The Sippican Lands Trust will host two lectures in May at its office at 354 Front Street next to Uncle Jon’s Coffee. Refreshments and light fare will be provided at both lectures. These events are free and open to the public.

On Thursday, May 22 at 6 p.m., Dr. John Teal from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute will speak on invasive plant species. Dr. Teal is co-author of “Life and Death of Salt Marsh,” a classic environmental writing that presents the inner workings and threats to the nation’s salt marshes. He has also served as a researcher and consultant for many projects that assessed and helped restore natural functioning to the coastal environment in places like Delaware Bay and the Mississippi Delta. Dr. Teal will offer insight into invasive plant species and how to deal with them locally.

On Thursday, May 29 at 6 p.m., Lauren Miller-Donnelly from Massachusetts Audubon will present a talk on barn swallows and her ongoing research study. Do you own a barn or know of one you can visit? Are you interested in birds? Mass Audubon needs your help in studying barn swallows in Massachusetts. The Mass Audubon’s State of the Birds Report has identified this species as being in decline and in need of conservation action. Miller-Donnelly will introduce her Big Barn Study and is looking for volunteers to participate in gathering research.

The Sippican Lands Trust is a nonprofit, environmental organization that protects and manages more than 1,400 acres of open space in Marion. All properties are open to the public for passive recreation.

For more information on any of the above programs, contact Executive Director Robin Shields at 508-748-3080 or at robinshields@sippicanlandstrust.org.