Interpretive Services
Vacation Week Programs
April 2013
Greater Boston
Alewife Brook Reservation, Cambridge Discovery Park,100 Acorn Street,Cambridge,
Saturday, 4/13, 1:00pm-2:00 pm
Signs of Spring at Alewife Brook Reservation Celebrate springtime on an easy stroll through Alewife Brook Reservation. The anadromous Herring migrates each spring from the Atlantic Ocean to the Reservation's Little Pond and Blair Pond to spawn. We will be looking for skunk cabbage, mourning cloak butterflies and other early signs of spring. Please dress for the weather and muddy trails. Program suitable for ages 8 and up. Meet at the Alewife Brook parking lot at Cambridge Discovery Park at 100 Acorn Park Drive in Cambridge. For more information or directions, please call 617-333-7404, ext. 104 Reasonable accommodations upon request. free
Stony Brook Reservation, 75 Turtle Pond Parkway in Hyde Park, Boston
Tuesday, 4/16, 1:00pm-2:00 pm
Stony Brook Spring Scavenger Hunt Celebrate springtime on an easy ramble through Stony Brook Reservation. We will be looking for skunk cabbage, mourning cloak butterflies and other early signs of spring. Great family fun for ages 6 and up. Please dress for the weather and muddy trails. Program suitable for ages 6 and up. Meet at the parking lot at Bajko Rink at 75 Turtle pond parkway in Hyde Park For more information or directions, please call 617-333-7404, ext. 104 Reasonable accommodations upon request. free
Middlesex Fells State Reservation 4 Woodland Rd, Stoneham
Wednesday, 4/17/2013 12:00noon-1:00pm
Nature on Vacation: Bug Bingo Nature scavenger hunt for Pre K's and their family. Rain or shine, activities may be adapted if needed. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please park at the Spot Pond Boat House Parking Lot. For additional information please call 781 231 1203phone. Reasonable accommodations upon request.
Caddy Memorial Park, Quincy Shores Reservation Quincy Shore Drive, Quincy
Thursday, 4/18, 1:00pm-2:30 pm
Spring Wildlife Safari along Black's Creek Free family fun! Enjoy an easy walk 2 mile wander along the marshes of Black’s Creek in Quincy. We'll be on the lookout for signs of wildlife along the way. Please dress for the weather and muddy trails. Program suitable for ages 8 and up. Meet at Caddy Memorial park on the southern end of Quincy Shore Drive For more information or directions, please call 617-333-7404, ext. 104 Reasonable accommodations upon request. free
Middlesex Fells State Reservation 4 Woodland Rd, Stoneham
Thursday, 4/18/2013 12:00noon-1:00pm
Nature on Vacation: Water Wimps Why a vernal pond is a valuable part of the ecosystem, and why we should protect them. Rain or shine, activities may be adapted if needed. Suitable for Elementary school children and their families. Please park at the Spot Pond Boat House Parking lot. For additional information please call 781 231 1203phone. Reasonable accommodations upon request.
Revere Beach Reservation One Eliot Circle, Revere, Revere
Friday, 4/19/2013 10:00am-11:00am
Shore Bird Discovery Come learn about the different kinds of birds that visit our beaches. Hear how the DCR protects rare shorebirds. This tour is outside. Please consider bringing a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Program is suitable for children ages 5 to 10. Please meet at the Reinstein Bandstand on Revere Beach Boulevard, across from Shirley Avenue in Revere. For more info contact Matthew Nash at Matthew.Nash@state.ma.us, or 781-485-2804, ext. 105.
Middlesex Fells State Reservation 4 Woodland Rd, Stoneham
Friday, 4/19/2013 12:00noon-1:00pm
Nature on Vacation: Fly Away Friends It's Hard to be a Bird, an all ages activity. Rain or shine, activities may be adapted if needed. Children must be accompanied by an adult . For additional information please call 781 231 1203phone. Reasonable accommodations upon request.
Revere Beach Reservation One Eliot Circle, Revere, Revere
Friday, 4/19/2013 10:00am-11:00am
Shore Bird Discovery Come learn about the different kinds of birds that visit our beaches. Hear how the DCR protects rare shorebirds. This tour is outside. Please consider bringing a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Program is suitable for children ages 5 to 10. Please meet at the Reinstein Bandstand on Revere Beach Boulevard, across from Shirley Avenue in Revere. For more info contact Matthew Nash at Matthew.Nash@state.ma.us, or 781-485-2804, ext. 105
Blue Hills State Reservation Milton, Boston Area
Saturday, 4/20/2013 9:00am-1:00pm
Friends of the Blue Hills Trail Work Day Join the Friends of Blue Hills Trail Crew in sprucing up the trails. Includes a hike to the work sites. Wear long pants and gloves. Tools, water, snacks and lunch provided. Pre-registration is required. Email trailwork@Friendsofthebluehills.org for information, registration and meeting place. For adults. For accessibility information, email trailwork@Friendsofthebluehills.org.
