Renowned author to be honored at Highland library

The Easter Bunny will be sharing the spotlight with another beloved rabbit — Peter Rabbit — this upcoming Easter, as the Highland Equestrian Conservancy (HEC) plans to celebrate the life and accomplishments of famed children’s author Beatrix Potter.

For their Earth Day event, the HEC will be sponsoring “Peter Rabbit, Beatrix Potter: The Blending of Art, Literature, and Land Conservation,” at the Highland Township Public Library on April 23 starting at 1 p.m.

Although best known for her children’s books, Beatrix Potter was also an avid land conservationist. While many children have been enriched with the tales of Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, and Jemima Puddle-Duck, Potter used the riches she gained from her books to preserve acreage in Great Britain’s Lake District. The natural property totals some 4,000 acres and is now under the protection of the National Trust.

“Ms. Potter’s vision of conserving land for future generations is still very evident today, as her legacy is not only in her books and writings, but in thousands of acres that have been preserved within the Lakes District in Great Britain,” said Margot Bloomfield, the coordinator of the event and a member of the HEC board.

With its commitment to land conservation, the HEC hopes to honor Potter while informing others about the actions they can take to preserve the many open spaces, park land and trails, and farm land within the Highland community.

“The story (of Beatrix Potter) really promotes what we are trying to convey with land conservation,” Bloomfield said. “Everybody needs to be conscientious about those things and taking care of them. We want to raise people’s consciousness about being more involved because once (land) is gone, it’s gone.

The event will feature information about Potter and her legacy presented by Carol Czechkowski, a member of the Beatrix Potter Society, as well as readings performed by Isabel Glendenning, an HEC member who will be dressed in full historical costume as Potter.

A viewing of the movie “Miss Potter” will also be shown in addition to drawings for books and the opportunity to cuddle with some live bunnies. Refreshments such as tea, punch, and pastries will also be provided. Admission is free.

“We welcome everybody to attend to have a wonderful time and learn interesting things,” Bloomfield said.

For more information on the event, contact Bloomfield at 288-787-1717.