Fields are homes and resting places for many insects, birds, and animals in the summer. Become a scientist and explore a forest and field for yourself. Using sweep nets and other scientific tools, we will look at insects and plants up-close, and watch for signs of other animals of our sanctuary.
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walk the laurel loop along the river to view this beautiful area of the park, and learn about the natural, cultural and historical content of this resource rich location. The park interpreter will be on location to greet you. J.G. Whittier’s famous poem “The Laurels” will be highlighted too! Be sure to pack a camera. For ages 6 & up.
Come and join us for this family fishing experience! Go to the Accessible Trail parking lot at 40 Asbury Street (left turn just inside the park gates past the old gray farm house) for a FREE drop-in program for ages 6+. Follow the trail fishing signs for a short walk to the fishing spot. Learn how to fish, what fish live in the Ipswich River, and how to catch and release responsibly. No experience or license required.
As late Spring becomes early Summer, it means one thing: turtle time! Join us for an afternoon of exploring our wetlands in search of these fascinating reptiles. We'll visit areas where turtles like to nest in hopes of finding some eggs, 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.
Connect with nature and tune in to the multitude of organisms that surround us, starting here at Joppa Flats! This free drop-in family event features an engaging mixture of indoor and outdoor activities that will open your eyes to the great biodiversity of animals, plants, and insects in our gardens, salt marshes, and backyards.
Greenbelt and North Shore Nature Programs present Birds - Bees - Butterflies! Celebrate and learn about honey bees, butterflies and the other pollinators so important to our flowers and food supply on May 18, Family Pollinator Day. There is much to learn about these hard-working pollinators. With kid-friendly activities, attendees with learn about the many fruits, vegetables, and nuts, including chocolate and coffee they help bring us.
We will read Beaver at Long Pond by Lindsay Barrett George, take a close-up look at some beaver artifacts, and then take a walk to Rockery Pond to see a beaver lodge, dam, beaver chews, and scent mounds. Find out why beaver teeth are orange and what they use their tails for! We may even try our luck at making our own beaver lodge.
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 and your tent. We will explore nature through games and hands-on activities, set up our tents near the Barn before sundown, and tell stories after the sun sets. All campouts include an evening and a morning activity or hike and a light breakfast.
In this outdoor survival skills program, we will venture out onto the Ipswich River. Learn the basics of canoe safety, paddle strokes, and the river knowledge needed to travel on the water. When we stop at Perkins Island, you will be challenged to explore the area and craft your own paddle out of natural materials, and then test it out on the paddle back to the mainland. No previous canoe or outdoor skills are necessary, just a strong survival instinct!
