Discovery

Tidepools and Wracklines Exploration

Explore the beaches of the Crane Estate in IPswich with thte Trustees of Reservations!

Join us as we investigate the tidepools and the wrackline on Steep Hill Beach to discover and record the many creatures that live along the shore. We’ll (carefully and gently!) use nets to capture specimens and magnifying glasses to take an up-close-and-personal look, before releasing our new friends back to where we found them. We’ll talk about our observations and discoveries – and surprise ourselves with how much we can learn by looking. An educational adventure for the whole family. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

When:

Thursday, August 24, 2017 9-11AM

Location:

Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

Trustees of Reservations

Beach

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See, Think, and Wonder Walk: Pond Life

Join Mass Audubon Joppa Flats Education Center in a learning exploration of the pond habitat!

Where are dragonflies and other insects born? In a pond! We'll search this freshwater habitat for the tiny creatures that spend their winters underwater. Prior to the program, details will be forwarded by email.

When:

Thursday, November 4, 2021 1:30-3pm

Location:

Joppa Flats Education Center

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Beach Seining Demonstration

Beach seining is a scientific tool used by marine biologists and scientists. Salem Coastwatch

See and learn about the fishes living in Salem Harbor as part of Trails & Sails! At this seining demonstration, Salem Sound Coastwatch staff will drag a large seining net through the water onto the beach. We’ll examine the catch and coastal scientists will talk about marine habitats and the ecology of Salem Sound.

When:

Saturday, September 25, 2021 1-2:30pm

Location:

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Little River Trail Nature Walk

The Little River Nature Trail is managed by the Parker River Clean Water Associa

Walk the Little River Nature Trail with a nature guide. Learn about the surprisingly rich flora and fauna of an area wedged between Route 95 and the urban area of the City of Newburyport.

When:

Saturday, September 25, 2021 8:30am-1pm

Location:

Little River Nature Trail

Hike

Discovery

Trails & Sails 2021

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Creature Feature at Harold Parker

Kids will love this hands-on discovery of the creatures who call Harold Parker's forests and ponds home.

Who lives here? Join the Park Interpreter at Berry Pond for a hands-on discovery of the creatures who call our forests and ponds home. For all ages. Meet at Berry Pond Gazebo, 702 Middleton Road, North Andover.

When:

Friday, September 10, 2021 2:30-4:30pm

Location:

Harold Parker State Forest

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Tide Pool Discoveries at Parker River

Kids will explore the tidal pools of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge with a park ranger in Newburport

For generations children have enjoyed exploring tide pools and discovering the fascinating plants and animals that live in this realm between the tides. A refuge ranger will guide this hands-on program.

When:

Friday, August 27, 2021 9am

Location:

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

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Salem Pond Loop Hike at Harold Parker

Join the Harold Parker Park Interpreter on this easy to moderate 2-mile hike on the Salem Pond Loop and discover the story of the Civilian Conservation Corps along the way

Join the Park Interpreter on this easy to moderate 2-mile hike and discover the story of the Civilian Conservation Corps along the way. Bring water and a snack. Wear sturdy footwear. For ages 6 and up. Meet at the Jenkins Parking Lot, 87 Harold Parker Road, Andover.

When:

Sunday, August 29, 2021 10am-12:30pm

Location:

Harold Parker State Forest

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Open Air Ecology for Families: The Sandy Beach Habitat

Kids and families are invited to come explore the sandy beach habitat naturalists from the Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport.

No need to face the long lines, parking challenges, and crowds at the beach for this great summertime activity. Join Mass Audubon at Joppa Flats in the riverside yard at Joppa Flats instead! Learn how to identify wild creatures, design small habitats, participate in small group challenges, and more. Sign up for one or all of these programs and see nature through the lens of a naturalist! In this outing we'll explore the habitat of the sandy beach.

When:

Thursday, August 12, 2021 1:30-3pm

Friday, August 13, 2021 10am-Noon

Location:

Joppa Flats Education Center

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Beaver Tales IRWS

Kids will learn about beavers at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. Photo: American Beaver ©Scott Santino

After reading a story about beavers, walk to Rockery Pond to see a real beaver lodge and dam, and look for signs of beavers such as chews and scent mounds. Find out why beaver teeth are orange and what they use their broad tails for. We may even try our luck at making our own beaver dam or lodge.

When:

Saturday, May 15, 2020 from 10:30-11:30 pm

Location:

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

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Outdoor Adventures for Families: Coastal Challenges Photo Journaling

Mass Audubon Photo Journaling Workshop at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield MA

Fall is a fantastic time to explore our coastline with its rocky tide pools and sandy clam flats. Joppa Flats Education Coordinator Lisa Hutchings will guide families on the identification of creatures, provide small group challenges, and share her vast knowledge and joy for marine life. Sign up for one or all of these educational outdoor adventures. This Session will focus on photo journaling.

When:

Saturday, November 14, 2020 2-4pm

Location:

Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary