Trails & Sails 2011

Witness the rhythms and relics of New England's oldest working farm. Walk along bucolic meadows, planted fields, and grazing cattle before visiting historic buildings, including the newly renovated "Old House," and going behind the scenes in the dairy, which is normally closed to the public. 

This guided tour will explore some of Groveland's 47 acres of conservation land, highlighting Veasey Park's Nesting Box Program. We will explore and compare inhabitants including bluebirds, tree swallows, purple martins, tufted tit mouse and bobolinks. This serene walk is a perfect place for observing and learning about our local birds and their natural environment. Binoculars suggested.

Discover Camp Denison Conservation Area's dynamic landscape. This property offers forty-four acres of conservation land and a variety of features for visitors to enjoy including: views of Baldpate Pond, a beaver hut, access to a well marked trail system.

Join Essex County Ghost Project, NEPA Paranormal, Visions of the Paranormal, and ECTO WEB for and exciting paranormal investigation at the Historic Grey Court Park (known as the Tenney Castle Ruins). This location is one of the hottest paranormal locations in Essex County. Gary Mannely from Nightfall Paranormal will be our guest speaker 

Take this free guided tour of the Peabody Essex Museum's exhibit, "Painting the American Vision." In the mid-1800s, a loosely knit group of American painters (now known as the Hudson River School) forged an "American" landscape that regarded the natural world as a resource for spiritual renewal and an expression of cultural and national identity.

Come enjoy a hike at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield, one of Mass Audubon's largest sanctuaries. Visitors will have the opportunity to enhance their hike by visiting naturalist-docents on the sanctuary trails. Beginning at 9:30AM, docents will be stationed at a wildlife observation tower overlooking a freshwater marsh and alongside a beautiful fall field. Visit them to learn about the fall migration of monarch butterflies, and the needs of migrating waterfowl.

Celebrate the Harvest Season with a traditional open air market day! Local farmers, craft vendors, entertainment and food choices are all available to enjoy the change of the seasons and the bountiful harvest that we are blessed with this year. The Village Marketplace will be decorated for the crisp season with flowers, pumpkins and cornstalks. This autumnal street fair will be at 300 Main St. Wenham and adjacent Railroad Avenue in Hamilton.

Bring the family and join Essex County Greenbelt Association and REI for a "monthly walk" exploring the protected growing fields of Green Meadows Farm and MORE! Learn about the farm's history, organic growing practices, animal families and commitment to land conservation from Farm Manager Andrew Rogers. REI will provide family adventure journals to kids (human) and water bottles and coupons to adults.  

Experience a walk through the woods along the Danvers Rail Trail to its northern end. The walk will culminate at the Swamp Walk, a board walk through the swamp to a look out platform. Return by the same route and be rewarded with a fresh peach upon return. 

Join Whale Center of New England to learn about New England's largest residents. Stand next to a real humpback whale skeleton. See baleen from a whale's mouth, whaling artifacts and research tools. Participate in educational activities. Learn about the biology of whales, our research techniques, and the conservation of these endangered species. This open door event requires NO REGISTRATION.