Topsfield

Ever wonder about those tracks in the snow in your backyard? Winter is a wonderful time of year to explore and learn about the many natural signs that can be used to track wildlife. Learn how to identify the different tracks and signs of the animals of winter animals as we walk the trails and explore different habitats.

This new three-day drop-off program is for youths who want to learn what it takes to survive in the wild. Each day will have a different theme around an outdoor skill. We will explore the sanctuary, look to our local wildlife for inspiration, and complete an outdoor skill challenge each day. Our last day will end with a carefully made campfire and toasted marshmallows!

The sparkle of the Hunter's Moon will guide our way as we walk the trails of the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. Led by a sanctuary naturalist, we'll explore fields, forests, and wetlands looking and listening for beavers slapping their tails on the river's surface, Barred Owls hooting, White-tailed Deer grazing, and Eastern Coyotes howling. Learn about the fascinating adaptations of these animals as they prepare for winter and hear some Hunter's Moon lore on this fun, fall, after-dark adventure.

Celebrate the arrival of spring with a hike to Waterfowl Pond. Along the way, we'll look for ducks and red-winged blackbirds in the wetlands, listen for the call of the phoebe, and search for signs that the animals that slept away the winter are emerging and those that went south are returning.