and lead designer at Regenerative Design Group, on April 22. Lindsay will introduce attendees to soil-smart planning, and discuss how to protect soil health and increase climate reliance through gardening efforts.

Mini golf to raise money for fireworks festivities

GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Recreation Department will offer indoor mini golf at 20 Sanderson St. on Friday, April 5, from 5:30 to 8:45 p.m. and Saturday, April 6, from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. to raise money for the Independence Day fireworks celebration.

Admission is $5 per person to play the 18 uniquely designed holes. Children under 3 will be admitted for free.

Learn about
Floodplain Forest Restoration Project

GREENFIELD — Residents are invited to the Greenfield Public Library’s Community Room on Monday, April 8, at 6 p.m. to learn about the recently launched Floodplain Forest Restoration Project.

As part of the effort, a small group of volunteers has begun taking steps to eliminate invasive plants while protecting native plants at the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area. Soon, most of the attention will be on cutting Japanese knotweed before it starts to smother the forest.

For more information, email Greenfield resident Wisty Rorabacher at wistyrorabacher28@gmail.com.