Adventures in Learning
Lifelong Learning at Colby-Sawyer College
Community Spotlight Series
Community Spotlight came about to honor AIL's 25th Anniversary. It aims to highlight community connections, AIL partnerships, and the experience of lifelong learning.
Each session is free and open to the public, though space is limited, and pre- registration is required. Times and venues vary; please see details below.
Please join us to learn more about AIL and each other!
2026 Community Spotlight Presentations
November 6, 2026
Every Rescue Has A Story: The Heart of Bark and Bray
Ben Taylor, Co-Founder and President of Bark and Bray
Lethbridge Lodge, Colby-Sawyer College, 10:00 AM
Join us for an engaging presentation by Ben Taylor, co-founder and president of Bark and Bray, an animal sanctuary in Wilmot, NH. Get a glimpse into the sanctuary’s daily work, discover the shared love of animals that inspired its creation, learn about the specialized teams behind its rescue missions, and hear firsthand stories of some of our region’s most memorable rescues.
March 16, 2026
Food for Thought: How Local Farming and Land Conservation Contribute to a Regional Vision
Led by Hans Carlson, Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust
Clements Hall, Ivey Science Center, Colby-Sawyer College, 3:00 PM
A dramatic shift has taken place in New England’s agricultural landscape and its role in the regional economy. A century ago, farming was still a significant part of New England’s economic sector. Today, just five percent of the region — about two million acres — remains in active farmland, producing only a fraction of the food we consume.
As development pressures drive up land costs, farmers are increasingly priced out.
The same fertile, well-located land that sustains agriculture is also prime for building — putting the future of local farming at risk.
This panel will examine the realities facing New England farmers and explore how land conservation can help sustain them — while imagining a future in which the region produces far more of its own food.