date session name audience pg # date session name audience … · guide to wildlife sanctuaries...

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ContentsCentral and Western Massachusetts— Explore with us!

Guide to Wildlife Sanctuaries Inside Front Cover

Index – Program Listings by Sanctuary 2

Bulletin Board 4

Central Region Programs Broad Meadow Brook Adult 6 Children, Families, and All Ages 8 Wachusett Meadow Adult 12 Children, Families, and All Ages 14

Western Region Programs Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries Adult 19 Children, Families, and All Ages 21 Connecticut River Valley Adult 23 Children, Families, and All Ages 29

Trips and Tours 32

Sanctuary Locations, Directions, and More Central Sanctuaries 33 Western Sanctuaries 34

Registration Policies 36

Registration Form Inside Back Cover

This program catalog includes programs offered by Mass Audubon sanctuaries in the Central and Western regions of the state, as well as a listing of our international trips. This winter/spring edition lists programs, classes, and events that take place from January through May. Don’t forget, you can access information about upcoming Mass Audubon programs across the state on our website massaudubon.org.

The program listings are organized by region (see inside front cover for a map of regions and sanctuaries). In addition, a chronological listing of programs by sanctuary can be found on pages 2 and 3.

Within each region, programs are arranged by audience type and are classified as either Adult programs, or Children, Families, and All Ages programs. All Ages programs are designed for everyone, unless otherwise noted. The programs are then listed chronologically within each region and within each audience category.

When multiple sessions of the same program are offered, they are grouped and listed together.

Program registration is required unless otherwise noted.

Take a moment to browse the catalog and enjoy Mass Audubon’s broad array of programs. Please let us know if you have suggestions on how we can make it easier to find programs that interest you.

Mass Audubon • 208 South Great Road Lincoln, MA 01773 / 781-259-9500

Mass Audubon’s Program Catalog for Central and Western Massachusetts is published 3 times each year in January, April, and August. The catalog is mailed to members who live near Broad Meadow Brook, Wachusett Meadow, Arcadia, or Pleasant Valley.

If you would like to be removed from the catalog mailing list, please contact the Membership Department, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773, 781-259-9500, or [email protected].

Front cover photos: Eastern Cottontail – Richard Johnson©Eastern Bluebirds – Sheila Carroll©Purple Trillium – Sheila Carroll©Tree Sparrow – Carol J. Decker©

Back cover photos:Spangled Skimmer – Sheila Carroll©Winter at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary – René Laubach©

Printing: DS Graphics

Funding provided in part by

Let us be your guide!• Fun,creativefieldtrips• Customizablenatureprograms• Hands-on,minds-onactivities• AlignedwithMassachusettsCurriculumFrameworks

Visit massaudubon.org/education to learn more.

SCHOOLPROGRAMS

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A / Adult

C / Children

F / Family

Audience KeyA/C / Adult-Child Pair

All / All

HS / Homeschool

Date Session Name Audience Pg # Date Session Name Audience Pg #

2/11/17 Understanding Animal Tracks & Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . All . . . . 212/11/17 Bat Box Building Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All . . . . 212/18/17 Lenox Mountain Snowshoe Hike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 192/21/17* School Vacation Winter Adventure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C . . . . 212/25/17 Understanding Animal Tracks & Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . All . . . . 212/25/17 Kestrel & Wood Duck Nest Box Building Workshop All . . . . 223/1/17 Berkshire Residents Free Admission Day . . . . . . . . . . All . . . . 203/18/17 Bare Naked Beauty: Woody Plants in Winter . . . . . . . . A . . . . 193/18/17 Bluebird Nest Box Building Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . . All . . . . 224/5/17 Spring Birding at Pleasant Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 204/5/17 Berkshire Residents Free Admission Day . . . . . . . . . . All . . . . 204/5/17 Woodcock's Sky Dance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All . . . . 224/7/17 Spring Birding at Canoe Meadows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 204/12/17 Spring Birding at Pleasant Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 204/12/17 Woodcock's Sky Dance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All . . . . 224/14/17 Spring Birding at Canoe Meadows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 204/18/17* School Vacation Spring Explorers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C . . . . 214/19/17 Spring Birding at Pleasant Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 204/19/17 Spring Salamander Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All . . . . 224/21/17 Spring Birding at Canoe Meadows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 204/22/17 Gardening Organically & Community Gardens Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 204/22/17 Pleasant Valley Volunteer Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All . . . . 224/26/17 Spring Birding at Pleasant Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 204/26/17 Spring Salamander Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All . . . . 224/28/17 Spring Birding at Canoe Meadows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 204/29/17 Canoe Meadows Volunteer Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All . . . . 225/3/17 Spring Birding at Pleasant Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 205/3/17 Berkshire Residents Free Admission Day . . . . . . . . . . All . . . . 205/3/17 Evening at the Beaver Ponds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All . . . . 225/5/17 Spring Birding at Canoe Meadows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 205/6/17 Spring Birding at Lime Kiln Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 205/6/17 Spring Wildflower Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 205/10/17 Spring Birding at Pleasant Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 205/12/17 Spring Birding at Canoe Meadows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 205/13/17 Spring Birding at Lime Kiln Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 205/13/17 Spring Wildflower Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 205/17/17 Spring Birding at Pleasant Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 205/17/17 Evening at the Beaver Ponds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All . . . . 225/19/17 Spring Birding at Canoe Meadows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 205/20/17 Spring Birding at Lime Kiln Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 205/20/17 Spring Wildflower Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 205/24/17 Spring Birding at Pleasant Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 205/26/17 Spring Birding at Canoe Meadows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 205/31/17 Spring Birding at Pleasant Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 205/31/17 Evening at the Beaver Ponds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All . . . . 22

Connecticut River Valley Wildlife Sanctuaries1/4/17* Homeschool: Weather and Climate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HS . . . . 291/21/17* Arcadia Family Bird Fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A/C . . . 291/21/17 Tracking and Animal Signs at Laughing Brook . . . . . . . F . . . . . 291/21/17 First Child in the Woods: Caregiver and Infant/Toddler Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F . . . . . 291/21/17 Owl Moon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F . . . . . 301/21/17 Naked Shrubs and Winter Weeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 231/22/17 Snowshoe in a Spruce-Fir Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 231/28/17 Introduction to Arcadia and Mass Audubon . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 242/5/17 Windsor Jambs Snowshoe Hike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 242/5/17 Winter Crows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 242/11/17 Eagles at Quabbin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 242/11/17 Ooey Gooey Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C . . . . 30

2/18/17 Tracking and Animal Signs at Laughing Brook . . . . . . . F . . . . . 292/21/17 * February Vacation Days at Arcadia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C . . . . 302/25/17 First Child in the Woods: Caregiver and Infant/Toddler Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F . . . . . 292/25/17 Winter Raptors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 242/25/17 Life Underground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 242/27/17* Botanical Illustration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 253/1/17* Homeschool: History of the Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C . . . . 303/4/17 Arcadia Ecological Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 253/7/17 Winter “ Newcombs Wildflower” Update . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 253/11/17 Moran Snowshoe Adventure Hike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 253/18/17 First Child in the Woods: Caregiver and Infant/Toddler Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F . . . . . 293/18/17 Spring at Laughing Brook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All . . . . 303/18/17 Animal Extremes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A/C . . . 303/21/17 Birding Plum Island and Salisbury Beach . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 253/25/17 Ducks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 253/25/17 Dance of the American Woodcock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 263/26/17 Dance of the American Woodcock at Park Hill Orchard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All . . . . 313/29/17 Bird Sounds: Songs and Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 264/1/17 The Big Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F . . . . . 314/8/17 Exploring Vernal Pools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F . . . . . 314/8/17 Bird Walk at Graves Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 264/8/17 Woodcocks at Laughing Brook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All . . . . 314/15/17 Vernal Pools at Laughing Brook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F . . . . . 314/18/17* April Vacation Days at Arcadia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C . . . . 314/22/17 Earthday Floodplain Canoe Paddle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 264/22/17 Hallockville Pond Mill Trail Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 264/22/17 Eagles, Woodcocks, Owls, Herons, and Earth Day, Oh My! . A . . . . 264/23/17* Intro To Digital Photography at Laughing Brook . . . . . A . . . . 274/26/17* Homeschool Program: Incredible Invertebrates . . . . . C . . . . 324/29/17 Early-Morning Birding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 274/29/17 All About Frogs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All . . . . 324/29/17 Mindful Nature Walk and Creative Journaling . . . . . . . A . . . . 274/29/17 First Child in the Woods: Caregiver and Infant/Toddler Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F . . . . . 294/30/17 Birds, Wildflowers, and Ferns of Bartholomew’s Cobble . A . . . . 275/3/17 Wildflowers at Arcadia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 275/6/17 Early-Morning Birding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 275/6/17 Bird Walk at Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area . . . . . A . . . . 285/6/17 Catamount Hills Ghost Town Hike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 285/6/17 Birds and Beavers by Canoe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 285/7/17 Spring Walk at High Ledges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 285/8/17 Early-Morning Birding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 275/9/17 Early-Morning Birding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 275/10/17 Early-Morning Birding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 275/10/17 Wildflowers at Lynes Woods Wildlife Sanctuary . . . . . A . . . . 285/11/17 Early-Morning Birding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 275/12/17 Montague Plains Birding and Ecology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 285/12/17 Early-Morning Birding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 275/12/17 All About Frogs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All . . . . 325/13/17 Early-Morning Birding at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary . . A . . . . 275/13/17 Early-Morning Birding at Graves Farm Wildlife Sanctuary . A . . . . 275/14/17 Mother's Day Canoe Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All . . . . 325/17/17 Wildflowers at Graves Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 295/20/17 Early-Morning Birding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 275/20/17 First Child in the Woods: Caregiver and Infant/Toddler Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F . . . . . 295/24/17 Wildflowers at High Ledges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . 29*Multiple sessions, refer to catalog page number for all dates

