Town & Country Garden Club will host its next program, “Stinkology: Frangrances of Field and Forest,” on Wednesday, May 8, at 7 pm, at Newtown Senior Center, 14 Riverside Road.

This month’s guest speakers are Barbara and Peter Rzasa.

Mrs Rzasa earned obtained a bachelor’s of science degree in art from Southern Connecticut State University. She is a graphic designer who uses her artistic skills to create wildflower, bird, and farmland pastel and watercolor paintings. She has recently displayed her artwork at local nature centers and libraries.

Mrs Rzasa is also an avid photographer who loves to photograph birds and spring wildflowers.

Mr Rzasa earned his bachelor’s of science in forest chemistry at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse and a master’s of science in medical science from Quinnipiac University.

He is also a photographer who loves to photograph birds, wildflowers, trees, and old stone structures.

The couple have actively volunteered for several nature-based organizations, including Ansonia Nature Center, Shepaug Eagle Observation Area, and Flanders Nature Center and Land Trust. For three years, Mr Rzasa served as vice president of Naugatuck Valley Audubon Society while Mrs Rzasa served as the group’s secretary.

They have served as Family Hike Leaders for the Connecticut Forest and Park Association and have volunteered with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station as emerald ash borer surveyors. Both are members of Wallingford Garden Club and serve as co-chairs on the club’s horticulture committee.

In 2015, they were presented The Ellen Carder Memorial Award for their horticultural education by the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut. They maintain a native plant garden at their residence.

The Rzasas provide presentations and hikes on the subjects of local history, tree ID, “Stinkology,” plant galls, lichens, wildflowers, plant intelligence, forest landscape interpretation, and on the natural wonders of Iceland. Their goal is to encourage people, especially children, to look more closely at the natural world and to become more aware of its hidden wonders.

Reservations are not needed for Town & Country Garden Club programs, and there is no admission fee.