Joppa Flats Education Center invites families to drop in to meet live caterpillars, moths, and butterflies! Learn how to attract birds and other wildlife to your own yard and safely identify insects. Enjoy a Backyard Bug Hunt with our naturalists, join in a Monarch Migration Relay Race, and take home a fun craft or two.
It's time to feed our touch tank animals! Assist our animal husbandry intern team with sorting, identifying, and then feeding all our in-house marine creatures as you learn about their fascinating behaviors and unique habitats. You can help us with sea stars, sea urchins, and rock crabs from the rocky shore; moon snails, surf clams, and hermit crabs from the sandy beach; and minnows, mud whelks, and horseshoe crabs from the salt marsh.
As late spring transitions to early summer, one thing is for sure: it's turtle time! Join us to explore our wetlands in search of these fascinating reptiles. We'll visit areas where turtles like to nest and bask in the sun, look at and touch real turtle shells, and, with a little luck, get an up-close look at a Painted Turtle. We'll conclude with a trip to the Rockery to see if we can summon our resident Snapping Turtle, Godzilla.
The Museum is free all day for Cape Ann residents on the second Saturday of every month in 2021! The second Saturday of every month is free for Cape Ann families. Pre-registration and timed tickets are required.
Fireflys, also called lightning bugs, appear for only a few weeks in the early summer to delight us with their luminous nighttime dance and light show. In June, the fireflies delight us with their nighttime dance and spectacular light show. Learn about the life of a firefly then go on a walk led by the park interpreter, to observe firefly behavior and see them close up. Bring a net or jar to catch fireflies. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bug spray are recommended.
Come walk the laurel loop along the river to view this beautiful area of the park, and learn about the natural, cultural and historical content of this resource rich location. Join the Park Interpreter on the laurel loop along the river to this beautiful area of the park, to discover natural, cultural and historical content of this resource rich location. J.G. Whittier’s famous poem “The Laurels” will be highlighted. For ages 8 & up.
Maudslay State Park has created this program for their youngest crowd! For the young set that loves nature, the park interpreter will lead a three-part preschool aged program that includes a Story, Craft & Walk that involves outdoor exploration. A different nature topic each week so come every week! Rain or shine. Wear appropriate walking shoes, sunscreen and bring water.
Join the Trustees at Farmhouse Wood-Fired every Friday through Sunday, throughout the summer and fall. Bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets for a perfect wood-fired dining experience surrounded by the idyllic beauty of Appleton Farms. The menu will change weekly, featuring local and seasonal ingredients, including produce from our own farm. Pizza varieties will include cheese, meat and seasonal veggie, with other options available such as artisan pastries, seasonal salads and lighter fare.
Discover the magic of hiking at night while the moon is at its fullest, when even the most familiar trails reveal sights and sounds, they only share with the cool, quiet night. Perhaps the sound of a coyote will be heard, or an owl will be seen. This hike is perfect for all experience levels, and participants should feel comfortable walking on uneven terrain. You will come away with some knowledge of the night sky as well as memories that can only be made in the night.
Join Within Wildlight in a mindful journey up Holt Hill under the light of the full moon. Together, we will gather for a meditative hike up the trail as night falls, and circle for a gentle guided meditation beneath the moon & stars. Enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, and unique tastes of evening in the magic of Ward Reservation. May this practice nourish your being and settle your mind as you return for a peaceful slumber at the end of the night.