Mass Audubon / massaudubon.org

Date Session Name Audience Pg # Date Session Name Audience Pg #

www.massaudubon.org

4 Mass Audubon / massaudubon.org

Bulletin Board

Rustic Waterfront Cottage for RentRent a rustic waterfront cottage at Pierpont Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary in Dudley . Available mid-May through September . Visit massaudubon .org/pierpontmeadow

or call 978-464-2712 ext . 8702 for more information and availability .

Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary 127 Combs Road, Easthampton, MA 01027 / 413-584-3009

Preschool Open HouseTuesday, January 24 / 12:30-1:30 pm

For the school year 2017-18 . Snow date: January 26 / 12:30-1:30 pm . Please call 413-584-3009 ext . 5818 for details .

Plum Island BirdingTuesday, March 21 / 8:00 am-9:00 pm

Attention TeachersLooking for help in teaching climate change to your students?

Call Arcadia at 413-584-3009 or contact Brittany at bgutermuth@massaudubon .org .

Birds and Bogs of the Upper Coast of Maine Watch Atlantic puffins from a bird blind on a four day excursion to Maine this July .

Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries472 West Mountain Road, Lenox, MA 01240 / 413-637-0320

Snowshoe Rental at Pleasant Valley Get out and enjoy the crystalline beauty of the winter season on a pair of snowshoes .

Rentals are $2/hour members, $3/hour nonmembers . Both adult and children’s snowshoes are available .

Pleasant Valley Spring Volunteer Day Saturday, April 22 / 9:00 am-1:00 pm

Help care for native gardens, trails/boardwalks, and more at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary .

Canoe Meadows Volunteer Day Saturday, April 29 / 9:00 am-1:00 pm

Help restore meadow habitat and get the Community Gardens ready for the season at Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary .

Pleasant Valley Nature Day Camp – Camp Registration Open in JanuaryInformation and registration: massaudubon .org/pleasantvalleycamp

Canoe Meadows Community Garden – Registration is Now OpenSee page 20 for more information .

Berkshire Sanctuaries Wish List Garden, carpentry, and handcraft tools; binoculars, spotting scope, nets, and other nature-study equipment .

Call to learn more about granting a wish: 413-429-6539

www.massaudubon.org/pierpontmeadow

www.massaudubon.org/pleasantvalleycamp

www.massaudubon.org

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Connecticut River Valley / Adult

Connecticut River ValleyMain office: Arcadia, Easthampton 413-584-3009 / 800-710-4550

Wildlife Sanctuaries

Arcadia, Laughing Brook, Graves Farm, Lynes Woods, & High Ledges

ADuLTNews&NotesLong time camp assistant director and preschool teacher Olivia (Judd) Baron has left Arcadia after finishing up her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education . We congratulate her on her new position as a teacher at Cloverdale Preschool in Florence . Rebecca Moretti, Kingfisher Camp Group lead teacher for over a decade, has also left Arcadia for a new adventure as mother of baby Thea, born in September . We will miss both Becca and olivia.

We are fortunate to have Samantha Hopper join both the preschool and camp staff. Originally from California, Sam brings a wealth of experience to our educational programs .

Thank you to the Shurtleff Children’s Services for once again funding “Wild about Westfield,” an indoor/outdoor program for all of the second grade public school students in the city .

Climate change education continues. After the success of last year’s climate change education pilot program, we are continuing the program in the new school year. This year, we are expanding theprogram to Northampton with support from the Northampton Education Foundation . Students at JFK Middle School and Northampton High School will have in-class lessons and a field trip to Arcadia . Expansion to other schools in the Valley is in the works . Support for our climate change education also comes from the community . You can help by contributing to the Arcadia Environmental Education Fund . Visit massaudubon .org/arcadiaeducationfund to learn more and to donate .

Congratulations to Laughing Brook caretakers Pete Vancini and Emma (Evans) Vancini on their recent marriage.

Jonah Keane, Director,Connecticut River Valley Wildlife Sanctuaries

Patti Steinman, Education Coordinator,Connecticut River Valley Wildlife Sanctuaries

Naked Shrubs and Winter WeedsAt Arcadia Wildlife SanctuarySaturday, January 21 / 10:00 am-1:30 pm Leader: Boot Boutwell, Teacher-Naturalist $25 members, $30 nonmembers

Explore the beauty of the Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary and enjoy the shrubs and wildflowers in their winter guise . We’ll focus on “naked” deciduous shrubs that have lost their leaves, as well as winter weeds, those hardy wildflowers whose persistent skeletons decorate the winter landscape . We’ll learn to identify these plants and discuss how Native Americans, colonials, and modern folk have used them over the centuries, including some medicinal and edible uses . The program will end indoors with a cup of tea . Among the choices of teas will be one made from a local plant .

Please bring a lunch and a hand lens if you have one.

Snowshoe in a Spruce-Fir ForestAt Tamarack Hollow Nature and Cultural Center, WindsorSunday, January 22 / 10:00 am-1:00 pmLeader: Aimee Gelinas, Founder/Director of Tamarack Hollow Nature and Cultural Center$15 members, $20 nonmembers

Snowshoe the high elevation spruce-fir forests of Windsor and learn about this unique ecosystem, where plant species such as balsam fir and red spruce are the dominant trees . We hope to find tracks of snowshoe hare, ruffed grouse, and other fascinating wildlife . Our hike will be three miles round trip over moderately challenging terrain .

Participants should wear warm, layered clothing, sturdy, waterproof boots, and snow pants. Snowshoe rentals are available at Tamarack Hollow for $5 per person (cash only). Please email [email protected] to reserve snowshoes. In the event of no snow, this will be a hike. Please bring water and a snack.

Directions: Please do not use a GPS. From Route 9 in Windsor center take Route 8A North to Route 116 in Savoy. At the end of Route 8A take a right onto Route 116 heading toward Savoy Center and Plainfield. Go approximately 1.1 miles through the center of Savoy and take the first right after the center of town onto River Road. (There is a small white house on the corner.) Cross the small bridge over the river and go immediately to your right up the hill. This is Griffin Hill Rd. Continue up this road (turns to dirt; please be aware of ice) for approximately 1 mile until it ends at a “road closed” sign. You are now in Windsor on Savoy Hollow Road. Turn around in the driveway of #1516 and park along the road facing north. Meet at the Tamarack Hollow sign.

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Arcadia / 413-584-3009 / 800-710-4550


introduction to Arcadia and Mass AudubonAt Arcadia Wildlife SanctuarySaturday, January 28 / 10:00-11:30 amLeader: Jonah Keane, Sanctuary Director, Connecticut River Valley SanctuariesFree for members and nonmembers

If you are new to the area or just want to learn more about Mass Audubon’s work in the Valley, join Sanctuary Director Jonah Keane for an overview of how we protect the nature of Massachusetts and how you can get involved .

Windsor Jambs Snowshoe HikeAt Windsor Jambs State Forest, Windsor Sunday, February 5 / 10:00 am-1:00 pmLeader: Aimee Gelinas, Founder/Director of Tamarack Hollow Nature and Cultural Center$15 members, $20 nonmembers

Experience this deep, evergreen forest and hike to a spectacular, deeply cut icy rock gorge called “the Jambs .” Learn how to identify evergreen trees in winter . This snowshoe hike is three miles round trip and is rated moderate, with a few steep areas .

Participants should wear warm, layered clothing, sturdy, waterproof boots, and nylon pants. Discounted snowshoe rentals are available from the Berkshire Eastern Mountain Sports store in Lanesboro. Call 413-445-4967 to reserve/rent a pair. In the event of no snow this will be a hike.

Directions will be sent upon registration.

Winter CrowsAt Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary and SpringfieldSunday, February 5 / 2:00-6:00 pmLeaders: Patti Steinman, Education Coordinator, and Jim Lafley, Program Coordinator DCR, Wachusett Reservoir$10 members, $15 nonmembers

Learn about the natural history of one of our most common birds, the American crow . Join Patti Steinman for a slideshow about crows and their relatives, followed by a trip to Springfield or Greenf ield, where we hope to observe a spectacular natural event as the birds congregate by the thousands at a nighttime roost . Finding such a place is not always easy because the crows often change location . We will watch the skies “as the crows fly,” and then follow them in cars .

