There's nothing like a visit to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge for wonderful family nature experiences, and seeing the bird banding station in operation is at the top of the list. See Mass Audubon scientists evaluate, examine, and release migrating songbirds while you learn about migration and habitat use.
When winter returns to the lower Merrimack Valley, so do Bald Eagles and Snowy Owls and other exciting winter wildlife. Every year Mass Audubon hosts a grand event marking their return. Come to Newburyport on Saturday, February 14, 2026, for a full day of fun indoor and outdoor activities that celebrate the return of the Bald Eagles! Learn about these magnificent eagles and other amazing raptors, and why our local habitat is so important to them.
Halibut Point State Park, along the Atlantic migratory path, is an excellent locale for winter birding species you rarely see anywhere else.Winter brings birds and ducks from frozen ponds up north to our seashore. See Harlequin ducks and loons among the winter visitors at this rocky coastal water’s edge. Bundle up and join us for a short, leisurely walk while learning about bird sounds, habits, and flight patterns.
The Explore! North Shore hiking series will get you outside and moving at some lesser explored Trustees properties across the Northeast Region, at the right time of year to see these special places shine. These beginner hikes will not be too strenuous, and will offer frequent stops for learning and taking in the beauty of our special places.
Experience the excitement of an owl prowl as we take a hike under the light of the moon to look and listen for Barred Owls, Great Horned Owls, and Eastern Screech-Owls. Before we head out on our nocturnal adventure, we will learn fun owl facts in our cozy barn using real owl feathers, skulls, and talons. The evening ends with an owl-hooting lesson and smores by the fire pit.
The Superbowl of Birding is a unique competition conducted in Rockingham County, NH, and Essex County, MA. During a 12-hour period, teams of birders of all ages and abilities seek to amass the greatest number of avian species, to earn the most points based on the rarity of the birds recorded. Teams compete this year for 11 categories. Enjoy spectacular winter birding and find out just how good you and your team really are!
A group hike from Marini Farm through the forest to White Farms for an optional ice cream. Don’t miss this great opportunity to explore the farm, forest, and nature of Ipswich. The group will meet on Linebrook Road in Ipswich. Bike entrance to Willowdale State Forest just west of Marini Farm. Look for the Event sign. Bring water, sunscreen, bug spray and good hiking shoes. this is a Trails & Sails Event.
Join park staff from the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge for a full day of FREE family fun that's focused on outdoor activity! Our annual celebration of summer returns! Join us for a free day of outdoor activities at the refuge. Learn to surf cast, meet tidepool critters up close, dissect an owl pellet, and even view the sun through a solar scope. This is an open streets event, meaning most of the refuge road is closed to walk, bike, and roll!
Stroll our seaside treasure with birding basics. Hear the symphony of spring bird song! Watch for them at the field’s, woodland’s, and ocean’s edge. Learn about their sounds, habits, and flight patterns. Enjoy extraordinary views.
Engage your curious budding gardener or adventurer in our new Little Sprouts in the Garden series, a monthly themed program to connect your child with the natural world around us. As the snow begins to melt with spring around the corner, it may be too cold for fresh flowers or green grass in the gardens! In the meantime, bring some green life inside your house with a terrarium workshop to create a miniature natural world! Participants will learn about plant care and life cycle basics and leave with a mini terrarium of their own. Recommended for ages 6-10 but all are welcome. An adult must attend but there is no additional charge.
