Hike

Invertebrates of the Field and Forest

Families will learn about invertabrates of the North Shore with North Shore Nature Programs

North Shore Nature Programs is happy to be participating in our first ever Trails and Sails event! Join experienced naturalists Andrew and Dan on a guided hike through Camp Denison’s fields and forests. Your family can expect to see katydids, dragonfly’s, centipedes, millipedes, and sow bugs! Each family will have the opportunity to touch and hold as many invertebrates as they please! You will also learn about the amazing adaptations these creatures require to live in the wild.

When:

Sunday, September 29, 2019 2-4pm

Location:

Camp Denison Recreation Area

Read more about Invertebrates of the Field and Forest

Children's Fall Fair

Get outside, learn and play this fall! Join us for a few hours of fun and discovery at the Children's Fall Fair -- Sunday, October 6th 10am -1pm at Hamond Nature Center located at the end of Everett Paine Boulevard in Marblehead. Hosted by Sustainable Marblehead in partnership with Marblehead Recreation and Parks Department, the Fair will include hands-on, family-friendly activities, displays and presentations connected to sustainability and environmental protection, designed for ages 10 and under.

When:

Sunday, October 6, 2019 10am - 1pm

Location:

Read more about Children's Fall Fair

Sense of Wonder Walk: Meadow Exploration

Learn about the meadow habitat and who lives there at Ipsiwch River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield

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:

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

Read more about Sense of Wonder Walk: Meadow Exploration

Stevens to Stevens Trail Hike

The Stevens to Stevens trail head in North Andover. Photo: Friends of North Andover Trails

Come check out the Stevens to Stevens Trail, a scenic trail connecting the Old Center Common to Weir Hill to Osgood Hill. We'll meet at the North Andover Merchant Association Fall Festival on the Common, across the street from the trail entrance on Mass Ave. This hike is part of Trails & Sails.

When:

Saturday, September 22, 2018 1-3pm

Read more about Stevens to Stevens Trail Hike

Medicine in Colonial Salem - Witch House

Learn about colonial medecine at the Witch House in Salem Massachusetts as part of Trails and Sails!

Join us at the Witch House and Pioneer Village for a look at medicinal curiosities from the 17th century. At the Corwin House (a.k.a. the Witch House) we will share an exhibit featuring some of the more startling remedies our New England settlers trusted such as “snail water” and “skull moss”. The exhibit will be included in admission and free to Trails and Sails attendees each day of the festival.

When:

Saturdays and Sundays, September 21-29, 2019 10am-4:45pm

Location:

Read more about Medicine in Colonial Salem - Witch House

Through Farm and Forest

Come learn the trails of Linebrook Woods with ECGA during Trails & Sails 2019

Enjoy a guided hike along on the Ipswich section of the Bay Circuit Trail, guided by Ipswich Bay Circuit Trail Committee members. Passing behind Marini Farms, the hike will pass through protected forest and wetland areas.

When:

Saturday, September 28, 2019 10am-12pm

Location:

Linebrook Woods Conservation Area

Read more about Through Farm and Forest

Soapstone Quarry Hike

Hike to the soap stone quarry at Harold Parker State Forest

Meet at Campground Nature Center- For ages 6 and up. This is a moderate guided hike to the remnants of the Jenkins family blue soapstone quarry. A great way to learn about the park’s history and resources while getting some exercise.

When:

Sundays, September 8, 15, 22 & 29, 2019 1-3pm

Location:

Harold Parker State Forest

Read more about Soapstone Quarry Hike

Surfcasting 101

Plum Island Beach in Newvburyport is an excellent spot to try fishing in the surf.

Ever wanted to try your hand at surfcasting from the Plum Island beach? Come join two local experts as they discuss the basics you’ll need to get started (or improve!). Topics will include what gear you will need, what to use for bait and lures, how to find a spot that may hold fish, and the best tides and times to go.

When:

Wednesday, September 18, 2019 7-8:30pm

Location:

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Read more about Surfcasting 101

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:

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

Read more about Eco-Art: Bark Boats

Family Adventure | The Edge of the Sea

Discover the natural beauty and varied beach to woodland habitats of Eastern Point with Mass Audubon

Join Mass Audubon as they explore the habitats of Eastern Point Wildlife Sanctuary in Gloucester. The cool breezes, superb coastline, and easily observed wildlife will delight your senses. We'll visit tide pools, salt marsh, woodlands, and adjoining fields using hands-on activities as we investigate each habitat.

When:

Tuesday, July 23, 2019 9:30-11am

Location:

Eastern Point Wildlife Sanctuary