We will meet at Arcadia and carpool to the crow roost.

eagles at QuabbinAt Quabbin Reservoir, Belchertown Saturday, February 11 / 10:00 am-1:00 pmCosponsor: Massachusetts Department of Conservationand RecreationLeaders: John Green, Naturalist/ Photographer, and Jim Lafley, Program Coordinator DCR, Wachusett Reservoir, and Patti Steinman, Education Coordinator$15 members, $20 nonmembers

Quabbin Reservoir is one of the best locations in the state to look for wintering bald eagles . We will meet at the Quabbin Visitor Center, then carpool up to Enfield Lookout . Along with eagles, we will look for common ravens and eastern coyotes, often seen when the reservoir is frozen . Depending on conditions, we might take a short walk in search of other birds and animal tracks . Bring a lunch, and we will warm up at the visitor center with a slideshow about Quabbin history and the Bald Eagle Restoration Project .

Dress warmly and in layers. Please meet at the Quabbin Visitor Center, Route 9, Belchertown.

Winter RaptorsAt Arcadia Wildlife SanctuarySaturday, February 25 / 9:00 am-1:00 pmLeader: Dan Russell, Professor, Springfield College and Arcadia Sanctuary Committee Member$15 members, $20 nonmembers

Winter is a great time to observe raptors flying over the fields in search of prey . Both the east and west meadows in Northampton offer ideal spots to view some of these majestic birds: red-tailed hawks, northern harriers, and even hardier falcons like the merlin . Forests and suburban areas are also good places to look for accipiters, like the sharp-shinned and Cooper’s hawks . Depending on hawk sightings and snow cover, our location may change, requiring us to carpool to Hadley or other locations .

Dress to be outdoors. Please bring a lunch, water, and a hot drink. Snow date for this program is Sunday, February 26.

Life UndergroundAt Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary Saturday, February 25 / 7:00-9:00 pmLeader: Kevin Kopchynski, Naturalist/Photographer$8 members, $10 nonmembers

At first, the idea of life underground may seem impossible . It’s dark, damp, and surrounded by dirt . Yet many creatures, including ants, worms, and moles call the underground world their home for all or part of their lives . We see and admire trees, but we’re seeing only parts of them . Underground, their roots interact in fascinating ways . Many cave creatures live their lives without ever seeing the light of day . Some bacteria live inside of rocks, and there are more than 400 lakes underground in Antarctica . We will explore these and many other facets of the underground biosphere .


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Attention Scout Leaders and Parents

Both Arcadia and Laughing Brook offer nature-based scout programs that meet

most badge requirements . Call 413-584-3009 for information .

PREREGISTRATIoN required for all programs unless otherwise stated.

www.massaudubon.org

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Moran Snowshoe Adventure HikeAt Eugene D. Moran Wildlife Management AreaSaturday, March 11 / 10:00 am-2:00 pmLeader: Mike Whalen, Historian$10 members, $15 nonmembers

Celebrate the great outdoors with a casual late-winter exploration of the Berkshire Plateau at Eugene D . Moran Wildlife Management Area . Wide-open vistas and deep boreal forests offer an ideal adventure through an amazingly diverse natural landscape and former dairy farms . Learn how to identify trees in winter from their bark and look for signs of seasonal wildlife activity . Stunning westerly views of Mount Greylock, the state’s highest peak, and unique northern forest ecology make this an idyllic setting for outdoor discovery .

Participants should wear layered clothing, sturdy, waterproof footwear, and bring snowshoes. Bring water and a snack and be prepared for some back-country trekking.

From Northampton, Take Route 9 west to the center of Windsor. At Sangar’s General Store, bear right on Route 8A and travel north 1 mile to the Moran parking lot on the left. From Route 116, go west to Savoy, then south on Route 8A for 5 miles to the parking area on the right.

Birding Plum island and Salisbury BeachAt Newburyport and Salisbury Tuesday, March 21 / 8:00 am-9:00 pmLeaders: John Green, Naturalist/ Photographer, and Patti Steinman, Education Coordinator$65 members, $80 nonmembers

Plum Island and Salisbury Beach offer spectacular late winter birding opportunities . We’ll provide the transportation from Arcadia, you provide your lunch! Starting at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island, we’ll look for waterfowl, songbirds, and raptors, hoping to see northern harriers and snowy owls . Then, off to Salisbury Beach State Park to search for short-eared owls at dusk . We'll stop for dinner on the way home .

Participants should wear layered clothing and bring lunch, snacks, and water. Fee includes transportation from Arcadia, but does not include meals.

DucksAt Arcadia Wildlife SanctuarySaturday, March 25 / 9:00 am-1:00 pmLeader: Peter Redfern, Field Walk Leader$15 members, $20 nonmembers

With the ice melting and the temperatures rising, ducks and other birds are returning to our region . While some stayed inland in areas where they found open water, other species of ducks moved to the coast for the winter . Join Peter Redfern at Arcadia for an indoor program followed by a walk around the Arcadia marsh . Afterward, depending on where birds have been sighted, we will carpool either up or down the valley in search of other species .

Meet at Arcadia. Dress in layers, and bring a field guide (if you have one) and binoculars.

Botanical illustration

At Arcadia Wildlife SanctuaryMondays, February 27, March 6, 13, 20, 27, & April 3 / 9:00 am-noonInstructor: Jan Ruby-Crystal, Professor of Art and Design$235 members, $255 nonmembers

Using graphite pencils, technical pens, and watercolors, learn how to create botanical illustrations of plants, trees, and flowers . Instruction begins with line and tonal drawing before moving on to various watercolor techniques . Subjects will be selected from the plant life that thrives at Arcadia . We will learn to identify and illustrate important key features, such as leaf, tree, and flower types . Color studies, exercises, and composition will be practiced throughout the course .

Arcadia ecological UpdateAt Arcadia Wildlife SanctuarySaturday, March 4 / 9:00-11 amLeaders: Jonah Keane, Sanctuary Director, Connecticut River Valley Sanctuaries and David McLain, Ecological Management Caretaker, Arcadia Wildlife SanctuaryFree for members and nonmembers

Do you wonder what Mass Audubon is doing to protect habitat and how local wildlife populations are affected by our efforts? Join Mass Audubon staff for this annual report about the management of wildlife habitat and the results of numerous biological surveys .

Winter “Newcomb’s Wildflower” Update At Arcadia Wildlife SanctuaryTuesday, March 7 / 6:30-8:30 pmLeader: Connie Parks, Botanist$5 members, $8 nonmembers

Many botanists use Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide, a book withan easy-to-use key to identifying wildflowers . Over the years, as scientists have learned more about these plants, they’ve reclassified and changed the names of a number of them . Bring your Newcomb’s book, a pen, and a potluck dinner item, and make the changes to your book in the company of other wildflower enthusiasts .


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DoN’T FoRGET to check your program’s location. Some of our programs are not held at the sanctuaries that are sponsoring them.


Dance of the American WoodcockAt Arcadia Wildlife SanctuarySaturday, March 25 / 6:00-8:30 pmLeaders: Nan Childs, Naturalist/Educator, and Patti Steinman, Education Coordinator$10 members, $15 nonmembers

Witness one of the most spectacular dances on earth—the courtship display of the American woodcock . The male struts and calls out a nasal peeent, then suddenly spirals into the air and gives a whistle-sounding call before zigzagging down . Then the show begins all over again . We will start with a brief slide presentation, then head outdoors for the show .

Bird Sounds: Songs and CallsAt Arcadia Wildlife SanctuaryWednesday, March 29 / 7:00-9:00 pmLeaders: John Green, Naturalist/Photographer, and Patti Steinman, Education Coordinator$10 members, $15 nonmembers

Identifying the calls of birds can be overwhelming because they often sound alike . Many tricks for learning bird songs do exist, and we will share them in this introductory mini-course . Learn the differences among the three mimics and the five robin sound-a-likes . See how listening goes hand in hand with knowing the species’ behavior . We will also review some of the resources available to aid your developing bird sound identification skills .

Please bring a bird book if you have one.

Bird Walk at Graves FarmAt Graves Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, WilliamsburgSaturday, April 8 / 7:00-10:00 amLeader: John Green, Naturalist/Photographer$10 members, $15 nonmembers

Enjoy beautiful Graves Farm while searching for birds during the peak of migration . We will take an easy two-mile loop, which is usually filled with bird activity . At this time of year, we often can see blackburnian warblers, hermit thrushes, and tree swallows, as well as many others .

