Welcome to Aton Forest

Aton Forest, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) organized and operated for scientific research and preservation of land and natural resources. Our aim is to protect lands in Norfolk and Colebrook, Connecticut, preserve the physical and intellectual legacy of our founder, Dr. Frank E Egler, and continue the low impact, long-term ecological research that he pioneered. The organization maintains an archive of his written materials and library.
Naturalistic Landscaping with Native Wildflower and Fern Identification
Saturday, August 3, 2019, from 9 am to 12 pm

Naturalistic Landscaping appeals to the kind of person who likes wild nature, modified just a bit… He is willing to tip the scales of nature with one finger, not spend his life trying to grow plants in anti-ecological unnaturalness.
-Warren G. Kenfield, 1966. The Wild Gardener in the Wild Landscape.

Studying natural and lightly managed vegetation can help us to understand how we can maintain an attractive landscape while working within ecologically sound principles. This workshop, led by John Anderson, will guide you through the process of naturalistic landscaping following the Egler/Kenfiled method. There will also be a significant amount of plant identification, for knowing what you have is the first step in the process.

The workshop is limited to the first 16 people who register. Please email or call in advance: contact@atonforest.org; 860-248-1053. This is a free-will donation event. Donations support Aton Forest's ongoing education programs. This is part of Weekend In Norfolk. Check out the other activities happening from August 2 - 4.


Meet at Aton Forest Headquarters, 270 North Colebrook Road, Norfolk. For more information go to the Aton Forest website.

This program is part of Weekend In Norfolk, August 2-4. Check out the other activities available.


Plan on bringing sunscreen, insect repellant, and appropriate dress for the outdoors and weather.


John Anderson is Executive Director of Aton Forest Inc., and the Aton Forest Fellow, continuing the research established by founder Frank Egler. John is an ecologist who studies vegetation science, leads land management and conservation projects, and gives educational programs on the art and science of naturalistic landscaping and related topics.