Topsfield

Come to the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary to join in the reading of a children's nature story followed by an exploration in the woods, fields and wetlands of the sanctuary.

Celebrate Father's Day by spending a night under the stars camping with the whole family. Many cultures and people from the past depended on reading the forests for their survival. Join IRWS on this fun overnight and learn some new skills. Have an early dinner at home, and then come with your family, your tent, and a dessert to share. We will explore nature through games and hands-on activities, set up our tents near the Barn before sundown, and tell stories after the sun sets.

Northeast Massachusetts Youth Orchestras (NMYO), the largest youth orchestra program in northeast Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire, will be holding auditions on Saturday, June 15, 2013 for the 2013-2014 concert season. Musicians who are not available on that date can be accommodated for an alternate time during the summer.

Explore the Ipswich River at dusk. Bring your family and join us for an evening paddle in a canoe as we learn more about the river and some of its inhabitants. Celebrate the coming of summer with the solstice just around the corner. As we paddle along, we'll look for plants and animals that are equally excited about the approaching season.

As the weather warms, our fields become alive with activity. Spend an early June afternoon chasing butterflies, grasshoppers, and crickets with nets while taking some time to closely observe these amazing insects. We may also encounter some predators of the field, such as leopard frogs and garter snakes! This will be a hands-on experience the entire family can enjoy.

The soil in the garden has barely been turned and already the first sign of Summer has appeared. Strawberries! With Strawberries comes the Topsfield Historical Society's 45th Strawberry Festival and Craft Fair in early June which offers a spectacle of strawberry fun for each and every one. The Strawberry Festival and Craft Fair, one of the best in the region, celebrates the region's rich agricultural heritage.

Come to the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary to join in the reading of a children's nature story followed by an exploration in the woods, fields and wetlands of the sanctuary.

Family Martial Arts and More brings kids ages 7-10 a summer filled with safe, fun activities!

Kids will enjoy a variety of activities designed to develop their athletic skills and will learn the fundamentals of sports and competition. Indoor games will be provided during rainy days and bottled water, and morning and afternoon snacks are provided.
For more information, visit a Family Martial Arts and More Open House:

• Saturday, June 1, 2013 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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.