What is hiding under the rocks and logs of the sanctuary? Is it a centipede? Is it a salamander? Come find the hidden treasures beneath the forest floor. Walk with us through the forest to see how the changing season affects animals, trees, and plants. Examine tree holes and look for animals in the leaves, whatever we find, we will explore!
Get into the Halloween spirit and take a walk over to the Ropes Mansion (318 Essex Street) to see it decorated in the style of the ‘90s cult classic Hocus Pocus. You won’t have to bob for apples during this visit to Allison’s house, but it’s a must-see for any fan this October!
ECGA hosts a salt marsh science walk with a former research fellow from Marine Biological Laboratory to learn about salt marsh science. Join Jade Fiorilla, Northeastern graduate with degrees in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, for a walk to learn about the Great Salt Marsh. Jade has worked on the marsh at nearby Parker River National Wildlife Refuge as a research fellow with Marine Biological Laboratory. She recently completed research pulling together data from a long term study of marsh accretion and deposition events in the Plum Island sound.
To encourage time in nature, familiarity with the natural world, and a time for parents and children to get together outdoors, our popular infant/toddler stroller walks will return at Appleton Farms. These hour long walks will be on Tuesdays from 9-10am. Come to one or all of the sessions and explore the farmyard, fields, and forest, and imagine hidden worlds beneath our feet and above our heads. Children and their care-givers will have the opportunity to take in fresh air, be with other families, and walk diverse trails on the farm. This is a great time to socialize with other parents and get your kids in nature, unwind and relax at the farm!
The Sawyer Free Library is hosting an exciting LEGO community event in advance of the 2025 Sawyer Free Library's upcoming groundbreaking celebration. LET'S BUILD TOGETHER: 2025 Sawyer Free Library will take place on Saturday, September 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 20 Main Street in downtown Gloucester, directly across from the Sawyer Free Library temporary location.
Come to Joppa Flats this summer to enjoy some live animal encounters both outdoors in our riverside yard and indoors in our air conditioned lobby! You'll rotate through different live animal stations at your own pace, and may choose to spend your time handling tide pool creatures such as sea urchins and sea stars, meeting moon snails and hermit crabs from the sandy beach, and/or learning about minnows and horseshoe crabs from the salt marsh. We'll also introduce you to our 'seasonal specials' that our interns are raising for release. You might even see praying mantis hatchlings, monarch caterpillars, or American toadlets! Family friendly activities, self-guided science stations and take-home nature crafts - something for everyone!
Follow trip leader Dave Marro (Cape Ann Trail Stewards Board Member and Chair of the Magnolia Woods Advisory Committee) for a hike along a trail that links the southern edge of the Trustees of Reservations Ravenswood Park with the City of Gloucester’s Rafe’s Chasm Park. The walk will include spectacular views of the ocean from the dramatic Rafe’s Chasm cliffs. Participants should be prepared to walk on uneven trails for 3 miles round trip.. This event is part of Trails & Sails.
Come to Sudden Pond for a day of fishing for all ages! This event is perfect for anglers of any experience level. Cast a line, learn about the fish in our waters, safety, and equipment. MassWildlife Angler Education Volunteer Instructors will be on hand to assist. Equipment is provided. No license required. The Friends of Harold Parker State Forest will be providing a barbecue for the hungry fisher people.
Join the park interpreter for a moderate walk designed to improve cardiovascular health, while journeying through the park on one of our many beautiful trails. For ages 8 & up.
At the Kimball Farm Corn Maze all are welcome to come and enjoy the challenge of finding your way through the winding corn field maze. Our originally designed CORN MAZE is full of Crazy angles and is sure to be a fun challenge. Have no fear, there will be clues along the way. Be daring and try the maze on a Saturday Night with a Flash Light (TBD).
