In celebration of Urban Wildlife Conservation Day, Mass Audubon sanctuaries across the state are hosting unique programs focused on urban wildlife this October. While Urban Wildlife Conservation Day takes place this year on October 8, Mass Audubon sanctuaries will be offering programs exploring Massachusetts urban wildlife throughout the first two weeks of October.
Urban Wildlife Conservation Day is the kickoff to National Wildlife Refuge Week, which is observed annually during the second full week of October. This event was started by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in an effort to celebrate the important conservation work that the National Wildlife Refuge System accomplishes.
Bird Watching
There are several opportunities to get out and do some urban birding with Mass Audubon in celebration of Urban Wildlife Conservation Day. On Saturday, October 1, Mass Audubon will be offering a guided birding experience at Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Canter and Wildlife Sanctuary in Worcester, MA and at Magazine Beach Park Nature Center in Cambridge, MA. Search for common birds including Black-capped Chickadees, Mourning Doves, and Mallards and maybe catch a glimpse of a more uncommon bird migrating.
These programs are both suitable for beginner bird watchers and will teach the basics of bird identification in unique settings that offer the potential to observe a variety of birds.
Climate Café
Participate in a Climate Café at Magazine Beach Park Nature Center on October 1 or at the New Bedford Public Library on October 5 and discuss local implications of climate change in a relaxed, informal setting.
Climate Café conversations not only foster comfort and understanding of climate change and its local impacts, but they also equip participants with the skills and confidence they need to talk about climate change with the people they care about.
Walk in Nature
Hit the trails on Urban Wildlife Conservation Day at Boston Nature Center, October 8, with an experienced naturalist and learn how to identify wild edible plants. This program will focus on what to look for and how to safely and responsibly harvest the edible parts of the plants, from berries to flowers to roots and leaves.
Photography
Learn to master your smartphone camera to capture and edit the best of urban nature on the go with a free intro to photography program at Magazine Beach Park Nature Center on October 8. Spend an hour learning how to capture different types of light, using various focal lengths, and practice bringing your photos to life with in-phone editing.