Tweens

Spring is the season when frogs, toads, and salamanders return to the wetlands to lay their eggs. After a short introduction in our Nature Center where we will learn about the life cycles of these amazing creatures, we will search the sanctuary's wetlands and woodlands for amphibians on the move. If we're lucky, we might be able to catch a few of them! We'll also be sure to swing by our vernal pool where we should be able to find large masses of wood frog and spotted salamander eggs.

Tucked away on the roof of the Museum's parking garage, the Gilliland Observatory is a wonderful resource for our starry-eyed public. Equipped with a computer-controlled, Celestron CGE 1100 Schmidt Cassegrain telescope and staffed by knowledgeable Museum employees, this is the perfect place to end a Friday evening at the Museum.

Come to Joppa Flats Education Center where adults and children can spend quality family time in the great outdoors finding, observing, and admiring local wildlife. Excursions include a group game to burn off some steam, an on-the-water scavenger hunt, or a guided tour. We'll observe, investigate, and compare coastal environments and their inhabitants, both on- and offshore.

Origami Master Michael LaFosse will offer a free origami workshop at the Newbury Town Library. Come learn folding techniques and how to create art using just a sheet of paper from an origami master! For ages 5 and up. please RSVP if you plan to attend.

Each year on the first warm rainy night of spring, wood frogs and mole salamanders begin a mass migration to vernal pools where they breed. If you happen to be out on one of these evenings, the experience can be spectacular. Tonight, a part of the sanctuary will be transformed into a Big Night scene. Participants will take a one-hour guided walk along the Vernal Pool Trail, where they will meet some interesting characters who will share some facts and stories about themselves, vernal pools, and this special time of year.

Craving Spring? Join the folks at The Trustees' Long Hill and Sedgwick Gardens to learn about seed starting for our Pick Your Own Flower Field. Help us sow the first big round of seeds. With your help, these seeds will grow into the cutting flowers that we grow in our Flower Fields! Bring the family: ages 10 and up. Please pre-register.

Teens and tweens: Feeling crafty? Head to the library and make your own beaded safety pin bracelet! Please call Jessica Hilbun, Teen Librarian, at 978-465-4428 ext.246 with any questions.

This introduction to vernal ponds is presented by Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team and sponsored by The Trustees of Reservations's Ravenswood Park.  Vernal pools are crucial to the survival of salamanders and wood frogs. Join Ravenswood Park as we explore the pools at Agassiz Rock reservation, and learn how you can certify and protect vernal pools. Vernal Pool Certification is a state certification of vernal pools, which have not been covered in the wetlands act, but serve an important roll in wetlands and are crucial to survival for a number of species.

The Garden City Church invites you to join for a morning of fun, games, and ten thousand candy-filled eggs! We recommend that you come early to register and be ready to go at 11:00 am. With over two hundred kids, the eggs will go fast! Registration starts at 10:15 a.m.

Be prepared for peeper season this Spring! Learn about the temporary habitat of vernal ponds, what lives in them, why they are home to specialized woodland creatures and how to protect them. Live creatures will be displayed during the discussion, followed by an excursion into the park. Presented by Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team at Ravenswood Park! Space is limited, so please pre-register!