Spectacle Island, Boston Harbor Islands Boat departure from Long Wharf North, Boston Harbor
Saturday, 4/20/2013 11:00am-2:00pm
Junior Ranger Day Celebrate National Junior Ranger Day on Spectacle Island, part of the Boston Harbor Islands national recreation area. Youth can earn a Junior Ranger badge by participating in a variety of "Let's Move Outside!" and other interactive activities. Activities are geared especially towards kids ages 8-12. Tickets for boat transportation are just $5.00 for adults and kids. For additional information call 617-223-8666 or visit www.bostonharborislands.org/park-calendar
Blue Hills State Reservation Milton, Boston Area
Saturday, 4/27/2013 1:00pm-2:30pm
Rockin' in the Park Join a DCR ranger and Les Tyrala, a registered geologist, on a walk to explore the bedrock and glacial features of Great Blue Hill. Learn the secrets of stone on this moderately strenuous hike over rocky terrain. Sturdy footgear required. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Email Raymond.F.McKinnon@state.ma.us for information, registration and meeting place. For ages 12 and up. For accessibility information, email Raymond.F.McKinnon@state.ma.us.
Northeast
Walden Pond State Reservation 915 Walden Street, Concord
Sunday, 4/14/2013 1:00pm-2:00pm
Grow Beans Like Thoreau Start your own vegetable garden! Participants will receive bean seeds and composted soil that you can plant and grow at home. Walk to the site of Thoreau's beanfield, and learn about his life at Walden Pond. Dress for the outdoors. Program is suitable for most ages. Please meet at the Thoreau house replica near the main parking lot. For more information or directions, please call (978) 369-3254. Replica is partially accessible, rugged wheelchair needed to go to beanfield. Program free, $5 parking fee.
Walden Pond State Reservation 916 Walden Street, Concord
Monday, 4/15/2013 12:00noon-2:00pm
Thoreau and the Two Revolutions Celebrate Patriot's Day at Walden Pond! Learn from Henry David Thoreau, about the two revolutions of Concord: the Revolution of 1775 and the literary revolution of of the 19th century. Dress for the outdoors. Program is suitable for most ages. Please meet at the Thoreau house replica near the main parking lot. For more information or directions, please call (978) 369-3254. Replica is partially accessible. Program free, $5 parking fee.
Harold Parker State Forest 1951 Turnpike Rd., North Andover
Wednesday, 4/17/2013 10:00 - 12:00pm
We Walk the Woods! Join this popular Harold Parker Hike with the interpreters to learn about spring signs. The highlight is a trip to a vernal pond for education of these valuable pools that support so much of the environment and why we protect them. Wear appropriate hiking shoes and be prepared for mud. Consider a hat and sunscreen. Dogs may come on a leash. Program is suitable for most ages. Please meet at the Park Headquarters, mapquest 304 Middleton Rd., North Andover. For more information or directions, please call 617-828-1728. Trail is not accessible.
Bradley Palmer State Park Asbury St., Topsfield
Thursday, 4/18/2013 1:00pm-3:00pm
Calling All Bluebirds! Bluebirds are on their way back to their nest boxes! Learn about these lovely birds and how populations recovered with the help of humans. Learn how to build a bluebird house of your own! Half of this program is outside. Wear appropriate clothing hat, walking shoes sunglasses and sunscreen. Expect wet conditions. Program is suitable for most ages. Please meet at the Nature Center. Signage from the parking lot off Asbury St. For more information or directions, please call Barbara 617-828-1728. Reasonable accommodations upon request.
Southeastern
Dighton Rock State Park Bayview Road, Berkley, South Coast Area
Sunday, 4/14/2013 1:00pm-3:00pm
Visit the Dighton Rock Museum An 11-foot-high "glacial erratic" boulder known as Dighton Rock once rested on the shore of the Taunton River adjacent to this park. Covered with petroglyphs, carved designs of ancient and uncertain origin, the rock is now installed in a small museum. This program is co-sponsored with the Friends of Dighton Rock Museum. Rain or shine. This program is suitable for most ages. For more information and accessibility, please call (508) 644-5522.
Borderland State Park 259 Massapoag Avenue, North Easton,
Sunday, 4/14/2013 8:00pm - 9:30pm
Astronomy Night Join local star gazers for a glance at constellations and planets. Large telescopes will be on site to help you look into space. Dress for the weather as this is an outdoor program. Rain or cloudy weather will cancel. Co-sponsored with the Friends of Borderland State Park. The park is open late for this program only. This program is suitable for most ages. Program will take place in the field between the main parking lot and the Ames Mansion. Please call (508) 238-6566 for more information and accessibility.
Waquoit Bay Reserve 149 Waquoit Highway, Waquoit, Falmouth
Tuesday, April 16, 10:00am-11:30am, Meet at Reserve Visitor Center
Birds, Bees, Flowers and Trees Discover some surprising relationships between animals and plants that demonstrate how everything in nature is connected. Learn to identify local plants and trees along with the insects, birds and other animals that depend upon them for survival. We’ll take a look at a collection of local insects and build pollinator nest boxes to attract useful species to your own backyard and garden. Dress for indoor/outdoor exploration.
