Ecology

CraneExplorer: Keeping a Nature Journal

Families are invited to a nature journaling workshop Castle Hill grounds in Ipswich Massachusetts

Calling all budding naturalists! Take inspiration from the beautiful landscape at Crane Estates and join us for a special session of creativity and observation. Families will create nature journals using a book-binding technique demonstrated by our coastal educators. Afterwards, participants will hike to inspiring parts of the estate where they can draw and document observations in their newly created journals. Our coastal educators will lead everyone through observational exercises and offer guidance as you make your first journal entry.

When: 
Saturday, November 11, 2023 1-3pm

Family Owl Prowl

Join a Family Owl Prowl Campout at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. Photo: Scott Santino

People of all ages love owls, and many species of owls can be found right here in Massachusetts year-round. Experience the excitement of an owl prowl as we take a night hike to look and listen for Barred Owls, Great Horned Owls, and Eastern Screech-owls. Before we head out on our nocturnal adventure, we'll learn fun owl facts in our cozy Barn using real owl mounts, feathers, talons, and a brief slide show. We'll end our evening with an owl-hooting lesson.

When: 
Saturday, February 24, 2024 5:30-7:30pm

Tuck's Point COASTSWEEP Cleanup

Join Seaside Sustainability for a COASTSWEEP clean up of of Tuck's Point's shoreline in Manchester Massachusetts

Join Seaside Sustainability for a COASTSWEEP clean up of of Tuck's Point's shoreline from 9-11am on Saturday, October 14thWhat to Bring: Appropriate clothes for being on the coast, hat, sunscreen, water, snack, thin gloves optional, hand sanitizer, and a friend or two! Seaside Sustainability will supply everything you’ll need for the cleanups.  

When: 
Saturday, October 14, 2023 9-11am
Location: 

CoastSweep: Gloucester

CoastSweep volunteers catalog marine debris collected at Cripple Cove in Gloucester Massachusetts

As part of COASTSWEEP Beach Cleanup, volunteers are encouraged to come to Gloucester to help in the statewide effort to keep our coastline clean along the Gloucester beaches and shoreline. Trash collected will be measured and analyzed, and the data will be sent to Washington DC to aid the government in creating legislation to minimize trash in our oceans! This specific cleanup is coordinated by Michael Mitchell and the Community Church of East Gloucester, and will cover up to 8 beaches in Gloucester.

When: 
Saturday, October 14, 2023 9am-Noon

Fun in the Field at IRWS

Learn about butterflies and other field creatures at the MassAudubon Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary!

Fields are alive with animal activity on warm, fall days. Spend an early October day chasing butterflies, grasshoppers, and crickets with nets while taking some time to closely observe these amazing insects. We may also encounter predators of the field, such as Blue Birds, Leopard Frogs and Garter Snakes! This will be a hands-on experience the entire family can enjoy.

When: 
Saturday, October 7, 2023 10-11:30am

Singing Beach Cleanup

Join Seaside Sustainability at Singing Beach in Manchester Massachusetts for a COASTSWEEP cleanup!

Join Seaside Sustainability for a COASTSWEEP clean up of Singing Beach from 9-11am on Saturday, September 9thWhat to Bring: Appropriate clothes for being on the coast, hat, sunscreen, water, snack, thin gloves optional, hand sanitizer, and a friend or two! Seaside Sustainability will supply everything you’ll need for the cleanups.  

When: 
Saturday, September 9, 2023 9-11am
Location: 

CoastSweep: Dane Street Beach

Come help Salem Sound Coastwatch with the Coastsweep cleanup of Dane Street Beach in Beverly, Massachusetts!

