Snowshoe or Hike Treks with our knowledgeable guides through this winter wonderland! Our monthly series will take you to a variety of habitats, some you'll know, others will surprise you, and enjoy extraordinary views from the highest point in Essex County.
The Trustees of Reservations invite you to bring the whole family to Ravenswood Park for an introduction to Vernal Pools featuring live animals and a presentation by the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team. Meet salamanders and frogs that live on the North Shore and get a rare close-up view of these animals. Learn their natural history and behaviors then journey with a guide into the park for a night-time walk.
March is the time for sugaring in New England. Appleton keeps this very special tradition alive by tapping the farms beautiful maple trees and producing wood-fired, small-batch syrup. The first part of the workshop will include a leisurely walk around the farmstead to show how sap is harvested and collected. The tour will wrap up at our sugar shack so you can see (and smell!) the transformation of sap to syrup. You'll gather in the farm kitchen for the second part of the workshop, where chef Carolyn Grieco will teach how to make some of the most delectable maple syrup recipes. Workshop ends with a generous sampling of all our delicious maple dishes!
Have you ever wondered why we name full moons and how stars became constellations? Join us for fun nocturnal activities, storytelling in the backyard of Joppa Flats Education Center, and a starry walkabout to a nearby open field. We’ll start off indoors with pizza to fuel us up for a family-friendly walk under the Crow Moon!
The Trustees of Reservations invite you to Ravenswood Park to meet Elsa at their Pre-K Winter Story Time by the Woodstove! Free if you become a member at the program. Wear your prince or princess outfits! Space is limited, register in advance at by contacting Ramona at rlatham@thetrustees.org or 978.281.8400.
Celebrate Valentines Day the natural way... outdoors! Escape the hearts and join us for an afternoon of skiing or snowshoeing (or hiking if no snow) through Ravenswood's carriage paths of rolling hills and dales. Warm up afterwards around the woodstove with a tasting of Appleton Farms cheeses, local chocolate, and wine. Pre-registration required. Bring your own skis or snowshoes (or rent snowshoes from us).
An afternoon of arctic adventure awaits the whole family. We've set up winter challenges throughout the park. Use maps and compass to navigate the park, find hidden markers, complete challenges and post your team's time. Win prizes! Bring your skis or snowshoes (or rent our snowshoes)!
If you are out of ideas for projects and activities to keep family members entertained, you should discover the world awaiting you at Instructables. Instructables is a great resource for finding things to make and do alone or as a group. Passionate people from around the world show what they do or make, and then give instructions on duplicating their effort.
Discover the joy of winter and the freedom of snowshoeing! On this field outing, you'll learn snowshoeing techniques, ascending and descending hills, snow hazard awareness, and winter preparedness. Don't have snowshoes? We provide snowshoes, snowshoe poles and professional instruction on proper use of equipment, to make every trip a success.
Spend a cozy evening with your sweetheart on the farm cooking up a delicious meal. Professional chef-instructor Carolyn Grieco will lead the class through the making of an intimate multi-course dinner in the state-of-the-art farm kitchen. Culinary tips and techniques will be covered as we prepare our dinner followed by a relaxing meal in the farmhouse dining room. Printed recipe booklet and indulgent chocolate take-treats to savor later! BYOB wine, champagne and beer is allowed.
