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.
Come to Joppa Flats Education Center where adults and children can learn about the transitional habitat of the mud flats at Joppa and spend quality family time in the great outdoors finding, observing, and admiring local wildlife. Excursions include a group game to burn off some steam, an on-the-water scavenger hunt, or a guided tour. We'll observe, investigate, and compare coastal environments and their inhabitants, both on- and offshore.
Late spring is a great time to experience on-the-water ecology, and kayaking is the perfect way to capture every moment. From wading birds to waterfowl, the salt marshes provide the backdrop to sights and sounds that are uniquely available from the water. Kayaking quietly on the calm waters of the Plum Island Sound, we'll visit secluded areas where we can witness wildlife without disturbing their activities. We may even see horseshoe crabs mating!
Flowers are for kids, too! Children ages 6 – 10 can accompany their parents and the park interpreter to learn about the fabulous flowers at Maudslay, one of the premier viewing locations in Massachusetts. Meet at the park headquarters on Curzon Mill Rd. Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Children must be accompanied by an adult!
What would happen if you built a house for fairies? Chances are high that you would see nature's visitors first. After reading [amazon 978-0970810458 inline] by Tracy Kane, participants will venture out on the sanctuary to create our own homes using natural nonliving materials.
The Long Hill Flower Fields need volunteers to help with the PYO flower programs and to staff their booth at the Beverly Farmers' Market. Teens and adults can fulfill their community service obligation with these programs. Come volunteer at this beautiful location and help preserve a wonderful community resource! Contact Beth O'Grady by email.
Come to Downtown Newburyport and the Tannery Marketplace for Newburyport’s Spring Invitation Nights and jump start the spring season in style! Enjoy merchant hospitality, light refreshments and an opportunity to find a perfect gift for Mom, your favorite graduate, or yourself! Hosted by the Newburyport Chamber of Commerce.
President of the Plum Island Surfcasters, Julio Silva, lets you in on all the secrets of catching stripers in the local waters. Get ready for the season and land your biggest fish this year. Great for all ages, bring your kids, grandkids or a favorite niece or nephew.
The Hamilton-Wenham Public Library Art Club is for preschool aged children and older to experience different ways of artistic expression. The sessions are free-form and drop-in. Each date focuses on a different theme:
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. 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.