Please bring binoculars and a field guide if you have one. Please wear long pants and close-toed shoes, and bring insect repellent for better tick prevention.

earth Day Floodplain Canoe PaddleAt Arcadia Wildlife SanctuarySaturday, April 22 / 9:00 am-1:00 pmLeader: Aimee Gelinas, Founder/Director, Tamarack Hollow Nature and Cultural Center$18 members, $25 nonmembers

Join us on Earth Day to celebrate the unique floodplain forest at Arcadia . Paddle through the Mill River and marsh while identifying spring plants on the shore, looking for returning nesting songbirds, and watching for great blue herons . After canoeing, we will take a short walk to view the old rookery . Last year, the number of heron nests experienced a huge reduction, but we did have both nesting bald eagles and great horned owls .

Please bring water and lunch. Water shoes are recommended.

Hallockville Pond Mill Trail WalkAt West HawleySaturday, April 22 / 10:00 am-2:00 pm Leader: Mike Whalen, Historian$18 members, $25 nonmembers

Join historian Mike Whalen for a fascinating natural and cultural history walking tour at the former mill village of Hallockville in West Hawley . Explore the extensive ruins of several 19th-century factory sites and rediscover the forgotten water-powered industries that once flourished along King Brook . Learn about life in this remote rural community dominated by the Hallock family and a succession of other paternalistic industrialists . Find out more about the substantial impact that felling vast areas of timber for the sawmills and stripping old growth stands of hemlock of their bark for tanning leather had on local forests . This moderate one-mile excursion will loop around picturesque Hallockville Pond along a winding woods trail and feature old white pine stands, mountain laurel, and massive glacial erratics . Ample evidence of native wildlife, such as moose and fishers, will also highlight this springtime gander .

Take Route 2 to Charlemont, then follow Route 8A south for 7 miles to the Plainfield line at Hallockville Pond; parking on the right. From 116 go west through Plainfield then right onto Route 8A north 1 mile; parking on the left. Pack a snack and water and please wear sturdy waterproof hiking shoes for wet conditions.

eagles, Woodcocks, Owls, Herons, and earth Day, Oh My!At Arcadia Wildlife SanctuarySaturday, April 22 / 5:00-8:00 pmLeader: Patti Steinman, Education Coordinator$10 members, $15 nonmembers

Arcadia has been home to a great blue heron rookery for over a decade . In addition, over the past few years, this same floodplain and swamp area has been home to a pair of great horned owls and a pair of bald eagles . As of last year, heron nests had dwindled to just a few, probably due to competition for nest sites and food as well as predation on heron young . We don’t know if we will have any herons nesting this year, but what we do know is that there are always many birds to see! Since eagles reuse the same nests year after year, they’ll likely be nesting once again . We’ll begin with a slide presentation going over the history of the rookery, with a bit about each species . We’ll then walk or drive (depending if the bridge is open) and see what we can see . The nearby grassland is a perfect spot for woodcocks, so we will be there in time to listen and watch for their display dance .

Please be prepared to walk three miles.



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27 Arcadia / 413-584-3009 / 800-710-4550


DoN’T FoRGET to check your program’s location. Some of our programs are not held at the sanctuaries that are sponsoring them.

intro to Digital Photography at Laughing BrookAt Hampden Town Hall and Laughing BrookSundays, April 23 & 30 / 1:00-4:00 pm2 class sessionsLeader: Kevin Kopchynski, Naturalist/Photographer$25 members, $30 nonmembers

Learn the basics of nature photography just in time to photograph the beauty of spring in the Connecticut River Valley! We will discuss best practices for capturing an image, understanding exposure and focus, and using both manual and automatic exposure settings . Both digital and film users can benefit from this instruction, though when discussing equipment we will concentrate on digital photography and the special opportunities and challenges it offers . After the first session, participants will be encouraged to take photos for review at the second session .

Meet at the Melville Room, Hampden Town Hall, 625 Main Street, Hampden. Please park in the back of the building and enter via the back door. Please bring your camera and manual.

early-Morning Birding

At Arcadia Wildlife SanctuarySaturdays, April 29, May 6 & 13 7:00-8:30 am

At Arcadia Wildlife SanctuaryMonday-Friday, May 8, 9, 10, 11, & 12 6:30-8:00 am

At Graves Farm Wildlife SanctuarySaturday, May 13 / 7:00-8:30 am

At Laughing Brook Wildlife SanctuarySaturday, May 20 / 7:00-8:30 am

Guest LeadersFree for members, $5 nonmembers

Sharpen your bird identification skills during the spring migration season . This is a great opportunity to see and learn about the many birds that pass through our area at this time . This program is open to birders of all levels .

Please meet at the stated sanctuary. Bring binoculars, a field guide, and optional insect repellent. Each walk will be cancelled if there is heavy rain.

Mindful Nature Walk and Creative JournalingAt Arcadia Wildlife SanctuarySaturday, April 29 / 10:00 am-1:00 pmLeader: Fairin Woods, Arcadia Registrar and Wellness Coach$20 members, $25 nonmembers

Enjoy nature in a quiet and playful way, drinking in “Springtime at Arcadia .” Re-awaken your childlike curiosity and deepen your powers of observation on this meditative walk . There will be some short guided mindfulness exercises along the way . Let yourself be drawn into experiencing nature in a deeper way . The walk will be followed by a time for art journaling or writing . Journaling provides a way for further discovery, appreciation, and integration of your experiences .

After the walk and journaling, we will have a brown bag lunch and time for socializing. Please bring art and/or journaling supplies as well as a lunch. This offering is especially for adults or “nearly adults” from 15 years of age on up.

Birds, Wildflowers, and Ferns of Bartholomew’s Cobble At Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary Sunday, April 30 / 9:00 am-4:00 pmLeader: Laura Tate-Beltran, Environmental Educator$35 members, $40 nonmembers

No need to drive . Meet at Arcadia, hop in the van with us, and head west to the southwestern Berkshire town of Sheffield . Geologic upheavals created the twin rocky knolls, known as the Cobbles, which are home to over 800 species of plants, many of them unique . The alkaline soil supports a diversity of ferns and wildflowers not seen in many other places in the Northeast . Located on the Massachusetts/Connecticut border, we may also see black vultures, known to nest in Connecticut .

Meet at Arcadia to travel by van. Please bring a lunch, water, and wear good hiking shoes.

Wildflowers at ArcadiaAt Arcadia Wildlife SanctuaryWednesday, May 3 / 9:00 am-noonLeader: Connie Parks, Botanist$6 members, $8 nonmembers

Spring is here, and so are the wildflowers . We’ll walk the trails at Arcadia in search of red trillium, wild anemone, and blue cohosh . Will it be a late season with only skunk cabbage, spicebush, and bloodroot in bloom? Or will warmer weather bring out Canada mayflower and May apple? Learn more about your wildflowers and how to identify them .

Please bring a hand lens and f ield guide if you have them. Please wear long pants and close-toed shoes, and bring insect repellent for better tick prevention.

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Bird Walk at Fitzgerald Lake Conservation AreaAt Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area, NorthamptonSaturday, May 6 / 7:00-10:00 amLeader: John Green, Naturalist/Photographer$10 members, $15 nonmembers

Join naturalist John Green for a bird walk at Fitzgerald Lake . Meet at the Cooke Ave entrance and walk to the bird blind . Along the way we’ll look for yellow-bellied sapsuckers, blue-headed vireos, wood thrushes, black-throated blue warblers, wood ducks, and many more .

Please bring binoculars and a field guide if you have one. Please wear long pants and close-toed shoes, and bring insect repellent for better tick prevention.

Catamount Hills Ghost Town HikeAt HawleySaturday, May 6 / 10:00 am-3:00 pmLeader: Mike Whalen, Historian$15 members, $20 nonmembers

Explore the wild and forgotten landscape of Catamount State Forest with historian Mike Whalen as you rediscover the fascinating cultural history and natural landmarks of this remote hilltop ghost town . A five mile moderate to strenuous hike promises many surprises as the trail route meanders along early 19th century wagon roads and through dense northern hardwood and conifer forest . Remnants of homestead sites with ancient cellar holes will recall a long ago era when this region of western Franklin County was a bustling farming district populated by hardy, industrious pioneer families . Nature has reclaimed most of this formerly residential community and flora and fauna appear to be thriving . Prehistoric glacial rubble and rocky outcrops that made this land a challenge to the farmer now offer an ideal setting for the contemporary visitor seeking a unique, “off-the-beaten-path” experience . Highlights include pristine McLeod Pond, the legendary Catamount Den Cave, and the famous Schoolhouse Monument, which commemorates the site of the first American flag raised in a schoolyard back in 1812!

Directions: Meet at Route 2 (Mohawk Trail) rest area located one-half mile west of Shelburne Falls/Route 112 exit. This parking area is immediately west of the Deerfield River/North River bridge, on the left (south) side of the highway at the Buckland town line. Participants will carpool to the forest trailhead due to limited parking at the site. Please bring a lunch and water and wear sturdy, waterproof shoes.