As part of COASTSWEEP Beach Cleanup, volunteers are encouraged to come to Dane Street Beach to help in the statewide effort to keep our coastline clean along the shore in Salem Massachusetts. Trash collected will be measured and analyzed, and the data will be sent to Washington DC to aid the government in creating legislation to minimize trash in our oceans! This specific cleanup is coordinated by Salem Sound Coastwatch.  For a complete updated listed for a Coastsweep volunteer opportunities in your region, visit https://www.mass.gov/service-details/coastsweep-cleanup-list

When: 
Saturday, September 11, 2021 4:30-6pm

CoastSweep: Furlong Park

Join Salem Sound Coastwatch for a Coastsweep cleanup of the Furlong Park in Salem!

As part of COASTSWEEP Beach Cleanup, volunteers are encouraged to help in the statewide effort to keep our coastline clean along the shore at Furlong Park in Salem Massachusetts. Trash collected will be measured and analyzed, and the data will be sent to Washington DC to aid the government in creating legislation to minimize trash in our oceans! This specific cleanup is coordinated by Salem Sound Coastwatch.  For a complete update listed for a Coastsweep volunteer opportunities in your region, visit https://www.mass.gov/service-details/coastsweep-cleanup-list

When: 
Wednesday, September 13, 2023 4:30-6pm
Location: 

Beginner Paddle Session

Beginner Boats and Birds Excusion with Massachusetts Audubon and the Ipswich River Watershed Association

Curious about kayaking, but not sure where to start? Want to spot some interesting wildlife, but don’t consider yourself an outdoorsy person? Join the Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA) and Mass Audubon’s Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary for a birding excursion on the river! 

When: 
Wednesday, August 23, 2023 5:45-8pm

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Adirondack Leadership Program at Gordon College’s La Vida Center

Saugus Iron Works Park Grounds & Estuary Walk

Take a hike along the Saugus River Estuary ande explore the Saugus Iron Works Park grounds in Massachusetts
Learn about the natural world in Saugus while ecploring the park ground ast the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site in Massachusetts.
7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Music Together - Wednesday

Marblehead, Beverly Farms, Hamilton, Salem, Peabody Music Together
Music Together® is a research-based music & movement program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grown-ups who love them. Music Together® classes make it easy for parents/primary caregivers to play a crucial role in activating their child's music development. Classes are 45 minutes...
9:30 am to 11:15 am

We Walk the Woods!

Walk the trails in a group at Harold Parker State Forest Every Wednesday at 10am
Walk the trails with a group at Harold Parker State Forest every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. – Meeting location varies weekly. Email trek.reef@mass.gov for location.
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Mini Movers at North Shore Children's Museum

Things to do for children in Peabody MA
Mini Movers is an engaging dance and movement class for young children at the North Shore Children's Museum. Led by experienced instructors, the program introduces young children to the world of dance in a safe and nurturing environment.
10:00 am to 11:00 am

Deck The Halls: Hammond Castle

A holiday themed tour of Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester Massachusetts
Come to Hammond Castle for the 6th annual Deck The Halls holiday celebration. Hammond Castle Museum will be dressed for the holidays inside and out. Delight in the enchanting ambiance of Christmas and White Birch trees, meticulously arranged garlands, festive wreaths, and the warm embrace of...
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Trustees Winterlights at Stevens Coolidge Place

The Trustees of Reservations Winterlights at the Stevents-Coolidge Place North Andover North Andover.
Winterlights is back! Join the Trustees for a magical outdoor experience at Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens, and see the gardens aglow with your favorite light installations as well as marveling at new components. Bring the whole family for a fun and safe outdoor experience. Winterlights runs...
4:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Wreath Decorating Workshop

Annual Wreath Making Workshop at the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum
Join us at the Essex Historical Society & Shipbuilding Museum as Susie Talbot guides the group through decorating a 20" wreath. Susie is an extraordinarily talented individual who not only designed, but takes care of our front gardens. Amongst her many talents is decorating Holiday greens.
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Stargazing at Mendel Observatory

