Wetlands are wonderful places full of fascinating animals and plants. Together we will discover the wetland habitats of the sanctuary. We'll hike to Hassocky Meadow and search for ducks, turtles, snakes, and more. We will continue our explorations at a real vernal pool and look for breeding salamanders, wood frogs, and their egg masses.
Join The Trustees of Reservations at the Stevens-Coolidge Estate for a nature playgroup designed just for the little ones! To encourage outdoor play and familiarity with the natural world, a nature-based toddler playgroup will be held at the Stevens-Coolidge Place on every-other Tuesday, April through June.
Each spring American woodcocks engage in one of nature’s most fascinating courtship displays. Here’s your chance to witness this “sky dance” up close and in-person! This program is appropriate for ages 8 and older. Meet the ranger on the deck of the visitor contact station at parking lot 1. Bring binoculars and a flashlight. Program is limited to 15 participants. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to the program start time. Preregistration required.
It’s time for a good ol’ bug hunt! Did you know that insects are the largest group of animals? It’s true! About 75 percent of all the world’s animals are insects. During this April Vacation bug scavenger hunt, we invite you to bring your buddies to the Stevens-Coolidge Place or team up with new friends met on the property. Each group of explorers will be given field note handouts on which to record their observations and a magnifying glass-topped bug jar for getting a better look at our tiny friends in the gardens. What will you find today?
There’s a lot to observe when the weather warms up. Spring is a time when migrating birds return from their wintering grounds and baby animals like deer and squirrels are born. During this April Vacation program, participants will put on their explorer hats and head out into nature to see what’s changing in the animal kingdom. Of course, you can’t head out without the proper gear, so we’ll be making binoculars together to help you better observe the world around you, and animal behavior handouts for sketching and/or writing about your findings.
The Vernal Equinox marks the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, join a Trustees staff member on the trails at Ward Reservation to discover what signs of spring have already sprung.
February 2nd is Groundhog day – the day we find out whether we are in for an early spring or 6 more weeks of winter. Get your kids together and enjoy a fun morning of Groundhog Day stories and crafts in the great house, followed by a fun outdoor exploration and a snack!
When and how does water form into ice? When and how does it melt? And what makes it melt faster or slower? We will perform fun science experiments to understand ice and snow, freezing and melting. They we'll put your science knowledge to work to make ice cream!
Using teamwork and problem solving, we will explore the woodlands of the sanctuary and imagine that we are explorers stranded in the wilderness. In order to survive, we will need to build shelters, collect firewood, and find food and a water source. We will end by roasting marshmallows over a fire and trying out some pine needle tea.
These fun-filled morning programs are perfect for you and your active preschooler! Our structured activities include hands-on science, music and movement, a thematic snack, and an outdoor adventure if the weather complies. Keep learning with coloring pages and follow-up activities to continue the fun at home.
