Among the programs we are looking forward to this weekend: Fern identification, fairy houses, dairy and nature festivals, herons, art, and more
- Ferns are beautiful plants but can be confusing to identify. During Ferns at Arcadia in Easthampton, we will discuss some identification features and life history, then take a walk around the wildlife sanctuary to see many of these plants in the field. (Adult, registration required)
- Spend a magical afternoon learning about the fairies and trolls who make their home at Oak Knoll in Attleboro as part of the Make a Fairy or Troll House program. We will take a stroll through the field and head out on the trail to gather materials to build our fairy & troll houses. After our outdoor adventures we’ll head indoors to design and create beautiful fairy and troll houses using our found materials as well as dried flowers, colorful pebbles, and other fanciful decorations. (Family, registration required)
- Celebrating Birds with Art is a special afternoon of hands-on art activities and demonstrations outdoors and indoors at the Museum of American Bird Art in Canton. There will be free guided walks, art activities, and live raptors. Plus, meet the summer camp counselors and get the first look at the museum’s new exhibit Painting Birds to Save Them. (All)
- Join Stony Brook in Norfolk for Herons at the Nest, an easy walk to a magnificent rookery, which serves as home to more than 30 pairs of great blue herons. We will have ample opportunities to watch these magnificent creatures gently gliding to and from their nests in the process of caring for their young. (Adult, registration required)
- Head out to Drumlin Farm for Dairy Day to kick off National Dairy Month. Learn more about our favorite dairy animals and the tasty treats they help us produce. On this special day, you can visit with our heritage breed cattle and goat species, see milking demonstrations, learn how to make your own cheese and butter, create fun kid-and-calf crafts, and get a free “calf cup” of ice cream for anyone who comes dressed as a dairy animal!
- Ipswich River in Topsfield is hosting its annual Audubon Nature Festival on Sunday. Among the highlights: live owl presentations, face-painting, craft demonstrations & sales, butterfly plant sale, naturalist-guided walks & pond explorations, guided tours of our butterfly & bird habitat gardens, and live music.
For a full listing of programs, visit our online program catalog, where you can now register online for many of our programs. And if you’re out taking photos, don’t forget to enter the 2014 Mass Audubon Picture This Photo Contest!