Birds and Beavers by CanoeAt Arcadia Wildlife SanctuarySaturday, May 6 / 6:00-9:00 pmLeader: Laura Tate-Beltran, Environmental Educator$18 members, $25 nonmembers

Enjoy an evening canoeing up the Mill River around Arcadia’s marshes and forests . We will search for birds and signs of beavers, and as the sun sets, look for beavers swimming in the water .

Participants should be comfortable paddling.

Spring Walk at High LedgesAt High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary, ShelburneSunday, May 7 / 10:00 am-2:00 pmLeader: Ron Wolanin, Regional Property Director$15 members, $20 nonmembers

Enjoy a spring walk at beautiful High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary . We’ll be looking for both plant and animal life as we walk a moderate three mile trail . At this time of year we hope to see and learn trivia facts about spring ephemerals such as clintonia, early saxifrage, and toothwort . We’ll be looking and listening for returning bird species and of course watching for mammal tracks and signs . We’ll enjoy lunch while overlooking the scenic Deerfield valley .

Please bring a lunch, water, and wear comfortable hiking shoes. There could be some wet spots.

Wildflowers at Lynes Woods Wildlife SanctuaryAt Lynes Woods Wildlife Sanctuary, WesthamptonWednesday, May 10 / 9:00 am-noonLeader: Connie Parks, Botanist$6 members, $8 nonmembers

Explore the old orchard and mesic forest wildflowers of the Lynes Woods Wildlife Sanctuary . We will walk along the wooded trails and by the beautiful Lyman Brook, through a dense stand of mountain laurel . We will visit several habitats in hopes of seeing a variety of species such as goldthread, bloodroot, spring beauty, and mayflower .

Please bring a hand lens and field guide if you have them. Please wear long pants and close-toed shoes, and bring insect repellent for better tick prevention.

Montague Plains Birding and ecologyAt Montague Plains Wildlife Management Area, MontagueFriday, May 12 / 5:00-8:30 pmLeader: MassWildlife Staff$8 members, $10 nonmembers

Montague Plains is a unique area created by glaciers that includes natural pitch and scrub oak communities, unusual to be found inland . The management area is also home to several plants, birds, and reptile species including garter snakes and whip-poor-wills . Join a Mass Wildlife staff member to learn about this unique area, and how fire is used as a management tool . We’ll look for birds such as prairie warbler, eastern towhee, and field sparrow . As the sun sets we’ll listen for the dusk chorus of whip-poor-wills and woodcocks .

Directions sent upon registration.

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Connecticut River Valley / Adult / Children, Families, and All Ages

Wildflowers at Graves FarmAt Graves Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, WilliamsburgWednesday, May 17 / 9:00 am-noonLeader: Connie Parks, Botanist$6 members, $8 nonmembers

Walk the loop trail at Graves Farm in search of wildflowers . In the sanctuary’s rich forest and wetlands, we will look for plants such as wild strawberry, fringed milkwort, pussytoes, and yellow blue bead lily . We’ll also look for sweetflag, a non-odorous relative of skunk cabbage and Jack-in-the-pulpit .

Wildflowers at High LedgesAt High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary, ShelburneWednesday, May 24 / 9:00 am-noonLeader: Connie Parks, Botanist$6 members, $8 nonmembers

Join botanist Connie Parks for a morning at beautiful High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary in Shelburne . Noted for its fabulous views of the Deerfield River Valley and Mount Greylock, this sanctuary is home to an extraordinary variety of native flora and fauna . We’ll enjoy a floral rainbow as spring comes to full flower at High Ledges, where we expect to see bluets, black raspberry, wild red raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, black huckleberry, pink azalea, red columbine, and black snakeroot, among many others . Don’t miss this invigorating walk and the view from the famous ledges .

Bring a hand lens and field guide if you have them. Wear long pants and close-toed shoes, and bring insect repellent for better tick prevention.

Arcadia Family Bird Fun

At Arcadia Wildlife SanctuarySaturdays, January 21, February 11, March 18, April 29, & May 13 / 9:00 am-noonopen to families with children ages 8 and upLeader: Laura Tate-Beltran, Environmental Educatoradults $5 members, $8 nonmembers per sessionchildren $5 members, $8 nonmembers per session

It’s never too early or too late to begin learning about birds . Bring the family and come to one or all sessions . Each month we will focus on a different aspect of birding and will include a lesson followed by outdoor practice .

Tracking and Animal Signs at Laughing BrookAt Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, HampdenSaturday, January 21 or Saturday, February 18 10:00-11:30 amopen to families with children ages 5 and upLeader: Kevin Kopchynski, Naturalist/ Photographeradults $5 members, $7 nonmembers

At one time, being able to read tracks was vital for survival . Tracking is more than simply finding a trail and following it, and prints aren’t always necessary to track an animal . The forest is full of signs that tell us about the wildlife within . Learn to read the tracks and signs left by animals that live in our area .

Please dress to be outdoors.

First Child in the Woods: Caregiver and infant/Toddler Walk

At Arcadia Wildlife SanctuarySaturday, January 21, February 25, March 18, April 29, & May 20 / 10:00-11:00 amopen to families with children ages infant to 5Leader: Brittany Gutermuthadults $5 members, $7 nonmembers per daychildren free for members and nonmembers

Join us for the perfect introduction to nature . This one-hour hike will enable your child or children, birth to 5 years old, to gently discover the natural world around them while giving you the skills to confidently lead explorations of your own . This is an opportunity to explore the changing nature and beauty of Arcadia with your youngster each month .

Please dress for the weather as we will be outdoors the whole time.

Homeschool: Weather and Climate

At Arcadia Wildlife SanctuaryWednesdays, January 4, 11, 18, 25, February 1 & 8 / 9:00 am-noon open to children ages 5 to 126 class sessionsLeader: Dorri Jones, Environmental Educatorchildren $145 members, $175 nonmembers

Do you have a homeschooler who loves science and is 5 to 12 years old? If so, the education staff at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary would like to help with your science curriculum through our exciting, engaging, and hands-on nature programs . Join us for a course in beginning meteorology and climatology . Students will discover the difference between weather and climate, learn about and use tools real scientists use to predict the weather, keep a weather journal, and explore extreme weather events . They will also investigate the science and data behind climate change and find solutions with age appropriate activities .

All indoor spaces will be nut-free. This is designed as a drop-off program; however parents may choose to stay.

CHILDREN, FAMILIES, AND ALL AGES

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Connecticut River Valley / Children, Families, and All Ages

Owl MoonAt Arcadia Wildlife SanctuarySaturday, January 21 / 5:00-7:00 pmopen to families with children ages 5 and upLeaders: Nan Childs, Naturalist/Educator, and Patti Steinman, Education Coordinatoradults $8 members, $10 nonmemberschildren $8 members, $10 nonmembers

Come see a magical shadow puppet presentation of Jane Yolen’s classic book Owl Moon and learn about the seven native owl species in Massachusetts . After the show, we’ll take a brisk walk in the dark winter woods to call for owls . We can’t guarantee that we will see or hear owls, but we’ll certainly have fun trying . After the walk, we will return indoors to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and a snack .

Please dress to be outdoors for half of this program.

Ooey Gooey ScienceAt Arcadia Wildlife SanctuarySaturday, February 11 / 2:00-3:30 pmopen to children ages 7 to 12Leader: Laura Tate-Beltran, Environmental Educatoradults freechildren $8 members, $10 nonmembers

If you like goo, this program is for you! We’ll create gooey stuff and learn why the goo acts the way it does . We’ll also learn the steps of the scientific method and the difference between recipe science and creating a science experiment .

Parents should accompany children for this program.

February Vacation Days at Arcadia

At Arcadia Wildlife SanctuaryTuesday-Friday, February 21-24 9:00 am-3:00 pmopen to children ages 5 to 12Leaders: Arcadia Staffchildren $52 members, $60 nonmembers per day

Come to Arcadia to explore the natural world during school vacation . Children ages 5 to 12 can sign up for one or all four days as activities will differ . We will begin each day with games, followed by a morning circle that introduces the themes . We will spend much of each day outdoors searching for animal tracks and signs, watching birds, and learning about winter adaptations . We will play plenty of games and have a daily nature mystery and riddle . Refunds provided only if you cancel at least one week prior to the program .

Dress to be outdoors for much of the day. Please bring a lunch, snack, and water.

Homeschool: History of the Valley

At Arcadia Wildlife SanctuaryWednesdays, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, & April 5 / 9:00 am-noonopen to children ages 5 to 126 class sessionsLeaders: Dorri Jones, Environmental Educator and Arcadia Staffchildren $145 members, $175 nonmembers

Do you have a homeschooler who loves science and is 5 to 12 years old? If so, the education staff at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary would like to help with your science curriculum through our exciting, engaging, and hands-on nature programs . The Connecticut River Valley has a story to tell . Dinosaurs left their tracks . Glaciers shaped the land, creating kettle holes, till, and erratics and twisted the Holyoke Range . A dam break and flood caused a diversion of the Mill River . In this 6-week class we will explore the Valley’s history via hiking, f ield trips, and research .

