Biosphere Book Club - May Title: Braiding Sweetgrass
2026-05-27 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teaching of Plants
“Even a wounded world is feeding us. Even a wounded world holds us, giving us moments of wonder and joy. I choose joy over despair. Not because I have my head in the sand, but because joy is what the earth gives me daily and I must return the gift.”
― Robin Wall Kimmerer

Register HERE.
Another book that has received many comments at Energize Acton book displays is Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teaching of Plants, by Robin Wall Kimmerer. This book has been on the New York Times bestseller list for over five years! In this age of power politics and “the art of the deal” it says something that Braiding Sweetgrass has spoken to so many people for such an extended time.
The late Jane Goodall wrote of it this way. “Robin Wall Kimmerer has written an extraordinary book, showing how the factual, objective approach of science can be enriched by the ancient knowledge of the indigenous people. It is the way she captures beauty that I love the most—the images of giant cedars and wild strawberries, a forest in the rain and a meadow of fragrant sweetgrass will stay with you long after you read the last page.”
Many of you may have already read this text or parts of it. Whether you have read it or not, we invite you to join us for a discussion of some of Robin Wall Kimmerer’s guiding principles, exploring themes such as thanksgiving, reciprocity, and our relationship to the natural world. Our last book choice, Abundance, was reviewed as a “once-in-a-generation, paradigm-shifting call.” But Braiding Sweetgrass might better fit that description! Kimmerer, a trained botanist, knows the science of plants, but she also sees them as teachers. Rather than place humans at the pinnacle of all life, her First Nations perspective teaches that “humans are the younger brothers of Creation,” with a lot to learn from other species. That is definitely a shift in outlook!
As with every Book Club text, it is great if you can read the book, but it is not required. This month will be a zoom meeting. The host will prepare a brief outline of the text with key quotes and discussion points constructed in a way that all can participate. However, if you are able to focus on a handful of chapters, please consider the chapters listed below.

Skywoman Falling
The Gift of Strawberries
Learning the Grammar of Animacy
Allegiance to Gratitude
The Honorable Harvest
The Sacred and the Superfund

Thank you for caring about the natural world and for considering our small discussion! But big themes aside, pour yourself a cup of tea or other beverage, have a good time, and join us to celebrate the written word!
Register HERE.
EnergizeActon.org is sponsored by the Acton Climate Coalition and the Town of Acton Sustainability Office.
Would you like to help EnergizeActon.org? Contact us at EnergizeActon.org@gmail.com. We meet the first Wednesday of each month. However, there are many non-meeting ways to be involved. Thanks for your support!

Clean Energy Home Tour of the Month
2026-05-30 10:00 - 14:00 | Central Acton
See Energy Updates to a 1793 Farmhouse!
Register HERE.
The home is near Acton’s historic district, but the specific address will be sent after registration. There will be two separate tours – a 10:00am Tour and a 1:00pm Tour.
Do you have an older home? Are you thinking about replacing your oil or gas furnace with high-efficiency air source heat pumps? Come visit this historic property, with a large 1793 farmhouse, and learn about the steps taken to make this home more energy efficient, including new insulation, windows, air source heat pumps and solar panels. Your hosts are eager to share what worked, what was less successful, and what actions other residents might tackle first in their own homes. This is a great opportunity to explore the unique energy challenges that come with homes built in other eras. Plus, it is an awesome property that many of us drive past every day!
We hope that one of Acton’s Clean Energy Coaches will also be on hand for the tour. There will be a 10:00am session and a 1:00pm session. As usual, coffee and snacks will be on hand, along with the latest resources from EnergizeActon.org, including the most up-to-date information on incentives.
Register HERE.
When: Saturday, May 30th with a 10:00am tour and a 1:00pm tour.
Where: Main Street, Acton (Address sent upon registration.)
The technologies you will see in this home include:

27 panel rooftop solar system;
3 air source heat pumps (ducted);
Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERV);
Ultra efficient heat pump hot water heater;
Rehabilitated historical windows with storms;
Induction stove and energy star appliances;
EV (2017 Tesla) and level 2 car charger;
Fireplace with top sealing damper and makeup air vent;
24W backup generator with critical-loads electrical panel; and
Water conservation measures inside and out.

After registration you will receive an email with the house address and specific information about parking, etc. Thank you for your interest!
EnergizeActon.org is co-sponsored by the Acton Climate Coalition and the Town of Acton Sustainability Office.
Do you have ideas or a talent you would like to contribute? Please contact us at EnergizeActon.org@gmail.com. The Energize Acton team meets the 1st Wednesday of each month.

Adult Bike Clinic: It’s never too late to learn to ride!
2026-06-06 10:00 - 11:30 | Concord Carlisle High School, 500 Walden St, Concord, Concord Carlisle High School, 500 Walden St, Concord, US
Biking is a great form of exercise and transportation for all ages and even adults can learn to ride. Led by League of American Bicyclists certified trainers, you will:

Learn how to safely get on and off a bicycle
Master the balance that makes biking possible
Learn the new Rules of the Road and how to bike safely and confidently on streets and bike paths
Learn and Practice riding on a traffic-free course
Leave with a “Smart Cycling Quick Guide

Check to ensure your bicycle is in good, working order (Air in the tires, operating brakes and chain, & gear shifters adjusted and lubricated.) Wear comfortable clothes for biking and bring a bike helmet, water bottle and sunscreen. If you have an e-bike, it must be a Class 1 e-bike to participate in this program.

