Tweens

Early Spring Sensory Adventure

Thge American Woodcock is just one of the creatures you'll see on this explorati

An early-spring evening tantalizes all the senses. You can watch woodcocks spiraling high into the fading light and hear spring peepers chorusing from the wetlands, while the smell of moist earth permeates the air. Join us for an evening of outdoor exploration during which we will put all our senses to the test. We will begin indoors with activities designed to heighten our senses of touch and smell, and then hit the trails for a short night hike to listen for the hoots of owls and see if breath mints really spark when you bite them in the dark!

When:

Friday April 6, 2012 7-8:30pm

Location:

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

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Finding Fishers

Fisher cats are cute, elusive and dangerous! Find out all about them at IRWS!

Do fishers really fish? Why do some people call them fisher "cats"? Find answers to these questions and more as we take a look into the life of this crafty predator. We will begin our program by observing a fisher mount and learning about its life history. Then we'll hit the trails in search of fisher signs. Once we find a trail, we'll follow it to see if we can find a fisher food cache or perhaps a fisher itself!

When:

Saturday, January 21, 2012 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Location:

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

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Gifts from Nature

Using materials collected from nature, join us in our cozy Barn and create a variety of lovely nature crafts to give as gifts during the holiday season. Choose from a variety of natural crafts - possibilities include nature-print cards, milkweed pod ornaments, wreaths woven from vines, and more.

When:

Saturday, December 8, 2012 10am - Noon

Location:

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

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Sense of Wonder Walk: Summer's Grand Finale

Come explore IRWS and see it's creatures preparing for the change of seasons

Monarch butterflies are feeding along their migration routes. Plants are still flowering and dispersing seeds, insects and spiders are laying eggs, and the forest is abuzz with activity. Using sweep nets and hand lenses, we will investigate field and forest, determine air temperature by counting the chirps of a cricket, explore life under a log, and much more.

When:

Sun, September 18, 2011 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Location:

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

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Family Campouts: Astronomical Camping

Camp while learning about astronomy at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

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, your tent, and a dessert to share.

When:

Sat, Jun 18, 2011 6pm - Sun, Jun 19, 2011 9am

Location:

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

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The Art of Nature: Wetlands

This class combines learning about nature and expressing yourself artistically

Join watercolorist Brenda Sloane at IRWS for this program that combines nature and art. In this class, we will learn all about wetlands, their importance, and what can be found there. Then we will walk to the sanctuary wetlands and discover what can be found living in them, such as dragonfly larvae, backswimmers, frogs, and birds.

When:

Sat, May 12, 2012 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Location:

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Sense of Wonder Walk: Leap Into Spring

Cherry Blossom buds are one of Springs harbingers of things to come.

Celebrate the arrival of spring on May Day at IRWS! We'll explore wetlands, fields, and woods and look for signs of the changing seasons. After the walk, the group will return to the Nature Center to make May baskets.

When:

Sun, May 01, 2011 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Location:

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Woodland Night Walk

We'll be searching the sanctuary for the creatures that come out at night!

During the cool, crisp, early-evening hours of autumn, many interesting creatures set out into the dark woodlands. Deer, owls, and flying squirrels are just a few of the animals we hope to encounter on our hike. Enjoy a walk that will spark your senses as we venture into the night in search of these and other nighttime forest dwellers.

When:

Friday, November 2, 2012 7-8:30 pm

Location:

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Family Ecology Cruise: Oceanography

Explore the Merrimack River estuary aboard the Oceanography Ecology Cruise

Lisa Hutchings Teacher-Naturalist from Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats Education Center and the crew of Newburyport Harbor Tours Inc.'s Yankee Clipper invite you and your family for an exciting exploration of the lower Merrimack River ecosystem. We'll conduct hands-on science as we collect water samples, live specimens, and plankton. We'll also look for wading birds, seals, and waterfowl. Your family will have a wonderful time exploring and learning about this vital part of the area's natural history.

When:

Saturday, September 10, 2011 8:45 am - 10:45 am

Location:

Newburyport Harbor Tours

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Family Ecology Cruise: Tide Pools

This Harbor Cruise will explore the creatures that can be found in tide pools.

Lisa Hutchings Teacher-Naturalist from Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats Education Center and the crew of Newburyport Harbor Tours Inc.'s Yankee Clipper invite you and your family on an exciting exploration of the lower Merrimack River ecosystem. We'll conduct hands-on science as we collect water samples, live specimens, and plankton. We'll also look for wading birds, seals, and waterfowl. Your family will have a wonderful time exploring and learning about this vital part of the area's natural history.

When:

Saturday, Aug 13, 2011 8:45 am - 10:45 am

Location:

Newburyport Harbor Tours