Fee includes transportation for field trips.

Spring at Laughing BrookAt Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, HampdenSaturday, March 18 / 10:00-11:30 amLeader: Kevin Kopchynski, Naturalist/Photographeradults $5 members, $7 nonmemberschildren $5 members, $7 nonmembers

According to the calendar, spring is just a few days away . However, the observant outdoor nature detective has likely noticed evidence of the new season for weeks . By this time of year, early arriving species such as red-winged blackbirds and turkey vultures have returned to our area . Join us as we look for other harbingers of spring, such as skunk cabbage poking its leaves from beneath the snow or soil (and warming the surrounding ground); spring insects such as lightning bugs; and perhaps even early frogs .

Animal extremesAt Arcadia Wildlife SanctuarySaturday, March 18 / 2:00-3:30 pmopen to families with children ages 7 and upLeader: Laura Tate-Beltran, Environmental Educatoradults $6 members, $8 nonmemberschildren $6 members, $8 nonmembers

Learn about Massachusetts’ smallest, biggest, fastest, and tallest animals . We will conduct activities to compare our own size and skills to those of the Massachusetts animal kingdom . Come prepared for an active indoor/outdoor program .

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Connecticut River Valley / Children, Families, and All Ages

Dance of the American Woodcock at Park Hill OrchardAt Park Hill Orchard, EasthamptonSunday, March 26 / 6:30-8:30 pmopen to families with children ages 8 and upLeaders: Nan Childs, Naturalist/Educator, and Patti Steinman, Education Coordinator$8 members, $10 nonmembers

Come witness one of the most spectacular dances on earth—the courtship display of the American woodcock . Normally a reclusive forest dweller, the male of this game bird species takes center stage in his springtime dance to attract a female . The male struts and calls out a nasal peeent, then suddenly spirals into the air and gives a sweet call before zigzagging down . Then he begins the show all over again . This program will take place at the beautiful Park Hill Orchard in Easthampton .

Please dress to be outdoors. Directions: From Northampton, take Rte. 66 from the center of town and jog left on Florence Road for 50 yards to a right on Park Hill Road North. Go out Park Hill about a mile and turn left on Park Hill Road South. We will be at the orchard you’ll see down the hill.

The Big NightAt Arcadia Wildlife SanctuarySaturday, April 1 / 5:30-8:30 pm open to families with children ages 4 and upLeaders: Arcadia Staff and Volunteersadults $8 members, $10 nonmemberschildren $8 members, $10 nonmembers

Enjoy an enchanted family evening at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Easthampton . Guided tours will leave the nature center every 15 minutes to travel on a 45-minute magical forest trail where participants will meet costumed characters from vernal pools, the only places where animals such as spotted salamanders, wood frogs, and fairy shrimp can breed . Meet some of these critters and learn about their lives through short animated and humorous skits . Indoors, learn more about vernal pools through games, slide presentations, and live pond critters .

Advance registration is required for this event. You can register in person, by mail, online, or by phone. When you register, please choose your hike time. If it is extremely cold, or there is heavy rain, the outdoor portion of this program will be brought indoors. Spaces fill quickly, especially for the early slots, so call today. Please dress to be outdoors for 45 minutes.

exploring Vernal PoolsAt Arcadia Wildlife SanctuarySaturday, April 8 / 10:00 am-noonopen to families with children ages 4 to 12Leader: Laura Tate-Beltran, Environmental Educatoradults $6 members, $8 nonmemberschildren $6 members, $8 nonmembers

Vernal pools are special habitats that serve as home to a number of extraordinary animals that have adapted to live in them . Learn about the unique qualities of vernal pools and explore one at Arcadia by dipping your net in the water to find out what creatures live there .

Please wear sneakers or water shoes.

Woodcocks at Laughing BrookAt Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, HampdenSaturday, April 8 / 7:00-8:30 pmLeaders: Emma and Pete Vancini, Laughing Brook Caretakersadults $6 members, $8 nonmemberschildren $6 members, $8 nonmembers

You’re invited to Laughing Brook to see a special dance—the dance of the American woodcock! Related to the snipes and other water birds, the woodcock has moved inland . Each spring the male establishes his territory and does an amazing dance to attract a mate . We’ll listen for the sound of the woodcock and watch the fields until dark .

Dress to be outdoors for the entire program and bring a flashlight.

Vernal Pools at Laughing BrookAt Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, HampdenSaturday, April 15 / 10:00-11:30 amopen to families with children ages 4 and upLeader: Kevin Kopchynski, Naturalist/Photographeradults $5 members, $7 nonmemberschildren $5 members, $7 nonmembers

Vernal pools are unique and critical habitats that serve as breeding grounds for many state-listed amphibian species . April is the best and often the only time to see animals such as spotted salamanders and wood frogs . Join naturalist Kevin Kopchynski to explore a vernal pool, looking for egg masses, amphibians, reptiles, and inver tebrates . Learn why it’s so crucial to protect these small bodies of water and what you can do to help ensure their protection .

April Vacation Days at Arcadia

At Arcadia Wildlife SanctuaryTuesday-Friday, April 18-21 9:00 am-3:00 pmopen to children ages 5 to 12 Leaders: Arcadia Staffchildren $52 members, $60 nonmembers per day

Come to Arcadia to explore the natural world and celebrate spring during school vacation . Children ages 5 to 12 can sign up for one or all four days as activities will differ . We will go on a lot of hikes, visit a vernal pool, look for spring wildflowers, and search for early insects . We will have a new theme each day, as well as nature riddles, mysteries, and games .

A complete list of what to bring will be sent upon registration.

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Homeschool Program: incredible invertebrates

At Arcadia Wildlife SanctuaryWednesdays, April 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31 9:00 am-noonopen to children ages 5 to 126 class sessionsLeaders: Dorrie Jones, Environmental Educator and Arcadia Staffchildren $145 members, $175 nonmembers

Do you have a homeschooler who loves science and is 5 to 12 years old? If so, the education staff at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary would like to help with your science curriculum through our exciting, engaging, and hands-on nature programs . Of the million or so different types of animals in the world, 80% are invertebrates—animals without back-bones . In this 6-week class we will first learn about some of the different types of invertebrate species . Subsequent weeks will focus on different groups such as snails, spiders, and insects . Our last class (weather permitting) will focus on mussels and will include a canoe trip on the Mill River .

Fee includes a canoe instructor and field trip transportation.

All About FrogsAt Arcadia Wildlife SanctuarySaturday, April 29 / 8:30-9:30 pm or Friday, May 12 / 9:00-10:00 pmLeader: Laura Tate-Beltran, Environmental Educatoradults $5 members, $7 nonmemberschildren $5 members, $7 nonmembers

Learn about our local frogs and how we study them through citizen-science frog-calling surveys . We’ll start indoors to learn about the world of amphibians, and then go outdoors to listen to frog calls and see how scientists and citizen scientists can use this data for valuable research .

Dress to be outdoors for half of this program.

Mother’s Day Canoe TripAt Arcadia Wildlife SanctuarySunday, May 14 / 9:00 am-1:00 pmopen to families with children ages 8 and upLeader: Aimee Gelinas, Founder/Director, Tamarack Hollow Nature and Cultural Centeradults $15 members, $18 nonmemberschildren $15 members, $18 nonmembers

Show your appreciation to the mothers in your life by treating them to a Mother’s Day morning canoe trip . We’ll go at a slow pace on this easy paddle along the Arcadia Marsh to look and listen to the sights and sounds of spring . We hope to see birds such as great blue herons, cedar waxwings, eastern phoebes, and several warbler species . We’ll also search for wildflowers, such as trout lily and trillium, along the banks .

Parents should plan on being in the boats with children.

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Natural History Travel800-289-9504

For more information and a complete list of our International Tours

visit massaudubon.org/travel or call 800-289-9504

Galapagos Cruise: February 17-26with Elissa Landre

Kenya Safari: February 28-March 14with Mark Faherty

Panama Birding: March 16-24with Bill Gette

Belize Birding: March 18-25with Jeff Collins and Sue MacCallum

Amazon Riverboat Cruise, Peru: March 24-April 2 with Jon Atwood

Trinidad’s Classic Birding:March 25-April 1 with Scott Santino

New York: Cayuga Lake, Cornell, and Montezuma: April 13-16with Wayne Petersen and Bob Speare

italy: Tuscan Food, Farming, & Birding Tour: May 3-10 with Tia Pinney and Flavio Sutti

Washington State: Pacific Northwest Birding: May 15-22 with Wayne Petersen

Siberia’s Forgotten Coast, Kamchatka, and the Spoon-billed Sandpiper aboard the Spirit of Enderby: June 27-July 10with David Larson

And more! elephant workshops, South Pacific cruises,

and the deserts of Namibia… massaudubon.org/travel

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Sanctuary information

Rutland Brook Wildlife SanctuaryOff Pat Connor Road, Petersham, 1,710 AcresRutland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary includes many diverse habitats such as woodlands, wetlands, brooks, and ledges . Combined with neighboring conservation lands, the sanctuary is part of one of the largest parcels of contiguous protected land in central Massachusetts .

