There's a lot of history in Newburyport, and 12th generation Newburyport descendant, author and historian William Hallet has chosen to make the Civil War History of Newburyport his expertise. Join him and his wife Elizabeth on a walking tour through Newburyport's Civil War history, following the stories of men who were sent fight and the contributions they made!
We will be exploring the tide-pools of Sandy Point to learn about the relationships between the water, plants, and animals that live in this habitat. We will learn how to search and handle a wide variety of intertidal animals including snails, mussels, crabs, and other small invertebrates. We plan to play a game that shows what life in a tide-pool is like, sing some songs and get a little wet too!
This week we learn about butterflies, how to catch them and what they eat! Adults and children can spend quality family time in the great outdoors finding, observing, and admiring local wildlife. Excursions might include a group game to burn off some steam, an on-the-water scavenger hunt, or a guided tour. We'll observe, investigate, and compare coastal environments and their inhabitants, both on- and offshore. Each adventure will leave your family excited to come back for more!
The Paine House (1694), a yellow clapboard saltbox, is a remarkable and rare example of First Period (1620-1725) architecture. Three generations of the Paine family made their home here, including Robert Paine, foreman of the Salem witch trial jury in 1692.
The summer solstice has been celebrated for centuries, with all sorts of traditions growing up around it. Join us on the longest day of the year and create your own traditions, by celebrating nature and being outside. After reading The Longest Day: Celebrating the Summer Solstice by Wendy Pfeffer, we will stroll along the sanctuary trails observing the delights of the season. Upon our return, we will create sun art and light the traditional bonfire. You are welcome to bring a picnic supper to enjoy after the celebration.
Join the The Trustees of Reservations as they celebrate National Trails Day at Ward Reservation! Come explore Ward Reservation with guided hikes through Pine Hole Pond (a rare quaking bog), a beaver wetland, and a great blue heron rookery. Then finish the day picnicking on top of Holt Hill, with great views of Boston.
You're invited to Sandy Point to learn all about sand, where it comes from and surprising facts about the make up of sand! Join the interpreter in a sand sifting excursion to find the composition of the material that covers our New England beaches. Appropriate for children.
Maudslay State Park has one of the best shows of flower bloom in the Commonwealth. Come and join the beginning of this cycle with a look at the two varieties of trilliums that bloom at Maudslay with the park interpreter. This month, we enjoy the bloom of Lily-of-the-Valley, Ghent/Exbury Azalea, Columbine, and Ox-eye Daisy. Wear comfortable shoes and appropriate warm clothes. Meet at the park headquarters at 74 Curzon Mill Rd
Ravenswood Park is home to the Northern-most population of the state-endangered Sweetbay Magnolia trees. Join The Trustees and unravel the mystery of the Sweetbay Magnolia story, while we journey the magnolia swamp trails of our treasured community Park.
In every kind of weather, our favorite thing is to head outdoors to our spectacular local habitats! Each nature exploration will focus on the importance of a sense of place as we explore the ecology, sights, and sounds of our natural landscape. Wildlife, local and migrating birds, collecting techniques, and environmental awareness will be presented in a fun, energetic format that adults and children alike will enjoy.
