Explore the waters Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate by boat with the Trustees of Reservations! Join us for a cruise in Essex Bay aboard our pontoon boat the Osprey! We’ll view the seldom seen backside of the Crane Wildlife Refuge, and take a turn around Choate Island to view the open fields, wooded hillside and historic structures from the water.
When the sun starts to go down a whole new world comes alive. Owls wake up from a long days rest, tree frogs call in the distance, stars create a magical light display, your body changes in accomadate the new world, and so much more. Join us for an evening walk at Appleton Farms where our Farm Educator will show you what amazing things exist when the night begins. You will learn night animal sounds, explore for nocturnal creatures, experience how the human body changes at night with hands on activities to test things like your night vision, and enjoy the mood of Autumn with some warm apple cider and smores.
Come to Appleton Farms every Sunday at 4PM to see our Jersey heard being milked. See the cows bring brought in from pasture, get a look at the milking up close and ask our dairy farmer a few questions! Perfect for kids and adults alike. While you are here take a peek in the cheese kitchen viewing room, visit with our other barnyard animals or have a picnic in the stone paddock!
There is nothing quite like bread fresh from the oven. Join chef Elizabeth Walkowicz to learn how to make your own exquisite bread from scratch. Using both our outdoor earth oven and traditional methods, you will learn to make flat bread and a rustic olive loaf. We will pair with an Appleton Farms salad and cheese for a perfect summer lunch on the patio. This hands-on workshop includes instruction by a professional chef, printed recipe booklet and a tasting. BYOB beer and wine is allowed.
UPDATE: This event has been canceled! Don your cowboy boots and grab your favorite dance partner for a fabulous night in the Castle Hill barn. Acclaimed country rock band the Herland Brothers will bring the tunes that will keep you on your feet. They've wowed audiences across New England with their high energy concerts featuring country favorites and their own rockin' country music. A cash beer bar with True North Ale will be available.
Keepin the legacy alive!!! 5K Mud Run with over 10 Obstacles!!! Starts 10 am and waves go off every 15 minutes. Swag, One free beverage from True North Ale, Fat Belly BBQ food truck, prizes for most creative team, best dressed, music and fun!!! Kids Fun Run at 11:30.
You're invited to Sandy Point State Reservation to celebrate World Shorebird Day. Come see a shorebird up close and personal. Every year, tens of thousands of shorebirds stop over at Parker River to eat and rest on their journey from the Arctic to South America. Refuge biologists are studying how and where these birds migrate. Come learn more about this research and these amazing birds up close. Meet at the Bill Forward Blind. Docents will escort visitors to the banding site on a rotating basis.
For the first time, the Great House at Castle Hill is open for tours on Labor Day. Grab the family and take the Guest of the Cranes tour on the hour and our roof tour, Cupola with a View, at 11:30 AM and 1:30PM. Unique gifts and food options are available at our gift shop and Grab and Go cafe with 10% off for Trustees members. Last tour of the day is at 3PM.
Ipswich Museum hosts a morning of fun and historic games at the Whipple House each Wednesday in July and August! There’s no need to make a reservation or stay the whole time - just drop in. We’ll have a variety of historic games to play, including rolling hoops, graces, fox & geese, and more! This is a free, all-ages program, but donations are appreciated.
Take a night hike with your family and enjoy the wonder of the Perseid Meteor Shower at Castle Hill with the Trustees! This is a late-night stargazing adventure for the whole family! The Perseids meteor shower is one of the main celestial events of the summer, with peak meteor viewing at up to 60 per hour! Join us for a hike along the Beach – and bring a blanket so you can stretch out on the sand for optimal viewing. We’ll keep our energy up with s’mores and lemonade around a bonfire. Pre-registration is required.