From Canopy to Ground Layer - Building Soft Landings with Keystone Plants for Pollinators
2026-06-16 19:00 - 20:00
Building Soft Landings with Keystone Plants for Pollinators
This presentation explores the powerful connection between keystone plants and the insects that depend on them. You’ll learn how to implement “Soft Landings” in landscapes of all scales from home gardens to larger managed sites. This innovative habitat design and management strategy focuses on creating lush, drought-tolerant mini ecosystems beneath native trees to support pollinators throughout their life cycles. Participants will learn what defines a pollen specialist, discover examples of these fascinating bee-plant relationships, and understand how keystone plants function as foundational species in our ecosystems.
You’ll benefit from practical strategies on site preparation methods, herbicide considerations, and building a resilient plant matrix of sedges, cool-season grasses, and flowering keystone species. By the end of the presentation, participants will be equipped to design and install a Soft Landings planting that transforms conventional landscapes into thriving sanctuaries for bees, caterpillars, and other beneficial insects.
Our Speaker: Heather Holm is a pollinator conservationist and award-winning author of four books: Pollinators of Native Plants (2014), Bees (2017), Wasps (2021), and Common Native Bees of the Eastern United States (2022). Both Bees and Wasps have won multiple book awards including the American Horticultural Society Book Award (2018 and 2022 respectively). Heather’s expertise includes the interactions between native pollinators and native plants, and the natural history and biology of native bees and predatory wasps. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Minneapolis Star Tribune, and many local publications. Heather is also an accomplished photographer and her pollinator photos are frequently featured in print and electronic publications.
Click here to register for this free webinar

From Gas Pumps to Charging Stations: EV Basics for Everyday Drivers
2026-06-17 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Now Is the Time to Go Electric!
With local gas prices climbing toward $4.50 a gallon, the financial case for making the switch to an electric vehicle has never been stronger. Charging an EV at home on Eversource East costs the equivalent of just $2.80 per gallon – saving drivers roughly 38% per mile. And the savings don’t stop at the pump. Because EVs eliminate oil changes, spark plugs, and complex exhaust systems, they cost 30–50% less to maintain over their lifespan than gas-powered cars. All told, drivers can expect around $4,000 in total cost-of-ownership savings over the first five years.
Although the supply of new EV models is a bit unpredictable at the moment, there are still great options out there. And do not forget the used EV market, where most vehicles are also eligible for the Massachusetts MOR-EV incentives ($3500). The volunteer inputting this information just turned in a 2023 Kia EV6 with only 17,000 miles. A wonderful vehicle at a HUGE savings. We bought a 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 to replace the leased car and got a very good deal on the new vehicle. Please do not let our topsy-turvy market circumstances prevent you from finding a vehicle that you will love!
Whether you’re looking to purchase or lease, now is a great time to lock in immediate, predictable savings. Hear directly from EV drivers, get your questions answered, and take the next step to going electric. Register for the MassEnergize online webinar on June 17, 2026, 7–8pm: www.bit.ly/EV-101.
And stay tuned for the EnergizeActon.org EV Petting Zoo coming up in July. This is a wonderful yearly event for EV drives to meet up, plus potential EV drivers can check out the cars and ask lots of questions!

Manage Electricity During Peak Times Using Your Smart Thermostat
2026-06-29 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
You can earn money just for enrolling your smart thermostat in ConnectedSolutions? Join us to learn how National Grid and Eversource reward participants for helping reduce electricity use during the hottest summer days, when the electric grid is under the most strain.
Participants can earn a $50 enrollment incentive, or $100 for income-eligible customers, plus up to $20 each summer for continued participation.
Learn more and register at Green Energy Consumers Alliance.
If you don’t have a smart thermostat yet this webinar will explain what smart thermostats are, how they work, available incentives, and how to choose, install, and enroll one in the ConnectedSolutions program. Whether you already have a smart thermostat or are just starting to explore your options, this session will help you understand how you can save energy, support the grid, and earn incentives.

Your Battery System Can Help Reduce Electricity Demand During Peak Times
2026-07-02 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
You can earn money by enrolling your battery system in ConnectedSolution.
Learn how National Grid and Eversource demand response programs reward homeowners and small businesses for using their battery systems to help reduce electricity demand during the hottest summer days, when the electric grid is under the most strain. Participants with batteries earn an average of $1,200 each summer for participating.
If you don’t have a battery system this webinar will explain what battery storage systems are, how they work, available incentives, and what to consider if you’re thinking about installing one at your home or small business. We’ll also cover how battery systems can provide backup power, support the electric grid, and generate ongoing financial incentives through ConnectedSolutions.
Whether you already have a battery or are just beginning to explore your options, this session will help you understand how to get started and enroll.
