Bring the kids and your green thumb to Vineyard Gardens’ harvest festival where you’ll find nature crafts, plant displays, garden tours, a raffle and refreshments from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11.

The Oak Bluffs library hosts a celebration of history, fossils and earth science from 4 to 7:45 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16.

The brightest planet in our morning sky has disappeared, or is about to.

Holly Bellebuono's new book is part biography, part history, part geography and part linguistics lesson, all set against the broad backdrop of healing. Ms. Bellebuono profiles 21 contemporary women, each practicing different healing traditions.

There were some unusual sightings last weekend, including a Nashville warbler, but my impression of the past week is that birds were scarce.

The Hungry Caterpillar has got nothing on a praying mantis. Praying Mantises have an appetite that is both extraordinary and true to life.