Trustees of Reservations

Water telescopes are long tubes with glass at the bottom to view things underwater. Fishermen in Norway have used them for centuries to search for herring and cod. We’ll make our own water telescopes, and then head to the beach to try them out by the tidepools. Who knows what we’ll discover!

Join us among the flowers to hear a story, make a craft, and explore the gardens with your pre-schoolers and early elementary students. Each week, a new theme will tie together stories with accompanying activities that will enliven imaginations and deepen connections to the natural world.

The Trustees of Reservations hosts an adventure-filled weekend camping at the Crane Estate! Our special site in the Pine Grove is an ideal location for both experienced campers and first-timers. This overnight includes a choice of optional programs and activities on Saturday afternoon, which may include a Great Marsh Creek Walk, a Dune Hike through the Crane Wildlife Refuge, a Guided Kayak Paddle in Essex Bay, or a Scavenger Hunt for the little ones. Of course you are also free to simply lounge on the beach, or explore the property on your own. Bring a bag lunch for Saturday. REI will teach us how to make a delicious, nutritious camp out supper – and we’ll follow that with s’mores around the campfire on Saturday night. A light breakfast will be provided on Sunday morning. After you pack up on Sunday morning, you are welcome to spend Sunday afternoon at the beach (parking in the lot by the Barn only).

Our cheese making classes are back!  Join Appleton’s own award-winning cheese maker, Kristian Holbrook, for a hands-on cheese making class in our farm kitchen.  You’ll learn all the basics of cheese making, make your own mozzarella and ricotta to take home, and get a behind-the-scenes tour of our dairy operation and cheese cave.  Pre-registration required.