RANGELEY – The Sunday nature program at the Orgonon property, Dodge Pond Road, on Sunday, Aug. 26, will be presented by Bridie McGreavy on “Vernal Pools.”

McGreavy is a master’s degree candidate in conservation biology at Antioch University New England. Her thesis topic is focused on human perceptions of vernal pools, as she is exploring local decision-makers’ attitudes toward vernal pool conservation.

McGreavy grew up in Western Maine and returned to Bridgton after graduating from Bates College in 2001 to join the Lakes Environmental Association as the watershed education director. Over the past six years, McGreavy has developed several programs to promote awareness of vernal pools and encourage vernal pool conservation.

There are vernal pools on the Orgonon property which program participants will visit. At this time of year they will be in a dormant state, but McGreavy will discuss the activities that take place in the springtime.

McGreavy is a student of Aram J.K.Calhoun, who is an associate professor of wetland ecology at the University of Maine and a wetland scientist with Maine Audubon Society.

Participants will meet at 2 p.m. at the outdoor classroom on the Orgonon property. The natural science programs offer free workshops each Sunday in July and August. The workshops are funded by the Wing-Benjamin Trust and individual donors.

The Observatory building details the life and work of physician/scientist Wilhelm Reich, whose interest in the natural environment led to the introduction of the natural science programs in 1989. The Observatory is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday in July and August, 1 to 5 p.m. in September Sundays only. Adult admission is $6; children under 12, free.