Parker River National Wildlife Refuge invites people of all ages to celebrate Endangered Species Day on Sunday May 19th from 12pm-3pm at the Refuge Visitor Center. Endangered Species Day was designated to educate the American public on the importance of protecting endangered species and highlight the everyday actions that individuals can take to help protect our nation’s wildlife, fish, and plants.
Each year on the first warm rainy night of spring, wood frogs and mole salamanders begin a mass migration to vernal pools where they breed. If you happen to be out on one of these evenings, the experience can be spectacular. Tonight, a part of the sanctuary will be transformed into a Big Night scene. Participants will take a one-hour guided walk along the Vernal Pool Trail, where they will meet some interesting characters who will share some facts and stories about themselves, vernal pools, and this special time of year.
Spend some weekend time with others who are interested in science and wildlife, and get in touch with your "inner scientist!" You'll get a chance to meet live creatures, design something "green," or explore a new field in science. Winter is prime time to see harbor seals from the beach! Join us as we head over to Salisbury Beach State Reservation to watch these charismatic creatures through our scopes and binoculars.
Join Jim Parks with 5-6 of his amazing birds, including hawks, falcons, and owls. Parks has been licensed to rehabilitate injured raptors (birds of prey) for decades and brings excellent knowledge and respect of their role in the wild. Ages 6 through adult. Registration required.
Everyone loves owls! Yet, how many of us have ever seen a live owl up close? With Eyes On Owls, Naturalist Marcia Wilson and photographer Mark Wilson will introduce you to six different live owls from New England and far beyond. Some owls, like the Great Horned, Barred and Eastern Screech Owls are fairly common in our area. Others, like Snowy Owls, Great Grays, and Boreal Owls, are rather rare.
Greenbelt and North Shore Nature Programs present this outdoor Vernal Pools program for families. Come discover what lives in these ponds that appear in the spring and then disappear by summer. We'll scoop up some pond water to see who lives there, we'll look under nearby logs for wiggly salamanders, and we'll touch slimy frog egg masses (the ones that don't have frogs in them-- no frogs will be harmed!). Wear your Wellington boots so you can go right up to the edge of the pond!
Spend an hour with Jane Kelly, and several of her live birds of prey, in the refuge auditorium, while learning about the habits and habitats of these fascinating creatures. Kelly, of On the Wing Raptor Rehabilitation, will reprise the hugely popular program that she delivered as part of last year’s Earth Day celebration. No preregistration for this program.
Come to the Children's Room for a reading of Rescue & Jessica: a Life-Changing Friendship by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes. We will meet Gus, a Certified Reading Partner and Therapy Dog, and learn about his special training and abilities.
Have you ever wondered where milk comes from? On this special program designed especially for our young farm friends, we’ll enjoy calf close encounters, a cow story and costume, a tour of the milking barn to see our cows being milked and more! Learn why cows have big ears, how much milk they make and how we turn it into delicious cheese.
Join naturalist Marcia Wilson and photographer Mark Wilson of Eyes On Owls while they share their passion for owls! “Who’s Watching You? Owls of the World” will introduce you to the owls of New England and beyond.
