Ipswich River Sanctuary invites you to come explore! Looking to get off the beaten path and take "the one less traveled?" Haven't yet hiked alll 12 miles of our sanctuary's interconnected trails? Have a yearning to explore places like Hassocky Meadow or White Pine Loop? Come with us as we trek some of the sanctuary's less frequented trails to discover new sights and sounds in these spectacular habitats.
Join ECTA Trail Steward and Topsfield Rail Trail Committee Chairman Joe Geller as he leads us on a bike tour of the Topsfield Linear Common Rail Trail through Topsfield, Wenham, Danvers and Peabody. We will begin at the Town Hall parking lot in Topsfield at 9 a.m. and ride to Lowell Street in Peabody. We'll stop for a short break at Karl's Sausage Kitchen off Lowell Street in Peabody for rest rooms for about 20 minutes before returning to Topsfield. This is a great chance to discover a fantastic and safe multi-use path you never knew was there!!
Rita Gallant, Lead Field Teacher at IRWS will read Festive Occasions - Special Event Rental Equipment by Joanne Ryder. Let's find out what butterflies live in our area. Using sweep nets and hand lenses, we'll observe butterflies in the gardens and fields of the sanctuary. Become a butterfly as we learn about the life cycles of these fluttering marvels.
Salamanders are often found in dark, wet places such as under a rock or log in the soil, while their eggs can be found in vernal pools. We will go for a walk, looking under rocks and logs for salamanders, and visit a vernal pool to discover where they lay their eggs each spring. Each participant will create a clay salamander to take home.
Rita Gallant, Lead Field Teacher at IRWS will read Crickets and Grasshoppers by Theresa Greenaway. Using nets and hand lenses, come explore with us as we examine a field and learn why crickets and grasshoppers sing and jump, how they eat, and what their similarities are.
Eco-art programs programs combine nature exploration and a craft project. Come learn how different birds build their nests and what natural materials they use. We will take a hike to look for nests and collect materials to make our own birds' nests.
Everyone loves rich and creamy butter, but have you ever discovered where butter begins? Join us for a guided stroll around the farm learning all about our dairy, explore the milking parlor, enjoy a calf close encounter and end with butter making in the Carriage Barn. Recommended for ages 2-7. Pre-registration is required as we can not accommodate a large group with drop-ins for this program. Registration is by the family- if you have 6 or more in your family, please register 2 families as we want to have enough butter ingredients for all. This program meets in our Carriage Barn. Parking is available at the Visitor Center.
Join West Newbury residents and Greenbelt Outdoor Adventure Team members John Dodge and Patricia Reeser for a 90-minute walk through Riverbend Conservation Area in West Newbury. (See Map or download/print) The wooded, somewhat hilly land borders the Merrimack River and promised lovely views. See if you can find some of the remains of what once was a ski hill. Refreshments will be served during a brief post walk discussion. FREE. RSVP.
Throw on your running shoes and get ready for the Summer Solstice 5k Run/Walk! The Proceeds from this event will support two organizations – the Ipswich YMCA and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. This race is to honor Bill – a former member and previously on the board of directors of the YMCA who unfortunately lost his battle with Multiple Myeloma. This race is to support some of the causes that he supported in the hopes that they will be able to help others. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to run for a cause.
