Isham Family Farm in Williston will host a series of seven performing arts events this summer, paired with pre-show environmental speakers who will promote environmental awareness and responsibility. 

"The “First: Earth Summer Series” is a series with a twist, the twist being that along with the broad range of classical and like-minded repertoire, there is the “Pre-Show Environmental Lecture Series” that go along with each event. For example, A 2021 organization will be performing the musical, “A Year with Frog and Toad”.  The pre-show speaker that evening will be talking about vernal pools.)  Mike and Helen believe that many of us want to do something to help the environment, but it is so overwhelming that we feel at a loss as to what to do.  This series will be an instrument for our community in which good can ensue by using excess revenue to support [the environment]"

Shows are either outside on the lawn or in a restored barn with seating. The grounds open two hours before showtime for BYO picnicking. Learn more and purchase tickets: click here 

Featured speakers include: 

• Tina Heath, A Wetland Ecologist speaking about “Vernal Pools“
• Bill McKibben, Environmentalist and co-founder of 350.org, discussing his thoughts on our environment
• Elaine Pentaleri, Vermont published Poet, reading her poems about the environment
• Ballet Vermont Dance Camp dancers discussing what they have learned about the environment through dance
• Ethan Tapper, Chittenden County Forester
• Julie Cadwallader Staub-Vermont-based, Writer’s Almanac recognized Poet, reading her poems about the environment

Performances include:

• A Year with Frog and Toad
• Heliand Consort :: Universe in a Sparkle
• KeruBo
• The Farm to Ballet Project
• Popcorn Falls, Written by James Hindman and Produced by Vermont Stage
• Tosca
• Vermont Shakespeare Festival presents: Shakespeare: Completely Unbound!  

Mike Isham and Helen Weston are the 5th generation Ishams to steward the Isham Family Farm in Williston, Vermont. Together, they have made it their life’s work to find innovative ways to help the environment flourish on their property and beyond. They feel that their land is a tool to bring forth environmental awareness and responsibility; for themselves, their livelihood and for the community at large.

A few of the many environmental practices on the farm are as follows:

• Delayed Meadow Mowing
• Environmental Co-existing Christmas Tree farming
• Bird-Friendly Maple Sugaring
• Pollinator Gardening
• Butterfly Gardening
• Protected and Natural Forest, Meadow and Pond Management
• Sustainable Forestry
• Outdoor environmental classes/field trips/studies