Trustees of Reservations

Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate

Read more about Fall Concert Series at Appleton Farms

Choate Island Hike & Picnic

Take a guided hike on Choate Island with the Trustees of Reservations!

Join The Trustees of Reservations for an afternoon hiking tour of Choate Island. What could be better than a Choate Island hike AND picnic? This special spot is the jewel in the crown of the Crane Wildlife Refuge, and is only accessible by boat. Join us for a rare chance to explore the cultural and natural history of this treasure. Participants will be led on a modest trek that will go past the Proctor Barn, White Cottage, and Choate House before landing all the way to the top of the island where spectacular views await. A picnic lunch (sandwich, fruit, cookie, drink) for each participant will be prepared by our award-winning Inn at Castle Hill.

When:

Saturday, October 27, 2018 11am-2:30pm

Location:

Picnic

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Weir Hill 50th Anniversary

Come celebrate Weir Hill's 50th anniversary as a Trustees property and the grand opening of the Weir Hill Stevens street parking lot. In partnership with Friends of North Andover Trails join us for a beautiful fall foliage hike to celebrate Weir Hill! The hike will be somewhat hilly and strenous but definitely family friendly and leashed dogs welcome. Enjoy cider and other fall harvest goodies to kick off the hike. The ribbon cutting will take place at 1:15 and the hike will leave shortly after. Come celebrate this special place! This is a free event.

When:

Sunday, October 21, 2018 1-3pm

Location:

Celebration

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Columbus Day at Castle Hill

Castle Hill hosts some great family fun on Columbus Day

The Great House at Castle Hill is open for tours on Columbus 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.

When:

Monday, October 8, 2018 10am-4pm

Location:

Ipswich

Tours

Columbus Day

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Night Hike: Sounds, Stars & S'mores

Explore The Trustees of Reservations Appleton Farms and learn about what the creatures of the habitat as night falls!

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.

When:

Thursday, October 4, 2018 5:30-7:30pm

Location:

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Meet a Dairy Farmer at Appleton Farms

Come meet a dairy farmer and members of the Appleton Farms Dairy herd in Ipswich Massachusetts!

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!

When:

Sundays through October 28, 2018 4pm

Location:

Appleton Farms

Ipswich

Farm

Tour

Walk

Live Animals

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Earth Oven Bread Culinary Workshop

:earn to bake bread with fire at this 'Appleton Cooks' workshop at the Trustees of Reservations' Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts!

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.

When:

Saturday, September 29, 2018 10am - 12:30pm

Location:

Food

Workshop

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Country Dance with the Herland Brothers

The Herland Brothers bring the country rock music to Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts!

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.

When:

Friday, September 21, 2018 7:30-9:30pm

Location:

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Labor Day at Castle Hill

Celebrate Labor Day with the Trustees at the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts!

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.

When:

Monday, September 3, 2018 10am-4pm

Location:

Ipswich

Labor Day

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Perseid Night Hike at Castle Hill

Take a night hike with your family and enjoy the wonder of the Perseid Meteor Shower at Castle Hill in Ipswich Massachusetts!

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.

When:

Sunday, August 12, 2018 10pm-12am

Location:

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Saugus Iron Works Park Grounds & Estuary Walk

Learn about the natural world in Saugus while ecploring the park ground ast the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site in Massachusetts.

Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!

Where: Halibut Point State Park

7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit at Pingree School

Pingree School hosts the 15th annual Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit on their campus in South Hamilton, MA. Pingree . The exhibit will open in early September with more than 50 temporary works on display in addition to the 20 pieces in the permanent collection of Pingree School. The exhibit ...

Where: Pingree School

8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Newburyport Farmers' Market

The Newburyport Farmers Summer Market celebrates local fresh produce every Sunday morning rain or shine! Start your Sunday browsing fresh North Shore local produce, meats, cheeses, and seafood in an open air market atmosphere! Food and beverage vendors offer fresh hot coffee, breakfast treats and...

Where: Tannery Marketplace

9:00 am to 1:00 pm

CraneExplorer: Shipwreck Scholars

Coastal views with a side of shipwreck! Families will be guided on a Castle Hill hike through the salt marsh, dunes, and beach, while learning about local nautical history, including the role of Fox Creek Canal and Robinson Boat Yard in the area’s shipbuilding legacy, and the fascinating tale of...

Where: Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate

10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Foraged Fall Wreath Workshop at Long Hill

Bring the energy of the season into your home or onto your door with our Fall Wreath Workshop, partnered with bioregional herbalist and foraging instructor, Iris Weaver. In this hands-on workshop, create a 8” to 12” unique wreath using foraged dried plant stalks, pine cones, nuts, acorns, and more...

Where: Long Hill and Sedgwick Gardens

10:30 am to 12:30 pm

Cat's Meow at the Crane Estate

Our imagination is one of our greatest assets. Imagine living in 1929 and visiting the Crane family at their summer home in Ipswich. The house is so big and Mrs. Crane’s kitty, Ptolemy, has gone missing just before the party! Can you help a family servant find our mischievous Siamese? Once he’s...

Where: Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

10:30 am to 11:30 am

Beverly Pumpkin Smash

Green Beverly is excited to host our Beverly Pumpkin Smash! Bring your pumpkins to New Entry at Moraine Farm, and participate in our composting event! Enjoy the beautiful farm scenery while you launch your pumpkins from a trebuchet into a giant compost pile! We also offer classic lawn games and...

Where: Moraine Farm

11:00 am to 2:00 pm

Thursday, November 28

Run for the Pies in Ipswich

Start your turkey day by burning off some calories with a run or walk along the Ipswich River! Every 10th adult finisher receives a large Russell Orchards pie; every child Fun Run finisher receives a 4" Table Talk pie. and you'll have a chance to win a ready-to-bake pie! Racers, runners, walkers or...

Where: Ipswich Town Hall

8:00 am

Wild Turkey 5 Mile Road Race

Join the fun for the annual Wild Turkey 5 Mile Run in downtown Salem Massachusetts Thanksgiving morning and raise funds for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem! This is the largest race on the North Shore, now in its 21st year, with 2,000 anticipated participants.

Where: Peabody Essex Museum

8:00 am

Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit at Pingree School

Where: Pingree School

8:00 am to 6:00 pm

WCRC Wild Turkey Trot 5k Run/Walk

Cool weather Fall running is back! This year the Winner's Circle Running Club has moved our annual 5K to Salisbury! It will be run Thanksgiving morning November 23rd. Registration opens at 7:00 a.m. and the race starts promptly at 8:30. We feature runner and family friendly trails and post race...

8:30 am to 10:00 am

Deck The Halls: Hammond Castle

Come to Hammond Castle for the 6th annual Deck The Halls holiday celebration. Hammond Castle Museum will be dressed for the holidays inside and out. Delight in the enchanting ambiance of Christmas and White Birch trees, meticulously arranged garlands, festive wreaths, and the warm embrace of...

Where: Hammond Castle Museum

10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Friday, November 29

Saugus Iron Works Park Grounds & Estuary Walk

Learn about the natural world in Saugus while ecploring the park ground ast the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site in Massachusetts.

Where: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site

7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!

Where: Halibut Point State Park

7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Flying Horse Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit at Pingree School

Where: Pingree School

8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Tree Jubilee at Marini Farm

Come to Marini Farm for the Tree Jubilee fundraiser to benefit The Ipswich Humane Group. Tour the gallery of beautifully decorated trees and wreaths donated by local organizations, families, and businesses then choose the ones you want a chance to win! More than 50 spectacularly decorated trees...

Where: Marini Farm

10:00 am