Hike

What Do We Know About Whales?

Kids will learn about whales at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newburyport.

During this fun, hands-on program we will learn all about whales. We will use different tools to help us understand how big adult whales get. Each participant will choose their own special whale. After coloring-in their whale, they will place it on the particular ocean it calls home. There will be a fun activity for each child to make and take home. “Friends of Whales” certificates will be given out at the end of the program. This program is appropriate for home-schooled and other children in grades K-3. Parent or adult chaperone must stay with their child during the program. Children and accompanying adults will find themselves joining in the fun activities.

When:

Tuesday, July 17, 2018 11-12:30 pm

Location:

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

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Eco-Art: Summer Time

Experience a sensory adventure as we explore the trails at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield, Ma.

Experience a sensory adventure as we explore the trails using our eyes, ears, nose, hands, and even taste. Then, make a nature collage using found materials to decorate your home.

When:

Thursday, August 2, 2018 9-11 am

Location:

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

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Eco-Art: Nesting Time

Families will learn about bird nests at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. Photo: Robin's Nest Bill O'Connor

Families will examine our collection of bird nests to study how they're built and what materials were used in their construction. We'll explore the trails looking for nests and places where birds might build them. On our return, we will create our own nests using natural materials.

When:

Thursday, July 12, 2018 9-11:00 am

Location:

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

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ECTA Trail Jamboree

Essex County Trail Association Jamboree at Groton House Farm in Hamilton Massachusetts!

Come Walk, Run, Bike and Ride on guided trail adventures (for all levels) followed by a party featuring live music, live animals, games, great food trucks and local beer from the Tapmobiles of Ipswich Ale Brewery. Trail activities from 1-3pm and party from 3-6pm. Get outdoors and have fun while supporting ECTA and the 450 miles of trails that we maintain for your access to walk, run, cycle and ride!

When:

June 23, 2018 1-6pm

Location:

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Walk thru the Mt. Laurels

Maudslay State Park has one of the best shows of flower bloom in the Commonwealth. Enjoy a guided walk along the river to view this beautiful area of the park, and learn about the natural, cultural and historical content of this location. J.G. Whittier’s famous poem “The Laurels” will be highlighted during the walk. Comfortable walking shoes, water and sunscreen are recommended. For: All Ages. Meet at the park headquarters on 74 Curzon Mill Road.

When:

Saturday, June 16, 2018 2-3:30pm

Saturday, June 23, 2017 2-3:30pm

Location:

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National Trails Day: Thompson Street Reservation

Celebrate National Trails Day at Thompson Street Reservation in Gloucester Massachusetts with the Essex County Greenbelt Association.

Celebrate National Trails Day at Thompson Street Reservation! Join Greenbelt on this guided hike that covers moderate to challenging terrain beginning at the Mt. Jacob Cemetery entrance.

When:

Saturday, June 2, 2018 9-11am

Location:

Thompson Street Reservation

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Endangered Species Day at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Explore Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and learn about endangered species like the piping plover!!

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge invites people of all ages to celebrate Endangered Species Day 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.

When:

Saturday, May 19, 2018 1-4pm

Location:

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

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Energy Begets Energy Hike

Get off the couch and walk through the Crane Wildlife Refuge with the Trustees.

It’s winter. The air inside is stale, you just ate a bag of chips for lunch, and the couch is calling your name. There’s stuff you should be doing, but you’re just not feeling it – and yet another nap seems so boring. We have just the thing to make you feel tip top in no time! Join us for an energetic hike around the Crane Estate! Route will be determined by weather. The pace will be brisk, the air will be fresh, the chips will be burned off, and you’ll leave feeling invigorated!

When:

Saturday, March 24, 2018 1-3pm

Location:

Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

Trustees of Reservations

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This Hike Is For the Birds

Kids ages 4-10 will love this birding hike to Cedar Point on the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts!

This hike starts at the Barn on the Crane Estate, and wanders down to the Cedar Point Trail where many of our spring-time birds are busy getting settled. On the way, kids will use their skills of observation to see what kinds of birds are starting to show up – where are they hanging out, and what are they doing? What do they sound like? Then we’ll head to the Pine Grove where we’ll collect pine cones to make unique bird feeders for you to hang up at home. Our adventure will end with hot chocolate and s’mores around a camp fire in the Pine Grove.

When:

Monday, April 16, 2018 1-3pm

Location:

Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

Trustees of Reservations

Birding

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Toad Trek at the Crane Wildlife Refuge

Join the Trustees of Reservations at the Crane Wildlife Refuge in Ipswich Massachusetts in search of the American Toad!

Join The Trustees of Reservations at Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate in search of the American Toad in Ipswich, Massachusetts! Ever wonder what that screeching sound is on damp spring evenings? The cacophonous chorus of toads and Spring Peepers means winter is finally coming to an end. In the early evening darkness we’ll quietly make our way through the dunes to the bogs and puddles that serve as breeding pools for the American Toad, and hope to catch a glimpse of them (and other species too!) as they call to find a mate. These are the toads you most often see around your yard – but there’s a lot to learn about them! Come with us as we get up close and personal with these awesome amphibians!

When:

Wednesday, April 18, 2018 7:30-9pm

Location:

Crane Wildlife Refuge on the Crane Estate

Trustees of Reservations

Natural History

Spring Peepers

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Music Together - Wednesday

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...

Where: St. John's Episcopal Church in Beverly Farms

9:30 am to 11:15 am

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