Fall Terrific Toddlers
This four-session series introduces toddlers, accompanied by a favorite adult, to the natural delights of late autumn as mammals, birds, and even plants prepare for the coming winter. We'll go out for a hike to look and listen for signs of the season. This program is also offered on Tuesdays or Fridays.
Location:
The Great Duck Migration
Come enjoy an early evening excursion at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield! During the autumn months, thousands of migratory waterfowl fly directly over the sanctuary as they travel from their summer breeding grounds in the north to their winter homes in the south. Each night, hundreds of ducks drop into Bunker Meadows to rest and refuel for their journey. We will hike down to Bunker Meadows and climb the observation tower to observe the magnificent spectacle of ducks coming in to roost. Learn to identify different species, use counters to keep track of numbers, hear the sounds of ducks settling in for the night, and listen for the call of a great horned owl across the marsh. This is an evening not to be missed.
When:
Saturday, October 19, 2019 5-7pm
Location:
ECTA Equine Gear Pre-Winter Sale
ESSEX COUNTY TRAIL ASSOCIATION is hosting an EQUINE Gear Pre-Winter Sale to be held on Friday, October 11 and Saturday, October 12, 2019 from 10-2.
Find used and new items all in very good condition.
Drop by for a day of one stop shopping. For more information, be a sponsor or donate used or new horse related items for ECTA tables, please call Kay at 978-768-6275 e-mail kljoreo@aol.com.
Location: Route 22, Western Avenue, Essex, MA. Next to Gaybrook Garage.
When:
Friday, October 11, 2019 from 10-2.
Saturday, October 12, 2019 from 10-2.
Fall Colors Paddle for Families
Mid-October is an excellent time to take in the spectacular and stunning colors provided by the Ipswich River. The riverside silver maples will be showing off their yellow-gold, while the cattails and other marsh grasses will provide beautiful greens and browns, all set against the winding blues and blacks of the river. Have your family join us for a few hours as we explore this pristine habitat via a gentle paddle in canoes. With a little luck we might encounter a beaver, otter, or muskrat as well!
When:
Saturday, October 12, 2019 1-3pm
Location:
Sense of Wonder Walk: Meadow Exploration
A meadow with grasses and wildflowers is home to many insects, from bees and butterflies to grasshoppers and crickets. Take a walk to a meadow to see how many different wildflowers you can find, and then take a closer look at insects using nets and collecting jars.
When:
Sunday, September 15, 2019 1:30-3pm
Location:
Wild Encounters at Essex County Co-op
Join us on Saturday, August 24th, 11am-1pm, for Mazuri Wildlife Zoo Day with Wildlife Encounters Ecology Center & Farm School. We'll have some unique animals here and many will be interactive. This program will be both educational and fun!
When:
Saturday, August 24, 2019 11am-1pm
Location:
Family Campouts: Summer Owl Prowl
Explore the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary after hours and join us for a night of camping under the stars. Have an early dinner at home and then come with your family, your tent, and a dessert to share. Join us as we explore the habitats of the elusive owls.
When:
Saturday, August 10 6pm - Sunday, August 11, 2019 9am
Location:
Family Dusk Paddles: Discovering Wetlands
Explore the Ipswich River at dusk. Bring your family and join us for an evening paddle in a canoe as we learn more about the river and some of its inhabitants. Being on the water is one of the best ways to explore and discover the wonders of wetlands. We will paddle through the winding backwaters lined with cattails and other marsh plants, looking for hidden wildlife. Using buckets and strainers, we'll stop and sample the rich aquatic life to learn more about what lives under the water.
When:
Friday, August 9, 2019 6-8 pm
Location:
Eco-Art: Bark Boats
Eco-art programs programs combine nature exploration and a craft project. Construct simple sailboats out of bark and leaves, then hike to the river and launch them from the canoe landing. What might a tiny sailor onboard see in the water? Using strainers and tubs, we will dip into the water to see what organisms we can find.
When:
Thursday, July 25, 2019 9-11:00 am
Location:
Family Dusk Paddles: Owls on the Ipswich River
Explore the Ipswich River at dusk. Bring your family and join us for an evening paddle in a canoe as we learn more about the river and some of its inhabitants. Many kinds of owls "call in the night" with their hoots and screams as the sun begins to fade. As we paddle along, we'll look and listen for owls, talk about the types of owls we're likely to find at this time of year, and do some hooting ourselves.
When:
Friday, July 26, 2019 6-8 pm
Location:
