Press Release  DCR Announces Educational, Affordable and Fun Programming for Families Across the State During April School Vacation

Boston — The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today announced its plans to provide Massachusetts children and families with fun, educational and affordable programming at parks and watershed properties across the state during April school vacation week. From guided hikes and bike rides to painting, birding, and animal demonstrations, the agency is offering 42 free or low-cost engaging programs for kids from Saturday, April 13, to Sunday, April 21. DCR is closing out the week with the agency’s 18th annual Park Serve Day during which thousands of volunteers will clean up and beautify parks across the state. These programs are part of DCR’s ongoing efforts to provide fun, safe, and low-cost recreational programming for kids and families. 

“One of our priorities at DCR is getting more families into our beautiful state parks and experiencing the natural world around them,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “I’m thrilled that we are offering affordable programming that will bring kids into our parks during this April break and encourage them to take an active role in the stewardship of our natural, recreational, and cultural resources.” 

In total, DCR staff are hosting 42 events at 15 locations across Massachusetts. For a full list of all programming offered during April school vacation week, visit DCR’s website. DCR will also continue to provide its regular programming, including self-guided hikes, and visitor centers will be open for people to enjoy exhibits. For details about staff-led programs and self-guided activities, visit DCR’s website. For a list of adaptive programming offered during April vacation week, visit our Universal Access Program webpage. 

Visitors and participants are encouraged to tweet, post, and tag photos on social media using @MassDCR. Follow DCR’s posts on X (Twitter), Instagram, and Threads to see some of the program highlights.  

Highlights from DCR’s 2024 April vacation week programming include: 

CENTRAL REGION 

Secrets of the Skull at Purgatory Chasm State Reservation, 198 Purgatory Rd., Sutton  

Sunday, April 14 and Sunday, April 21, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. 

You can learn many things about how an animal lives by looking at its skull. Participants will examine animal skulls and learn how the animals survive. Meet in the pavilion near the entrance to the chasm. The program is appropriate for ages 4 and up. It will be held in the Visitor Center during inclement weather. No dogs allowed. For more information, please call (508)-234-9610. 

Freshwater Macros!

at Wachusett Reservoir, 180 Beaman St., West Boylston 

Wednesday, April 17, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. 
 

Find out why we care about macroinvertebrates - aquatic creatures big enough to see without a microscope. Get hands-on experience exploring samples to identify and uncover the story they tell about water quality. This event is part of DCR’s monthly "Watershed Wednesday" series, where Water Supply Protection staff meet with the community to have engaging conversations. Meet at Wachusett Reservoir Headquarters. The entrance is at the flagpoles. No dogs allowed. All ages are welcome. For more information, please call (617)-352-4044.  

SOUTH REGION  

Fox Talk at Blue Hills Reservation, 860 Hill Side Dr., Milton   

Tuesday, April 16, 10:30-11:30 a.m. 

The clever red and elusive gray foxes of the Blue Hills adapt to the changing seasons and make their home here in unexpected ways. Learn about their fascinating behavior and the signs of their silent comings and goings. Meet at the Visitor Center. Dogs are welcome on leash. All ages are welcome. For more information, please call (857)-208-8498. 

Slippery and Scaly: Eely and Fishy at Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, 131 Waquoit Highway, East Falmouth   

Thursday, April 18, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.  

The American eel has a fascinating migration story, as do some of the state’s local fish. Participants will learn about eels by playing a slippery eel game and catching some fish on the beach for a closer look. They will also make a stuffed animal eel. Please wear rubber boots or waterproof shoes for netting creatures by the beach. The program is for children ages 11 and under accompanied by an adult. The program will run rain or shine. 

NORTH REGION  

Spring Birding Walk-Symphony of Bird Song at Halibut Point State Park, 4 Gott Ave., Rockport  

Sunday, April 21, 8 –10 a.m.  

Stroll the seaside and learn birding basics as you hear the symphony of spring bird song. Watch for them in the fields, woodlands, and at the ocean’s edges. Participants will learn about bird sounds, habits, and flight patterns, while enjoying the park’s extraordinary views. Bring binoculars. All ages welcome. Meet at the parking area. No dogs allowed. For more information, please call (978)-546-2997. 

An Oasis for Birds at Belle Isle Marsh Reservation, 1399 Bennington St., East Boston  

Saturday, April 20, 7:30-8:30 a.m.  

Participants will search for birds on foot up to one mile, on flat, easy terrain for birds at Belle Isle Marsh – a birding hotspot and state park that experiences about 271 species of birds each year. Participants should expect to move to different locations by car or bicycle. Be ready for chilly weather and a breeze - dress in warm layers, including a hat and gloves. Sturdy winter boots suitable for walking through snow are recommended. The program is co-sponsored by the Brookline Bird Club and the Friends of Belle Isle Marsh. Meet at the Belle Isle parking area. No dogs allowed. All ages are welcome. For more information, please call (781) 656-1485. 

WEST REGION 

Eastern European Immigration & Industrialization in Massachusetts at Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls  

Sunday, April 14, 2 -3:30 p.m. 

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Polish and other Eastern European immigrants arrived in the Connecticut River Valley to begin new lives as small farmers and factory workers. Learn about this migration in a talk by Robert Forrant, Distinguished University Professor of History at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. He is co-editor with Mary Anne Trasciatt of the book, Where are the Workers: Interpreting Labor and Working-Class History at Museums and Historic Sites. This free event is presented by the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association and funded by Mass Humanities as part of the Expanding Massachusetts Stories initiative. The event is for young people and adults. Meet at the Great Hall. No dogs allowed. For more information, please call 413-863-3221.  

Budding Painter's Workshop at Holyoke Heritage State Park, 221 Appleton St., Holyoke  

Wednesday, April 17, two sessions:  

10 –11 a.m. for ages 6 –9: leaf printing and color usage and 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. for ages 10-15: brush strokes and perspective   

Calling all budding artists! Come learn painting techniques from watercolor artist Christine Copeland. Explore perspective, colors, leaf printing, brush strokes, and more. Display your finished artwork on the forest mural next to Christine’s exhibited works in the park’s visitor center. Artists can take their pieces home. Materials will be supplied. Participants should wear clothing that they don’t mind getting paint on. Meet at the Visitor Center. No dogs allowed. The program is free, but registration is required; please specify the age of the painters. To register or for more information, please call (413)-534-1723.  

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