Mass Audubon

Map and Compass Treasure Hunt

Learn the basics of map reading and orienteering in this IRWS workshop.

It's nice to have GPS, but do you know how to read a map or use a compass? What happens if you're out on the trail and your GPS malfunctions or the batteries die?  Are you instantly lost?  Join Mass Audubon for a guided map-and-compass treasure hunt around the sanctuary. Bring your own compass or use one of ours and learn how to find north, orient yourself, count paces, and use the map and compass to find your way. After some basics, we'll hit the trails and use the new skills learned to search for some hidden natural treasures. No experience necessary. This program is a good introduction to orienteering for the whole family.

When: 
Saturday, September 14, 2019 1:30-3pm

Family Campouts: Summer Owl Prowl

Join a Summer Owl Prowl Campout at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. Photo: Scott Santino

Explore the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary after hours and join us for a night of camping under the stars. Have an early dinner at home and then come with your family, your tent, and a dessert to share. Join us as we explore the habitats of the elusive owls.

When: 
Saturday, August 10 6pm - Sunday, August 11, 2019 9am

Seashore Adventures: Beachcombers

Go on a low tide exploration at Grace Oliver Beach in Marblehead

Enjoy a summer afternoon at Grace Oliver Beach during low tide and discover the living wonders of the sandy coastline. Walk across the mudflats to Crowninshield Island, where we will search for tiny fish, hermit crabs, periwinkles, and other sea creatures living in this delicate habitat. Explore the five-acre island and its unusual variety of landforms, from granite rocks and tidal pools to sandy beach, salt marsh, and wooded hilltop.

When: 
Wednesday, August 7, 2019 9:30-11am

Family Dusk Paddles: Discovering Wetlands

Join us as we paddle through the winding backwaters at IRWS with the family

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. Being on the water is one of the best ways to explore and discover the wonders of wetlands. We will paddle through the winding backwaters lined with cattails and other marsh plants, looking for hidden wildlife. Using buckets and strainers, we'll stop and sample the rich aquatic life to learn more about what lives under the water.

When: 
Friday, August 9, 2019 6-8 pm

Family Dusk Paddles: Owls on the Ipswich River

At ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary we'll look and listen for owls as we paddle

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. Many kinds of owls "call in the night" with their hoots and screams as the sun begins to fade. As we paddle along, we'll look and listen for owls, talk about the types of owls we're likely to find at this time of year, and do some hooting ourselves.

When: 
Friday, July 26, 2019 6-8 pm

Family Adventure | The Edge of the Sea

Discover the natural beauty and varied beach to woodland habitats of Eastern Point with Mass Audubon

Join Mass Audubon as they explore the habitats of Eastern Point Wildlife Sanctuary in Gloucester. The cool breezes, superb coastline, and easily observed wildlife will delight your senses. We'll visit tide pools, salt marsh, woodlands, and adjoining fields using hands-on activities as we investigate each habitat.

When: 
Tuesday, July 23, 2019 9:30-11am

Back River Cruise

Cranes are just one of the types of shore birds that you'll see on this cruise

Lisa Hutchings Teacher-Naturalist from Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats Education Center and the crew of Newburyport Harbor Tours Inc.'s Yankee Clipper invite you and your family for an exciting exploration of the lower Merrimack River ecosystem. We'll practice hands-on science, use interactive propgs, and look for seabirds, seals, and waterfowl on every trip. Enjoy cruising and learning about this vital part of the area's natural history.

When: 
Saturday, June 20, 2019 8:45 am - 10:45 am

Seashore Adventures: Tide-Pooling Trek

Explore the rocks and tide pools of Chandler Hovey Park in Marblehead

Life on the rocky shore presents unique challenges and opportunities for marine species. Explore the rocks and tide pools of Chandler Hovey Park and take a closer look at crabs, sea stars, and other seashore creatures that have adapted to survive their continually changing environment.

When: 
Wednesday, June 26, 2019 11:30am-1pm

Family Dusk Paddles: Summer Solstice

Take a paddle on the Summer Solstice and explore the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary!

Explore the Ipswich River on the Summer Soltice! The longest day of the year is almost upon us, and what a fun way to start the summer! Join us for a paddle to observe nature from the river as we look for plants and animals that are equally excited for summer. This special paddle ends with s'mores around the fire and a solstice tale.

When: 
Friday, June 21, 2019 6-8:30pm

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Sports Camps, Speciality Camps, Day Camps in Danvers MA

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Annual Pizza Taste Off

The annual pizza taste-off in Gloucester raises funds for the American Cancer Society
The Interact Club at Gloucester High School will be holding their annual pizza taste off at Cruiseport Gloucester!  Come try different pizza from around Cape Ann, while helping to raise funds for the
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Stargazing at Mendel Observatory

Mendel Observatory, with the support of volunteers from the North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club, hosts public stargazing every Wednesday night
The Observatory, with the support of volunteers from the North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club, hosts public stargazing every Wednesday night (weather permitting) starting at dusk or 7:30 pm, whichever is later.  When special astronomical events of interest occur (total lunar eclipses, etc.) the Obs
7:00 pm
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