On alternating Sunday afternoons through March, the refuge will be screening FREE, child-friendly films that feature a wildlife and/or environmental theme. All films will be projected on the big screen in the refuge visitor center’s awesome auditorium. No preregistration; simply show up! All movies begin at 1:30 pm.
As birders and nature photographers already know, snowy owls are often seen in this region during the winter months. But where do these magnificent animals come from? And why is their seasonal occurrence so variable from year to year? And what to do about the “snowies” that are attracted to the tundra-like landscape that surrounds the runways at Logan International Airport? These compelling questions, and many more, will be addressed by Massachusetts Audubon’s Norman Smith, who will present a narrated slide program at the refuge visitor center. Mr. Smith has been heading up the effort to trap and relocate snowy owls from Logan for many years.
Kestrel is excited to present "Stories from the Wild Side"! An in-depth (pun intended) winter exploration of animal tracking and story telling. The class will be split into two 4-class field sessions, meeting every Saturday morning, and culminating in a project day at the end of each session.
Our school vacation programs offer a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities while we keep minds active and hands busy during school break with free-flow learning for the whole family. Each session offers a different theme, with scheduled family presentations and something to engage hearts and minds for all ages and interests.
This parent/child program is designed for the creative, curious, and active preschooler. Each 90-minute session offers a structured series of activities including original songs, movement, dramatic play, hands-on science, and a thematic snack. You'll receive coloring pages, song lyrics, vocabulary, a fun fact sheet, and a suggested reading list via email. This Session is all about animals who decorate!
This parent/child program is designed for the creative, curious, and active preschooler. Each 90-minute session offers a structured series of activities including original songs, movement, dramatic play, hands-on science, and a thematic snack. You'll receive coloring pages, song lyrics, vocabulary, a fun fact sheet, and a suggested reading list via email. This Session is all about animals who decorate!
Step out under the December night sky to seek out shooting stars associated with the Geminid meteor shower, which is considered by many to be one of the strongest showers of the year, rivaling in strength the better known Perseid meteor shower of mid-August. The Geminids have a reputation for producing very bright shooting stars, or fireballs. Although it is not possible to know just how many meteors we will see, the fact that the shower reaches maximum intensity on this night should improve our chances of spotting some of them. The observing portion of the program will be preceded by an indoor presentation that will explain the origin of meteor showers in general, and the Geminids in particular, as well as the best way to observe them.
We are all intrigued by the elusive owls. We'll learn about these creatures and have the opportunity to observe owls mounts and touch feathers, followed by a walk outside to look and listen for owls. Upon our return, we will let Mother Nature be our inspiration and create owl art from a variety of mediums at different work stations.
As fall descends, we will explore the sanctuary forests and wetlands for various fungi and lichens. We will learn what they are and how they are different, and what habitats are common to each. Their beautiful colors, textures, and patterns reveal a beautiful world in all seasons. This can become a wonderful family outdoor hobby, and you will always find new treasures awaiting you if you look closely.
This is a whale watch with a birding twist! Joppa Flats Education Center invites families on a special excursion offshore to discover the wonder of whales aboard the Captain's Lady III! Play the part of a whale researcher and learn about the lives of whales and the habitats they use to feed, live and breed.