Please meet at Vistor Center. For more information or directions, please call (508) 457-0495. Reasonable accommodations upon request.
Waquoit Bay Reserve 149 Waquoit Highway, Waquoit, Falmouth
Wednesday, 4/17, 10:00am-11:00am, Meet at Reserve Visitor Center
Wampanoag Nation Program Oral history and archaeological evidence reveal that Native people have lived in the Waquoit area for thousands of years making use of the many resources of the bay and surrounding woodlands. Annawon Weedon shares his knowledge of the history, culture and technology used by Native people in the past and describes how these resources remain important to local tribe members today. Join in a traditional game of Hubbub and imagine what life was like along this coast long before the Pilgrims arrived. Program is suitable for most ages. Please meet at Vistor Center. For more information or directions, please call (508) 457-0495. Reasonable accommodations upon request.
Waquoit Bay Reserve 149 Waquoit Highway, Waquoit, Falmouth
Thursday, 4/18, 10:00am-12:00pm,
Meet at Mashpee Woodlands Martin Road Parking area off Rt. 28
A River Runs Through It Explore the Quashnet River Woodlands looking for signs of river otter, coyote and more. Learn to identify tracks, trees, and native trout while hiking the easy 2.5 mile loop trail. We’ll listen for birds, smell the skunk cabbage and feel the cold waters. Program is suitable for most ages. Meet at Mashpee Woodlands Martin Road Parking area off Rt. 28. For more information or directions, please call (508) 457-0495. Reasonable accommodations upon request.
South Cape Beach State Reservation, Great Oak Rd., Mashpee
Friday, 4/19 10:00am-12:00pm,
South Cape Beach Hike Hike out to Waquoit Bay exploring salt marsh, dune and beach habitats along the way. We’ll look for spring nesting species, piping plovers, ospreys, oyster catchers and more while pointing out changes winter storms brought ashore. Hike is easy to moderate, up to 2 miles over packed trail and soft sand. Please dress for the weather and bring water. Meet at Bayberry parking lot off Great Oak Road, Mashpee, on right past gate to state beach. For more information or directions, please call (508) 457-0495. Reasonable accommodations upon request.
Myles Standish State Forest 194 Cranberry Road, South Carver, Plymouth Area
Sunday, 4/21/2013 10:00am-11:30am
Finding Inspiration Through Nature Are you suffering from nature-deficit disorder? Would you like to slow down, observe the world around you, and feel a connection to the natural landscape that surrounds you? Come along on a silent walk through the woods to experience nature in a new way. Co-sponsored with the Friends of Myles Standish State Forest. Dress for the weather. Rain will cancel. This program is best suited for adults. Meet at Headquarters parking lot at 194 Cranberry Road in South Carver. Call (508) 866-2580 x162 for more information and accessibility.
Western
Mt. Holyoke Range State Park 1500 West Street, Amherst
Monday, 4/15/2013 10:00am-12:00noon
Signs of Spring Celebrate early spring - birds singing, leaf buds swelling, and all the other signs of the season. Frequent stops; approximately two miles total, downhill from the Notch Visitor Center along the Sweet Alice Brook and back uphill. Dress for the weather and possibly wet or muddy trail conditions. Approximately two miles total. Hilly sections at a slow pace. Heavy rain cancels. Call 413/584-6788 after 8 a.m. to check. For families and curious adults accustomed to hiking. Meet at the Notch Visitor Center, Mt. Holyoke Range State Park, 1500 West Street (Route 116), Amherst. For more information, please call 413/584-6788. Reasonable accommodations upon request. Trail is not accessible
Mt. Tom State Reservation 125 Reservation Road, Holyoke
Saturday, 4/20/2013 1:00pm-2:30pm
Noticing Nature There's so much to notice and discover! See, smell, touch and hear what Mother Nature is up to in the woods and along the edges of fields. Gentle terrain; short distances. Please dress for time spent outdoors and possibly wet or muddy conditions. Gentle terrain, short distances. Heavy rain cancels. Call 413/584-6788 after 10 a.m. to check. For families. Meet at the Stone House Visitor Center (77 Christopher Clarke Road, at its junction with Reservation Road). For more information, please call 413/584-6788. Reasonable accommodations upon request. Trail is not accessible
Robinson State Park 428 North Street, Agawam
Sunday, 4/21/2013 1:00pm-2:30pm
What's in the Water? An incredible number of very little critters make their homes in streams and ponds. We will gently visit them and see how they are built for survival. Nets, buckets and magnifiers provided for sharing. Approximately 3/4 miles round trip, some hills. Please dress for the weather and for mud. Approximately 3/4 miles round trip; some hills. Rain cancels. Please call 413/584-6788 after 10 a.m. to check. For families of school age children. Meet at the contact station, just inside the entrance gate. Robinson State Park is in the Feeding Hills section of Agawam. For more information, please call 413/584-6788. Reasonable accommodations upon request. Trail is not accessible.
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