Hike

Have you seen the barred owls, foxes, or red squirrels of Ravenswood Park? Come to the Cape Ann Center for Learning & Discovery when these live animals visit, and get a close-up view of these creatures to learn about their habits and behaviors. Tonight we'll learn all about owls, then go on a guided night-time owl prowl in the park.  Please Register

Come explore the woodlands, wetlands, and fields along the sanctuary trails. Learn how to identify tracks in the snow and use your detective skills to observe nibbled twigs and nuts, and scat. On our return, we will warm up with a delicious cup of hot chocolate!

Walks on the Wild side are an opportunity for adults and children to spend quality family time in the great outdoors finding, observing, and admiring local wildlife. Each program begins at Joppa Flats Education Center with a brief introduction to our theme via slide shows, group activities, or an in-class demonstration.  This session's theme will be owls and other birds of prey that Winter over on the North Shore, including the elusive Snowy Owl! 

We'll read The Mitten by Jan Brett and then take a hike to look for animal homes in the sanctuary. Using a very large mitten, we will recreate the story. As a group, we'll build a people shelter and see how warm we can make it.

Come meet some of the birds that live in our area all winter long. After our walk, we'll make some simple feeders for the feathered friends in your backyard. Bring some edibles such as nuts (unsalted, preferably raw), dried fruit, cranberries, popcorn, or sunflower seeds, and we'll supply the other materials. Take home a ready-to-eat bird treat and some gourmet recipes to try.

Join watercolorist Brenda Sloane in a monthly program that combines nature and art. We will start with a walk on the sanctuary to observe the topic of the month. We will then return to the Nature Center to create a follow-up work of art. Sign up for one or more of these classes.

What animals do you see in winter? Where do they find their food? We will hike to the woods and look for clues of what they have been eating and where they have been sleeping. Discover tracks in the snow and try to guess what animals have been on the trails.

First Day Hikes take place at nearby State Parks nationwide on New Year's Day. The annual hike originated more than 20 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation in Massachusetts. The program was launched to promote both healthy lifestyles throughout the year and year-round recreation at state parks. On the North Shore, there will be First Day hikes at Bradley Palmer State Park and Breakheart Reservation.

A candlelight stroll at twilight in Ravenswood Park is a wonderful way to celebrate the Winter Soltice! join us as we celebrate the winter solstice in our favorite woodland park followed by a snack of S’mores and hot chocolate around a warm fire. Pre-registration required.

Throughout time, people have come together to celebrate the shortest day of the year and welcome the lengthening days ahead. Sanctuary staff and volunteers invite you to join us for this beautiful candlelit event. Lantern making begins at 4:00 pm, followed by some solstice stories and folklore. With lanterns in hand, we will stroll the trails to light up the night. We will serve hot cider and cocoa at the bonfire on our return.