The Rettich Preserve will host its annual Fire in the Kitchen Concert on Saturday, Sept. 12. The park is located at 274 River Road in Madison, and the day will start early with special free morning exercise classes and continue through the 5 p.m. pizza party and concert.

The day will kick off with two fitness classes, including yoga, provided by Coastal Fitness, which will be free and open to the public. Organizers said residents should take advantage of this unique opportunity to come out and enjoy the beauty of the river and the meadow while clearing their minds and enriching their bodies.

Rettich Preserve Committee Chair Leslie Sude said the event is a great opportunity for residents to get acquainted with the beautiful habitats and ecosystems that encompass Rettich Park.

“Now entering its seventh year, the Rettich Preserve concerts are consistently a highlight of the summer season in Madison. Enjoy a delicious dinner while listening to music of the hot new band, Corner House from Boston, while taking in the views and beauty of the Madison Land Conservation Trust’s Rettich Preserve.”

Land Trust volunteer and event organizer Charlie Shafer described Corner House as a bluegrass band comprised of graduates from Berklee College of Music.

"They were mentored by some of the true greats of the alternative bluegrass scene, many of whom have played at the Fire in The Kitchen concert series in the past," Shafer said. "They can swing like the David Grisman Quintet or hit the bluegrass standards as hard as Bill Monroe himself. The four members come from wildly diverse backgrounds, and that makes the band all that more interesting. Perfect music for the meadow.”

Proceeds from the concert directly support Rettich Preserve and the Madison Land Trust, which has conserved over 1,800 acres of land in Madison and maintains over 40 miles of hiking trails.

"Concert fundraising has helped to restore the historic barn at Rettich and to establish a wildflower meadow,” said Sude.

While fundraising has helped support the preserve, Shafer said public support is critical.

“There is more work to be done; public support is vital to the Rettich Preserve and Madison Land Conservation Trust. The event is important to the Land Trust because it is an opportunity to bring together music and land conservation enthusiasts together for a unique experience and to learn more about the activities of the Land Trust and how the public can be more involved and support its mission,” Shafer said.

The Reittich Preserve is owned by the Maidson Land Conservation Trust and maintained by volunteers. According to Shafer, the property was given to the Land Trust by Fred and Rosa Rettich.

“It’s not large, but its setting right along the Hammonasset River is perfection,” Shafer said. “Ospreys circle, the occasional bald eagle relaxes in the trees overhanging the river, bobcats, fox, and coyotes all pass through. Originally, the property was filled with ramshackle outbuildings, and the stored debris accumulated over several generations. The Trust undertook a massive and costly cleanup effort to put the preserve in its present condition.”

Organizers urge patrons to bring lawn chairs, beverages, and sides. Tickets are $30 per person, only $5 for ages 5 to 12, and under five are free, and the rain date is the following evening, Saturday, Aug. 3. Tickets will be available on-site the day of the performance. For more information, visit www.madisonlandtrust.org/events.