Searching for weekend activities? Mass Audubon has you covered. We’ve got programs on a variety of topics, from art to birds to Halloween festivities.
Saw-whet owl
- Join Drumlin Farm at Lookout Rock in Northbridge, Massachusetts for a Saw-whet Owl Banding. Learn about the banding process and how we fit into a nationwide network of saw-whet owl banding stations. (Adults, registration required)
- Enjoy an Illustrated Lecture with Artist Barry Van Dusen at the Museum of American Bird Art in Canton. The star of our latest Connections cover story, Barry will share stories and paintings from his artist’s residencies, and describe his latest and most ambitious residency project yet: a quest to visit at least 45 Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuaries and produce artwork at each location. Find out what it takes to paint in often challenging natural settings and see some of Barry’s watercolors. (Adult, registration required)
- Have you ever dreamed of holding a bird in your hand? You may get the chance at a Bird Banding Demonstration at Wellfleet Bay in South Wellfleet. See birds up-close and in-the-hand while learning all about banding methods and how they provide us with information that can help protect bird species. (Ages 10+, registration required)
- Get into the Halloween spirit with Joppa Flats in Newburyport’s Free-for-All: Mystery Fest! View live creepy crawlies and (semi-)spooky attractions and take home creative crafts. Kids ages 7 and up can explore a “crime scene” and solve the mystery by performing a series of forensic investigations such as soil sample comparisons, water sampling, pH tests, and track identification. For ages 2 to 6, there will be stories, songs, crafts, and a treasure hunt. (Family)
- Spaces are filling up fast for Moose Hill in Sharon’s Halloween Prowls. Celebrate the autumn holiday with your family in a fun and non-scary way. Encounter costumed characters on a guided walk along a candle-lit trail. Then, have a drink and popcorn at our campfire sing-a-long program. Come in costume and win a small prize! (All ages, registration required)
- Revel in the delights of the season with a Halloween Night Hike and Hayride at Wachusett Meadow in Princeton. Experience the sounds of the night on a guided walk, try a Halloween craft, go on a hayride, warm up at the bonfire, eat some goodies, and more. (All ages)
- Take a hike back in time with Lost Towns of the Quabbin: A Natural and Historic Field Trip sponsored by Connecticut River Valley Sanctuaries. Learn about the once thriving community of Dana, one of the four towns that were lost when the area was flooded to form the Quabbin Reservoir. Examine old stone walls, sidewalks, and streets and keep an eye out for wildlife. (Adult, registration required)
- Come with the whole family to Broadmoor’s Full Moon Owl Prowl for Families in Natick. We will explore the wildlife sanctuary under moonlit skies listening for our resident screech, barred, and great horned owls while learning about owl calls, behavior, and habitat. (Ages 6+, registration required)
- Every year, Mass Audubon receives exceptional photographs for its Picture This: Your Great Outdoors contest. With Art in the Barn: Exhibit and Closing Reception at Pleasant Valley in Lenox, view the winning images and enjoy pop-up gallery installations by local artists. There will be acoustic music by the fire, light refreshments, and a silent art auction. (All ages, registration required)
This is just a sampling of what we have planned. For a full listing, visit our program catalog, where you can register online.