Firefly project to honor Jane Goodall

Renowned primatologist Jane Goodall, who died Oct. 1, 2025, will be honored April 10 at Marvelwood School during the Firefly Environmental Arts Project, a student-driven event blending art, science and environmental action.

A talk on Goodall by author Priscilla Woolworth will anchor the program, part of a larger gathering focused on sustainability. The Firefly Environmental Arts Project is described as “a collaborative sustainability initiative engaging students and professionals in the tri-state corner to build community through shared experiences in nature and the arts.” Student environmental ambassadors from several schools are central to the effort.

Firefly was created last year by Kent residents Deborah Schlee, a nature photographer, and Carl Raab, a science educator and author. “Our goal is to try to get people engaged and involved in the environment,” Schlee said. “We knew that various schools were having their students do things about the environment, but they were not always doing it together. We wanted to build community through shared experiences.”

Friday’s event will feature an exhibit of nature-inspired artwork by students and professional artists, including sculpture, painting, photography, recycled art and poetry. Students from Housatonic Valley Regional High School and Marvelwood, Millbrook and South Kent schools will speak about their environmental efforts aligned with Goodall’s work. A video created by third grade students at Kent Center School will also be shown.

Goodall, a pioneer in primate ethology, is widely regarded as the world’s leading expert on chimpanzees, known for her decadeslong research on their social and family life in Tanzania. Woolworth, who was a friend of Goodall’s, will discuss how that relationship inspired and deepened her commitment to environmental stewardship. She has been named a Green Pioneer by Time magazine and runs an online eco-friendly store.

Woolworth is the author of “Lola Lots of Love Always,” a book for young women about living sustainably and making healthy choices for themselves and the planet.

Schlee said her environmental book club read one of Goodall’s books, further deepening her admiration.

The free event will be held at Marvelwood School Performing Arts Center, 476 Skiff Mountain Road in Kent. The art exhibit and refreshments begin at 5 p.m., followed by the keynote speaker and presentations at 6 p.m.