Mendel Observatory, with the support of volunteers from the North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club, hosts public stargazing every Wednesday night
The Observatory, with the support of volunteers from the North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club, hosts public stargazing every Wednesday night (weather permitting) starting at dusk or 7:30 pm, whichever is later.  When special astronomical events of interest occur (total lunar eclipses, etc.) the Obs
7:00 pm

Saturday, December 7

Winter Wreath Making Workshop at Long Hill

Wreath Making Workshop at the Trustees of Reservations' Long Hill Garden in Beverly, Massachusetts
SOLD OUT! Learn how to craft a beautiful wreath for the holidays or for the winter season with Iris Weaver!
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Fishtown Horribles Parade of Trees

Fishtown Horribles Parade Trees, a holiday fundraiser in Gloucester Massachusetts
Gloucester's Fishtown Parade of of Trees is a community holiday fundraiser for the annual Fishtown Horribles Parade in July! Take a stroll the the Parade of Trees and find your favorites! All trees are donated and decorated by community members, businesses and organizations.
10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Predator vs. Prey | Family Nature Series

Essex County Greenbelt teams up with North Shore Nature Programs for a wildlife hike in Ipswich Massachusetts!
Look for signs of our local predators on the prowl and learn about how prey animals have evolved to evade them in this family-friendly walk. Appropriate for all ages - we’ll talk scientifically about what types of animals are predators or prey, without going into especially gory details.
10:30 am to 12:00 pm

Christmas in Salem House Tour

Tour some of Salem Massachusetts' historic houses all done up for the Holiday and raise funds for a worthy local cause
Historic Salem, Inc. hosts its annual holiday house tour in downtown Salem Massachusetts! Few communities have the rich legacy of historic houses that Salem, Massachusetts boasts. These homes, spanning four centuries, help define the character as well as the appearance of the city.  Every year...
10:30 am to 4:30 pm

Santa's Workshop

Santa's Workshop in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Visit Newburyport MA during the holidays
Newburyport is a favorite local town to shop - especially during the holidays. The fantastic lights downtown, the tree in Market Square, all the beautifully decorated window boxes and of course, Santa's Workshop, where the kids can whisper their wishes to Santa.
11:00 am to 2:00 pm

Lowell's Boat Shop Holiday Open House

Visit Lowell's Boat Shop in Amesbury Massachusetts for their annual holiday open house!
Visit Lowell’s Boat Shop during their Annual Holiday Open House is a two day family event during the first weekend in December. See the shop transformed with beautiful trees, an art show, silent auction, Nautical Gift Shop, Lowell’s gear to wear, books, glassware, and more. Make it a day! Live...
11:00 am to 4:00 pm

NEER North Holiday Open House

NEER North Holiday open house to celebrate the holidays and with our adopted animals!
NEER North invites you to their Holiday Open House! Swing by NEER North for our fourth annual Holiday Open House event.
Where: NEER North
11:00 am to 2:00 pm

Holiday Market in the Shipyard

Shop Local and stuff your stockings with unique gifts from curated vendors at the Essex Shipbuilding Museum in Massachusetts
Head over to the Essex Shipbuilding Museum and the historic schoolhouse at 28 Main Street for unique local holiday gifts!
11:00 am to 3:00 pm

Christmas Tea at the Phillips House

Celebrate the season with a Holiday Tea at the Phillips House in Salem Massachusetts
Celebrate the season with Christmas Tea at Phillips House! Enjoy a festive tea with tea sandwiches and sweet treats in beautiful Samuel McIntire-designed rooms.
11:00 am to 4:00 pm

Marblehead Christmas Walk Parade

The Christmas Walk parade in Marblehead Massachusetts is a a holiday tradition for the entire town!
The Marblehead Christmas Walk Parade takes place after Santa Arrives in Marblehead. The Parade begins at 11:45 and the route takes approximately one hour, traveling from Front St., State St., Washington St., Five Corners, Atlantic Ave. Gerry Street, down Pleasant St. and concluding at the National...
11:45 am
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