Live Animals

This introduction to vernal ponds is presented by Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team and sponsored by The Trustees of Reservations's Ravenswood Park.  Vernal pools are crucial to the survival of salamanders and wood frogs. Join Ravenswood Park as we explore the pools at Agassiz Rock reservation, and learn how you can certify and protect vernal pools. Vernal Pool Certification is a state certification of vernal pools, which have not been covered in the wetlands act, but serve an important roll in wetlands and are crucial to survival for a number of species.

Be prepared for peeper season this Spring! Learn about the temporary habitat of vernal ponds, what lives in them, why they are home to specialized woodland creatures and how to protect them. Live creatures will be displayed during the discussion, followed by an excursion into the park. Presented by Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team at Ravenswood Park! Space is limited, so please pre-register!

People of all ages enjoy learning about owls, and many species of owls can be found in Massachusetts year-round. Come experience the excitement of an owl prowl as we take a night hike to look and listen for barred, great horned, and eastern screech-owls. Before we head out on our nocturnal adventure, we'll learn fun owl facts in our cozy Barn through hands-on activities and a slide show. We'll end our evening with an owl-hooting lesson!

Come to a Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team presentation of 'Snakes of New England' at Manchester Public Library! Learn all about the habitat and lives of snakes from New England from Rick Roth, Executive Director of the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team . Live local and exotic animals will be presented, and those who attend will have the opportunity to see these creatures close up! This is a great chance to see and learn more of the fascinating reptiles. Please register, call Sara Collins, Head of Youth Services.

Come to Joppa Flats Education Center and begin with a 45 minute indoor introductory program in the Lookout (2^nd floor) about Pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, and walrus). Then, we’ll carpool to an on-the-beach viewing area where we can see the harbor seals hauled out on the rocks at low tide at the mouth of the Merrimack River.

Got Milk? Appleton Farms does! Come tour the dairy operation and meet the cows that make up the grass-fed dairy herd. Visit with calves, explore the pastures and meet the milkers in the dairy barn (ordinarily closed to the public). Lastly get a behind the scenes peek into cheese-making at our Dairy Processing plant.

Understanding Wildlife will present a live animal show  at the Gloucester High School Auditorium, giving people a chance to see live creatures of the rainforest up close. Animal trainer Mike Kohlrieser will offer the audience a chance to see exotic birds, kinkajous, jungle cats, monkeys and snakes.  Come to this fun and entertaining show, and learn about the importance of the rainforest ecosystem through the creatures that live there!

Come see live birds of prey up close in this presentation that will introduce you to the different types of raptors including eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls. We'll discuss the special features these birds have that enable them to be successful predators at the top of the food chain.

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

THE 2013 SLED DOG RACES ARE CANCELED DUE TO LACK OF SNOW!

Join the New England Sled Dog Club for their 2013 Dog Sled Races at Appleton Farms!  This outdoor event will be host to many dog sled teams that will race from Appleton Farms south into Hamilton and back.  This is a great outdoor activity for the family to enjoy some fresh air as they witness a unique sport in a wonderful natural setting. There are many areas for spectating and these races so come early and to find the perfect spot for watching!