Ipswich

An evening adventure for the whole family! Join us for a hike down the Cedar Point trail to the Pine Grove. We’ll look for the flash of fireflies in the fields that stretch to the marsh, along the fringes of the woods that line the trail to the Pine Grove, and in the dark of the Pine Grove itself. Did you know that different species of fireflies have different flash patterns? We’ll try to differentiate between our bioluminescent buddies and count how many different species of fireflies live around the Crane Estate.

Throw on your running shoes and get ready for the Summer Solstice 5k Run/Walk! The Proceeds from this event will support two organizations – the Ipswich YMCA and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. This race is to honor Bill – a former member and previously on the board of directors of the YMCA who unfortunately lost his battle with Multiple Myeloma. This race is to support some of the causes that he supported in the hopes that they will be able to help others. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to run for a cause. 

The ECTA annual ECTAthlon is friendly relay competition held at Bradley Palmer State Park in Topsfield and Hamilton and on private trails in Ipswich where teams or individuals compete in running, mountain biking, horseback riding and kayaking events.  This unique event, which will be held on Saturday, June 4^th, was envisioned as a way to bring diverse trail users together in a fun and exciting way, and to highlight the incredible network of trails in our area.  The June 4^th date also coincides with American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day, a series of nationwide events celebrating trails and trail access.

Come for a beautiful eveneing of choral music performed by the talented students of Ipswich High School! This concert is the final chroal concert for retiring ihs choral director Jeff Patch.  Pleas come for this FREE event.

It’s an afternoon of Poppins fun for the whole family at this Mary Poppins Party at Crane Estate. Activities include kite making and flying, chalk drawing, lawn games, and more. Kite aficionados from Kites Over New England are on hand to show their kites and flying techniques. Tea, lemonade, and cookies are served. 

Join us this Mother’s Day for an adventure with the classic characters from Beatrix Potter! Bring the whole family to enjoy a morning with the mischievous Peter Rabbit and his friends!

Attendees will explore the farm and meet some of the classic characters such as; Peter Rabbit, Squirrel Nutkin, Johnny Town Mouse, Tom Kitten and more! Visit Mr. McGregor’s garden, Mrs. Tiggy Winkle’s kitchen, Jemima Puddle Duck’s nest and Hunca Munca’s doll house.  After your adventure, join us in the Carriage Barn for light refreshments and meet our farm animals in the barnyard.  Kids will also make a beautiful potted lettuce garden inspired by Peter Rabbit as a gift for mom!

Join The Trustees of Reservations at Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate for this race against the clock that will put your physical powers to the test! Join us as we run, roll, jump, balance, and limbo to the finish line – where cold lemonade and cookies will be waiting! The fun way to fitness! Suggested ages 6-12. Pre-registration required.

Calling all animal lovers! Our new farm camp is coming this July! Join us Saturday April 16th & 23rd for a FREE drop-in camp sampler. Come see what to expect at Appleton Farm Camp this summer! Meet with our camp director, see our camp headquarters, and find out what Appleton Farm Camp will offer for activities, learning, and summer fun. Our camp area will be open from 10AM – 2PM for you to explore. We’ll have special activities and tours between 11AM and 1PM. Register for camp on site or take home information to share with friends.

Join The Trustees of Reservations as we kayak the winding waters that meander through the marsh between the Ipswich River and Essex Bay. We’ll start our adventure at Steep Hill Beach, then paddle into the Ipswich River to Fox Creek, traveling through the oldest man-made tidewater canal in the United States! As we wend our way through the marsh, we’ll be on the lookout for herons, egrets, and other shore birds -- with luck we’ll spot an osprey hunting for its supper! A picnic lunch will be waiting for us when we return. We’ll supply the kayaks and lifejackets; please call to learn more.