Walk through history at Ravenswood Park! Ravenswood has changed from a main thoroughfare to a forgotten backwoods, and now to our favorite local refuge over time. See the evidence in cellar holes, stonewalls, and carriage paths. Learn the stories of a colorful cast of characters who transformed it into a such special place. Pre-registration requested.
At this Family Quest Fest you'll learn all about Questing--clue-based treasure hunts discovering stories about this very special place--while on an expetition to find a treasure box! You'll make your own stamp, grab a passport, and participate in the fastest growing family recreational activity this side of the Atlantic.
Adventures in Animal Tracking at Ravenswood Park--just like our Hermit did, over 100 years ago! From 1884 to 1917, Mason Walton lived as a "hermit" in Ravenswood. He closely observed, wrote, and drew about wildlife and animal behaviors. He published a book in 1903. We will walk the hermit's footsteps, share tales from his book, and along the way we will closely observe wildlife signs and determine animal behavior. A Hermit's Wild Friends, only available used from Amazon: [amazon 1290053391 inline] or check it out from the Sawyer Free Library.
Venture to vernal pools where survival of fairy shrimp, salamanders, and wood frogs are crucial. We will explore pools, learn how to protect them, and meet these creatures that depend on these pools. This program is instructive to participants, so you can take home the techniques, forms, and methods to certify pools in your neighborhood...or back yard. This is a family-friendly opportunity, so exploration is an important--and fun!--element in the program. Directions to pre-registrants.
This year Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuaries turn 100! Join us on Saturday, April 9 - the 100th day of the year - for a special "100th Day Celebration." Visitors of all ages are welcome - free of charge - to explore our trails in celebration of 100 years of wildlife sanctuaries with Mass Audubon.
This hike explores the wild wonders of the Crane Estate! We’ll launch our long walk at the Cedar Point Trail and follow it to the Ipswich River, then meander along the beach and through seldom-traveled paths to the trailhead at the Crane Wildlife Refuge. We’ll wander the dunes to Essex Bay, then make our way along the backside of Crane Beach to reach the Essex River. A bag lunch will be delivered to us at the approximate halfway point, and will give us the sustenance we’ll need to finish the hike! Come prepared for a leisurely long-way-around walk of about 8 miles.
Join The Trustees of Reservations on a misty evening in early Spring, vernal pools are hopping! The swales we find tucked amongst the dunes are coming alive, host to a variety of creatures waking from a long winter’s nap and ready for action! We’ll hike out under cover of darkness to spy on – and listen to – this celebration of awakening. Bring a flashlight or headlamp, and wear boots! We’ll have nets and buckets for up-close observations, but our specimen collecting is strictly catch-and-release.
Family Pop-up Poetry. All ages will be inspired by Ravenswood Park! We'll have tools and tips to guide you to write your own poem which you may leave for others to enjoy or take home.
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.
