The Vanishing Ecologies: Nature Walk is a collaborative outdoor event co-hosted by the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust (DNRT) and the New Bedford Art Museum. The walk extends the museum's broader summer and fall exhibition, Vanishing Ecologies: Speculative Futures, which explores how contemporary art responds to human impact on the planet (the "Anthropocene"). Rather than looking at art in a gallery, participants will explore an active, natural landscape to discuss conservation, habitat protection, and climate change adaptation. The walk will be led by DNRT Executive Director Nick Wildman, who will discuss how changing environmental factors impact how local protected spaces are managed.  
 
Date & Time
Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 9:00 AM (Rain date: Sept 27)
Location
DNRT Slocum's River Reserve, 320 Horseneck Rd, Dartmouth, MA (Meet in the parking lot)
Distance & Duration
1 mile; approximately 1 hour
Cost
Free for all; no registration required
 
Ecological and Artistic Connections 
Connecting Art and Conservation: The walk bridges the themes of the New Bedford Art Museum's Vanishing Ecologies Exhibition—which tackles issues of climate change, mass extinction, and environmental toxicity—with the real-world preservation efforts happening in Dartmouth.  
 
Landscape Stewardship: Participants will observe the Slocum’s River Reserve's unique mix of mature woodlands, agricultural fields, and tidal marshes to learn how land trusts protect connected habitats for climate adaptation.  
 
Preparation and Accessibility: The walk covers a gentle 1-mile route, but attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring along protection against ticks and mosquitoes.