Join us in celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day…and CALL’s newest initiative!
A video excerpt of the first iteration of the Tree & I, which took place in May 2019.
Since our earliest days, City as Living Laboratory has been hosting provocative, insightful, and engaging public walks collaboratively led by teams of artists and scientists. CALL/WALKS engage urban residents on the streets of their communities to explore the nature that is in action all around them. These walks brainstorm ways artists, scientists, and communities can work together to meet urgent environmental challenges impacting climate, health, and equity.
Up until now, CALL/WALKS have always been a one-time event, documented in video. Starting this Earth Day, with the release of the audio iteration of last’s years live program at Van Cortlandt Park The Tree & I , that changes. New Yorkers and visitors to the New York Area can now participate in this walk in their own time* - alone, or with others when social distancing guidelines are loosened. The production of this audio WALK will allow a wider audience to participate in CALL’s programming and facilitate a greater sense of environmental stewardship in the wider community.
As you listen to the Tree & I, you will be guided through a section of Van Cortlandt Park, entering at 246th street and passing along the parade grounds and Van Cortlandt house to the Wolf Tree. The walk then travels to the wet meadow and on to Van Cortlandt Lake, where Tibbetts Brook enters the Broadway Sewer. Artist Nicolas Dumit Estevez guides listeners through a series of meditations which facilitate developing a meaningful and personal relationship with the trees and water. Van Cortlandt Park Alliance Ecological Project Manager John Butler contextualizes listeners with insight into the natural life and history of the park.
At this virtual launch event, John and Nicolas will talk us through their process and experiences, providing an opportunity for questions and conversation over video conference. This event is free, but to attend you must register. Registrants will be sent the call-in link as well as the download link for the audio WALK prior to the event via email.
*please note that as a temporary COVID-19 Field Hospital currently occupies the Van Cortlandt Park Parade Ground, the first stop on this walking tour, we do not recommend taking the self-guided tour in the park at this time. While the audio guide will be available to download and listen to, we would ask that members of CALL’s community wait until after the closure of the field hospital to visit this area of Van Cortlandt Park.