Walk

A candlelight stroll at twilight in Ravenswood Park is a wonderful way to celebrate the Winter Soltice! join us as we celebrate the winter solstice in our favorite woodland park followed by a snack of S’mores and hot chocolate around a warm fire. Pre-registration required.

Throughout time, people have come together to celebrate the shortest day of the year and welcome the lengthening days ahead. Sanctuary staff and volunteers invite you to join us for this beautiful candlelit event. Lantern making begins at 4:00 pm, followed by some solstice stories and folklore. With lanterns in hand, we will stroll the trails to light up the night. We will serve hot cider and cocoa at the bonfire on our return.

The 17th annual Middle Street Walk is a great way to experience Gloucester's Historic District while having fun with the family. The Festivities begin at 9 am and go all the way though to the end of the Holiday Ball on Saturday evening! Pick up a Schedule of Events and get your walk on!  A whole day of FREE activities, shows and events await for all the members of the family. 

Join watercolorist Brenda Sloane in a monthly program that combines nature and art. We will start with a walk on the sanctuary to observe the topic of the month. We will then return to the Nature Center to create a follow-up work of art.

Adults and children can spend quality family time in the great outdoors finding, observing, and admiring local wildlife. Each program begins at Joppa Flats Education Center with a brief introduction to our theme via slide shows, group activities, or an in-class demonstration.

Join us as we share a children's nature story before we explore the woods, fields, and wetlands of the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. Today: We'll read Beaver at Long Pond by William T. George & Lindsay Barrett George, and then take a walk to Rockery Pond to see a beaver lodge, dam, beaver chews, and scent mounds. As a group, we will build our own lodge.

At this Quest Fest, learn all about Questing! Make your own stamp and passport and participate in the fastest growing family recreational adventure this side of the Atlantic. The Sweetbay Swamp Quest is a clue-based treasure hunt through the swamp trails, discovering stories about our nearly "loved to death" Sweetbay Magnolia and to a Quest Treasure Box. Pre-registration required.

Did you know that nature plays its own game of hide-and-seek? In order to survive, animals and insects use many disguises. They can stay very still, blend in with their surroundings, and even change color. We'll take a hike to look for these secretive creatures that hide themselves from prying eyes. Then we'll design a camouflaged moth.

Join watercolorist Brenda Sloane in a monthly program that combines nature and art. We will start with a walk on the sanctuary to observe the topic of the month. We will then return to the Nature Center to create a follow-up work of art.

In every kind of weather, our favorite thing is to head outdoors to our spectacular local habitats! Join Joppa Flats Education Center on a nature exploration that will focus on the importance of a sense of place as we explore the ecology, sights, and sounds of our natural landscape. Wildlife, local and migrating birds, collecting techniques, and environmental awareness will be presented in a fun, energetic format that adults and children alike will enjoy.