From Worcester: Take Rt . 122 north to Barre Center . From here continue north on Rt . 122, toward Petersham for approximately 5 .1 miles, and take a right on Pat Connor Road (before the bridge and waterfall) . Continue along the road that runs parallel to the pond and park in the Mass Audubon parking area on your left .

All Sanctuaries in this section:HoursTrails: Open every day, dawn to dusk . For more information on sanctuaries in this section,

call Central West Property office at Wachusett Meadow: 978-464-2712 or visit www.massaudubon.org

Western SanctuariesConnecticut River Valley Wildlife Sanctuaries:Arcadia Wildlife SanctuaryCombs Road, Easthampton, 724 AcresLocated in Northampton and Easthampton, this sanctuary protects more than 723 acres of floodplain forest, upland forest, cultivated grassland, and riparian habitat . This site includes a nature center, four miles of trails, and a handicap-accessible boardwalk .

Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary 127 Combs Road Easthampton, MA 01027 413-584-3009 office 413-584-0250 Fax [email protected]

Take the Mass. Turnpike (I-90) to exit 4 (Rt. I-91 north) to exit 18 (Rt. 5, Northampton). Take a right onto Rt . 5 south . After 1 .4 miles, take a right ontoEast Street at the sign for Easthampton Center . Follow East Street for 1 .2 miles and turn right onto Fort Hill Road at the Mass Audubon sign . Go 0 .9 miles and bear right at the next Mass Audubon sign and turn left into the sanctuary .

HoursNature Center:Monday-Thursday, 9 am-noonFriday, 9 am-3 pmSaturday, 9 am-1 pmSunday open seasonallyTrails and restrooms: Open daily, dawn to dusk .

Admission$4 for nonmember adults; $3 for nonmember children (2-12) and senior citizens (65 and older) . Free for Mass Audubon members, and Northampton and Easthampton residents .

Conway Hills Wildlife SanctuarySouth Deerfield Road, Conway, 105 AcresA single loop trail with a moderate ascent takes you through a previously harvested white pine and hemlock forest, past aging stone walls, by a large sugar maple “wolf” tree, and over some rocky ledges .

From the south: Take Exit 4 off I-90 and proceed north on I-91 to Exit 24 (Rte 5-10 Deerfield) . At the end of the ramp turn right and continue north on Routes 5, 10 and 116 . In approximately 1 mile take a left on Route 116 north to Conway/Ashfield . Continue for about 4 .4 miles on Rte 116 and look for the Mass Audubon sign on your left just before a large field . Roadside parking is on the grassy area in front of the sign . The Wolf Tree Trail is located across Rte 116 directly opposite the sign .

From the north: Take Rte 2 to I-91 in Greenfield and proceed south on I-91 to Exit 25 (Rte 116 Deerfield/Conway), continue north on 116 toward Conway . In approximately 4 .3 miles look for the Mass Audubon sign on your left just before a large field . Roadside parking is on the grassy area in front of the sign . The Wolf Tree Trail is located across Rte 116 directly opposite the sign .

Please note: The parking area is not plowed in winter.

Graves Farm Wildlife SanctuaryAdams Road, Williamsburg, 607 Acres Graves Farm Wildlife Sanctuary in Williamsburg and Whately encompasses 607 acres of upland forest, old fields, and meadows . A figure-8 trail of a little more than a mile leads from the parking area and skirts along a field and into a mixed forest of spectacular pine, oak, and beech trees .

Contact Arcadia for more information.

From Rt. 9 in Williamsburg, take Depot Road (on north side of Rt . 9)to a 4-way intersection . Go right on Adams Road for .6 miles; a small parking lot is on the south side of the road at the Mass Audubon sign . The town does not permit parking along Adams Road .

HoursOpen every day, dawn to dusk .

High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary Off Patten Road, Shelburne, 796 acresNumerous species of wildflowers and ferns can be observed along the four-mile trail system . The “ledges” offers panoramic views of the Deerfield River valley and Mount Greylock .

From Greenfield: At the junction of Rt . 2 and I-91 in Greenfield continue west on Rt . 2 toward Shelburne for 6 miles . Take a right onto Little Mohawk Road and bear left at the next intersection onto Patten Road . Bear left at the following junction and then bear right, continuing on Patten Road . The sanctuary road is the second left (approximately 0 .8 miles) . A small parking area is located on your left . Parking area may be inaccessible from December to May due to snow or mud .

Laughing Brook Wildlife SanctuaryMain Street, Hampden, 367 AcresLocated in the town of Hampden, this sanctuary is composed of 367 acres of southern New England forest, meadow, and wetlands in the Scantic River watershed . Four miles of walking trails, a variety of state-listed species, and the former home of children’s author and naturalist Thornton W . Burgess are all found there . Laughing Brook is a special place to go birding, enjoy wildflowers, participate in a program, observe wildlife, or photograph nature .

Contact Arcadia for more information.

From 91 in Springfield: Coming from the north - Take exit 2 and follow 83 South . 83 turns left onto Sumner Avenue (Continue below) . Coming from the south - Take exit 4 and follow 83 North . 83 turns right onto Sumner Avenue . After turning onto Sumner Avenue, continue straight for 8 .1 miles (Sumner Avenue turns into Allen Street and then into Somers Road) . Just past St . Mary’s Church on the left, take a left onto Main Street . The sanctuary entrance is 2 miles down Main Street on the left .

From 90 East: Take the Mass . Turnpike (Rt I-90) to exit 8 in Palmer . Take a rightinto Palmer Center, then take Rt 20 west (toward Springfield) for 5 .3 miles . Turn left (opposite the Wilbraham Fire Department) onto Main Street in Wilbraham . Follow Main Street (it turns into Wilbraham Road in Hampden) for 6 .6 miles to the stop sign and turn left onto Allen Street/Somers Rd . After 0 .2 miles (just past St . Mary’s church), take a left onto Main Street in Hampden . The sanctuary entrance is 2 miles down Main Street on the left .

From 90 West: Take exit 4 for 91 South and follow the directions above for I-91 coming from the north

HoursTrails: Open every day, dawn to dusk .

Lynes Woods Wildlife SanctuaryEdwards Road, Westhampton, 188 AcresLynes Woods Wildlife Sanctuary protects 188 acres in Westhampton . This old farm has succeeded to beautiful woodland habitat . There is a nature trail, and guided walks are regularly scheduled at the sanctuary .

Contact Arcadia for more information. From the Mass Turnpike (Rt I-90): Take exit 4 to I 91 . Merge towards Holyoke . Take exit 18 to Rte 5 north towards Northampton center . Turn left on Main street . Bear left onto Rte 66 . Follow to Edwards Road . The parking area is .7 miles ahead on your left (just past Crowley Rd) .

From Northampton center: Take Rte 66 8 .2 mi . Turn left on Edwards Road . The parking area is .7 miles ahead on your left (just past Crowley Rd) .Please note: The parking area is not plowed in winter.

http://www.massaudubon.org

mailto:arcadia%40massaudubon.org%0D?subject=

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Richardson Brook Wildlife Sanctuary New Boston Road, Tolland, 109 acresNamed for the brook at its southern boundary, this wildlife sanctuary offers a challenging trail that meanders by numerous large trees and boulders, an interesting stone structure, and finally to Richardson Brook itself .

From Mass Turnpike: take Exit 4 to Interstate 91 South to West Springfield . Continue on Interstate 91 to Exit 3, North 5 to 57 Agawam . Bear right, cross the Connecticut River and enter rotary . Keep right to Route 57 West, Southwick . From this point continue for approximately 28 miles on Route 57, paying close attention to the Route 57 signs at all intersections . Pass through the towns of Southwick, Granville, and the center of Tolland . The wildlife sanctuary is located in Tolland on Route 57 slightly beyond the large overhead sign that reads “Steep Hill, Curves” . Look for the Richardson Brook sign on your left . Trail head is located adjacent to the sanctuary sign . There is roadside parking on the sanctuary side of Route 57 .Please note: The parking area is not plowed in winter.

Road’s end Wildlife Sanctuary Corbett Road, Worthington, 190 acresAn observant walker at Road’s End may see signs of black bears on American beech, ground scrapings of wild turkey or deer, gnawings of beavers, as well as discovering past land uses . The sanctuary features two loop trails through a forested tract .

From Northampton : Follow Rt . 9 west through Northampton andWilliamsburg . Take a left onto Rt . 143 west and follow it for approximately 12 miles to the intersection of Rt . 143 and Rt . 112 (Clark Road) . Take a right on Rt . 112 and a quick left onto Corbett Road . There is seasonal parking at the end of Corbett Road .

