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Just before Helen died in 1995 she signed an agreement with the Trust for Public Land to take over the stewardship of her property upon her death, with the idea of keeping Forest Farm open to the public. Today the Good Life Center serves as a clearinghouse for the Nearings' publications, as a model of sustainable living practices, as a social justice center, and as a gathering place for a summertime Speaker Series, hands- on workshops, educational programs and volunteer work parties.

Join us Sundays at 4pm in the Summer- view our speakers below!

2025 Schedule

July 6th ~ Zoe Weil

The Solutionary Way: Transform Your Life, Your Community, and the World for the Better

Zoe will be discussing her new book, The Solutionary Way, "[...] a must-read for changemakers, activists, educators, business leaders, policymakers, and anyone committed to making a difference". Zoe Weil is the co-founder and president of the Institute for Humane Education (IHE) and is considered a pioneer in the comprehensive humane education movement.

July 13th ~ Larry Dansinger

What Should the Economy Be for?

Most of us believe we have no control over the economy ("we're just along for the ride") and that the current way the economy is structured now is our only option. Neither is true. But, what IS the purpose of the economy now and, maybe more importantly, what SHOULD it be? These questions could be answered especially in light of our knowledge of the Nearings and their lives and beliefs. Results of our answers will be compared to a survey conducted at the polls on Election Day, 2024. In small groups, we can consensually re-define what the economy should be for and then at least begin to figure out (or even plan if there is enough agreement) how to re-make the economy as a group and/or individually. We'll also identify ways to practice the new economy in our day-to-day lives.

July 20th ~ Margy Burns Knight

"Who Needs A Statue?" - A Twenty Year Adventure

Margy will talk about her twenty year adventure with statues that started with a question and led to the 2024 publishing of her book Who Needs a Statue? that she co-authored with Eve LaPlante and was illustrated by Alix Delinois.

Margy Burns Knight is nationally recognized for the humanitarian impact of her work as a children's author on titles such as African is Not a Country.

July 27th ~ Kyle Warnock

Cultivating Community: The Power of Gathering Spaces & The Impact of Belonging

Since the 1950s, the United States has seen a steady decrease in gathering spaces that effectively foster meaningful, long-lasting support networks and community belonging. As the country becomes more divided and individualistic, we see an uptick in isolation and a decline in public health and well-being. In this talk, explore the three components of community building Queerly ME employs to foster strong support networks and strengthen community belonging for LGBTQIA+ adults in Maine. Drive into what is needed for a gathering place to thrive and lead towards meaningful, long-lasting community connections. This workshop will have a strong focus on the LGBTQIA+ community in Maine, and the many sociopolitical obstacles challenging the creation and growth of gathering spaces and how we may overcome those challenges through collective action.

Kyle Warnock is a photographer and executive director and founder of Queerly ME.

August 3rd ~ Greg Joly

Scott Nearing's "What is Justice?"

Greg will be discussing Scott Nearing's pamphlet, "What is Justice?", regarding the illegal activites that occurred during the Harding administration.

Greg Joly is a Vermont homesteader and long-time unofficial Nearing historian.

August 10th ~ Bonnie Newsom, Ph.D.

Bonnie Newsom, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Maine.

August 17th ~ Peter Dugas

Climate Policy Workshop

Peter will present on climate change policy using the EN-ROADS Climate Simulator created by MIT’s Sloan School of Management. Peter Dugas is the Maine State Coordinator for the Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL).

August 24th ~ Mark McBrine

"Seeds of Change" Documentary and Discussion

Mark McBrine: 'Seeds of Change', the award winning documentary will be shown at the GLC followed by a discussion and presentation by Mark McBrine. The documentary chronicles Mark's nationally recognized efforts to transform the lives of inmates at the prison at Charleston in Maine through organic agriculture. Mark, an organic farmer and food service director, will bring his powerful and transformative story to the GLC.

August 31st ~ Margot Kelley

Gardening at the End of the World

In March 2020, as I was starting my seeds, COVID shut down the world. Taking care of my garden took on extra significance for me that year, as it did for so many folks. That outdoor work was complemented by research into the relationships we humans have long had with seeds and with viruses. As I dug into the histories of plants and pandemics, I discovered many surprising ways the two are intertwined. I'll share some of those co-evolutionary tales and talk about what they suggest about our interdependent world.

Margot Kelley is an author and gardener.

September 7th ~ Sarah Ebel, Ph.D.

Sarah Ebel, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Social Sciences at the University of New England.