The Roxbury Land Trust is hosting “The Nose Knows,” a lecture on the science of scent and how animals utilize their sense of smell, on Sunday, November 29 at 10 am at the Roxbury Land Trust office. Led by Erin Josefson, the free one-hour event will feature a demonstration with a retired search-and-rescue dog.

Geared to people at least 12 years of age, the talk will delve into what animals use odor for, why some animals are better at using their noses than others, and how humans compare. Josefson will look at the anatomy and behavior shaped by smells and thoughtfully explore some of the animal kingdom’s most adept sniffers. At the end, retired search-and-rescue K-9, Lucy, will give a live demonstration exemplifying why her nose is such an incredibly powerful tool.

Erin graduated from Paul Smith’s College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Management. She has spent the past several years teaching in a variety of settings, from traditional classrooms to nature-based schools, working with learners ranging from toddlers to adults. She is currently completing a Master’s degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation.

Erin grew up in Washington, Connecticut, and has called Roxbury home for many years. She lives there with her family, and along with their dogs, they enjoy spending time on local hiking trails, exploring the woods behind their home, and cultivating a deeper connection to the land they live on.

Since it was established in 1970, the Roxbury Land Trust has preserved approximately 4,200 acres of farmland, woodlands, wildlife habitats, watercourses, wetlands and open space in Roxbury and neighboring communities. The non-profit organization maintains 32 preserves with 32.5 miles of hiking trails, three active farms and historic iron and granite mines, as well as offers a range of educational programs. 

Please register or for more information call the Roxbury Land Trust at 860-350-4148 or visit www.roxburylandtrust.org.