West Mountain Wildlife SanctuaryProspect Street, Plainfield, 1,727 AcresExplore a 1 .3 mile loop trail at West Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary . The trail passes through forests of northern hardwoods . While you are walking, look for signs of moose, beaver, black bears, otters, fishers, and bobcats .

Directions : From the junction of Routes 112 and 116 in Ashfield continue north on Route 116 to Plainfield . At approximately 7 .9 miles from the junction, take a left on Prospect Street and drive approximately .9 miles to the trail access on your right . Look for the Mass Audubon sign or visi-tor information board and park either in the driveway-like access or on the roadside . If you reach the power lines you have gone slightly too far.

Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries:Pleasant Valley Wildlife SanctuaryWest Mountain Road, Lenox, 1,142 AcresPleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Lenox was established in 1929 . It features seven miles of trails that wind over 1,100 acres of Berkshire uplands through old fields, northern hardwood forest, and along beaver swamps . It includes part of Lenox Mountain and the Yokun Brook val-ley, terraced with beaver ponds . The marble bedrock of the Berkshires nurtures rich plant diversity .

Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary 472 West Mountain Road Lenox, MA 01240-2037 413-637-0320 office 413-637-0499 Fax [email protected]

From the Mass Pike (Rt. I-90): Take exit 2 (Lee) and turn right aftertollbooths . Follow Rt . 20 west for 6 .6 miles (Rt . 20 merges with Rt . 7) . Turn left onto W . Dugway Road and the sanctuary is 1 .6 miles ahead on the right .

From the North: Take Rt . 7 and Rt . 20 south from Park Square in the center of Pittsfield for 4 .9 miles . Turn right onto West Dugway Road and the sanctuary is 1 .6 miles ahead on the right .

HoursOffice: Summer (Memorial Day-Columbus Day) Monday-Friday, 9 am-4 pm Saturday and Sunday, 10 am-4 pm Winter (After Columbus Day and before Memorial Day) Tuesday-Sunday, 10 am-4 pm


Admission$5 for nonmember adults ; $3 for nonmember children (2-12) and senior citizens (65 and older) . Free for Mass Audubon members and Lenox residents .

Canoe Meadows Wildlife SanctuaryHolmes Road, Pittsfield, 253 AcresLocated just one mile from the center of Pittsfield, Canoe Meadows brings wilderness to Berkshire County's largest city, attracting warblers, turtles, herons, osprey, otters, and the occasional bear at different times of year . Three miles of gentle, flat trails wind through the sanctuary's scenic woods, fields, and wetlands, and along the edge of the Housatonic River . Canoe Meadows was established in 1975 on the site of the 253 acre Gravesleigh Estate, as a gift from Cooley Graves Crane . Parking is available only at the Holmes Road entrance .

Contact Pleasant Valley for more information.

From the Mass Pike (I-90) : Take exit 2 (Lee) and turn right after thetollbooths . Follow Rt . 20 north for eight miles (Rt . 20 merges with Rt . 7) to Holmes Road (Mobil gas station on the right) . Proceed north on Holmes Road for 2 .7 miles to sanctuary entrance on the right .


Lime Kiln Farm Wildlife SanctuarySilver Street, Sheffield, 260 AcresLime Kiln Farm Wildlife Sanctuary features two miles of trails that traverse rolling hayfields, wooded and shrub swamps, limestone ridge and outcrops, upland deciduous and conifer forest, and former pastures . The diverse habitat attracts butterflies as well as pileated woodpeck-ers, alder flycatchers, and eastern bluebirds . White-tailed deer wander among the trees and fields . Stunning views of nearby Mount Everett can be seen from the parking area and the vista point off the Taconic Vista Trail . For a brief time limestone was quarried and turned into lime in the kiln still standing on-site today . The sanctuary is part of the 14,000-acre Schenob Brook Drainage Basin Area of Critical Environmental Concern .

Contact Pleasant Valley for more information.

From the Mass Pike (Rt I-90): Take exit 2 (Lee) . Turn left onto Rt . 20 and within 0 .1-mile turn right onto Rt . 102 . Follow Rt . 102 for 4 .5 miles to Rt . 7 in Stockbridge . Continue on Rt . 7 through Great Barrington and into the center of Sheffield . From the center of Sheffield (at post office), drive an additional 1 .1 miles on Rt . 7, turning right at Silver Street . Follow Silver Street for 1 .1 miles to the sanctuary entrance on the right .

From the north: From Rt . 7/20 junction in Lenox, bear right onto Rt . 7 and travel 5 .3 miles to Stockbridge . Continue on Rt . 7 through Great Barrington, and into the center of Sheffield . From the center of Sheffield (at post office), drive an additional 1 .1 miles on Rt . 7, turning right at Silver Street . Follow Silver Street for 1 .1 miles to the sanctuary entrance on the right .

From Connecticut: From the CT/MA border, follow Rt . 7 north for 3 .6 miles to Silver Street on the left . Follow Silver Street for 1 .1 miles to the sanctuary on the right .


Sanctuary information

Mass Audubon / massaudubon.org

mailto:berkshires%40massaudubon.org?subject=

www.massaudubon.org


RegistrationAdvance registration with full payment is required for all programs unless otherwise noted . You may call in advance to inquire about space availability, but we cannot hold a space for you until we have received your payment in full . Please register early because many programs fill quickly . If you are registering for a class and less than one week remains before the program begins, please call the sanctuary hosting the program to confirm that space is available . If you are not a Mass Audubon member, you may join when you register and pay the member program fee .

Four easy Ways to Register!Register Online: You can now register for many of Mass Audubon’s programs online . That means you can sign up any time of day (regardless of whether that sanctuary is open or not), and you will instantly know if a program is full or has a wait list . Give it a try and let us know what you think . Visit our program catalog online: massaudubon .org/catalog . Please note that some programs and trips do not take online registration . For these, please call the appropriate sanctuary during business hours .

By Telephone : Call the sanctuary that is hosting the program .Our staff will be happy to complete your registration by telephone using Discover, MasterCard, or VISA . Have your course and credit card information ready .

By Mail : Completely f ill out the registration form and return it with your check, money order, or credit card authorization (Discover, MasterCard, and VISA only) to the sanctuary that is hosting the program you are registering for . All checks and money orders should be made payable to Mass Audubon . You may download additional copies of the registration form at massaudubon .org/registrationform .

In Person: Stop by the sanctuary that is hosting the program you are interested in and register in person . Please call ahead to make sure the office is open . Note: Registering in person should be done prior to the program start date because registering the day of, in many cases, will be too late .

Confirmation informationWritten confirmation will not be sent for every program . If you would like to receive written confirmation, please let the sanctuary know at the time of registration . You will be notified if you do not get into a program as a result of restrictions on

Registration Procedures and Policy Guidelinesclass size or if your name has been placed on a wait list . Please read all future correspondence carefully because it may contain information pertinent to your program such as what to bring or wear, directions to a location, etc .

Filled Programs/Wait ListsMost programs have minimum and maximum enrollments depending on the type of class and instructional techniques . Some programs have wait lists . If the program of your choice is full, you will be placed on a wait list when there is one . If you do not wish to remain on the wait list, please notify the sanctuary hosting the program and a refund will be issued . We will notify you at least 24 hours in advance of the program only if space becomes available . If space does not open up, you will receive a full refund within three weeks of the program date .

Cancellation/RefundTo receive a program refund if you no longer plan to attend, you must notify the sanctuary hosting the program at least one week prior to the first class. Each sanctuaryreserves the right to change programs, schedules, and instructors or to cancel programs due to low enrollment . A full refund will be processed if the sanctuary cancels the program . Refunds require approximately three weeks for processing . Please be aware that summer camps and vacation week programs have a separate refund policy. Please refer to the camp brochure or call the specific sanctuary for this information .

inclement WeatherMost programs are held rain or shine; please dress accordingly . If a program is cancelled as a result of extreme weather conditions, an attempt to notify all participants will be made and full refunds will be issued . If you have any questions about the status of a program, please call the sanctuary hosting the program directly . For programs that list a rain date or cloud date, we recommend that you hold the alternate date open . Refunds will not be issued if the class is switched to its alternate date and you are not able to attend .

Additional Questions?If you have additional questions about registration policies, or have a question about a particular program, please call the sanctuary hosting the program directly .

For Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries: Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

472 West Mountain Road Lenox, MA 01240-2037 413-637-0320 office

For Connecticut River Valley Wildlife Sanctuaries: Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary

127 Combs Road Easthampton, MA 01027 413-584-3009 office 800-710-4550

For Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary: Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary

113 Goodnow Road Princeton, MA 01541 978-464-2712 office

For Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary: Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center

and Wildlife Sanctuary 414 Massasoit Road Worcester, MA 01604-3546 508-753-6087 office


Where to Send Registration FormsDownload registration forms at massaudubon.org/registrationform

http://massaudubon.org/catalog

www.massaudubon.org

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