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Events are subject to change or cancel. It is good practice to confirm events prior to attending.Description
Winter is an exciting time for outdoor discovery. We have put together four sessions of hands-on, awesome, age-appropriate activities and games to explore the natural world in winter. Sharpen your observation skills as we locate and learn about winter animals and tap a sugar maple tree to make syrup.
For children in grades K through 5 (ages 5-11). Sign up for either the morning session 10am-12pm or afternoon session 1:30-3:30pm. Participants will be divided into smaller groups by age.
Fee for the week (Tuesday through Friday):
$88 members, $104 nonmembers
Tuesday, February 22: Maple Sugaring
We'll learn about one of nature's tastiest treats: maple syrup. We'll discover how to distinguish a sugar maple from all the other trees in the forest and tap one to collect the sap. After a visit to the sugarhouse, we'll know how sap is converted into syrup and try a sweet sample!
Wednesday, February 23: Winter Homes
Can you imagine living outside through the entire winter? We'll explore the woodlands, wetlands, and field edges for nests, cavities, burrows, dens, and lodges to discover how birds, mammals, and insects find homes in this challenging season. We'll build an igloo or shelter and see how warm it can be inside.
Thursday, February 24: Carnivores Dining Out
Winter is a great time to look for predators and the evidence they leave behind. Study animal bones, fur, scat, tracks, and chews and then hike the sanctuary in search of hawks, foxes, fishers, river otters, and more. We'll investigate how these animals are able to hunt prey in the cold winter weather.
Friday, February 25: Awesome Owls
Have you ever walked through the woods looking for owls? Owls are most active at night, of course, but if you know what to look for you can find their daytime roosts. Together, we'll search for local owls and learn what they eat and the sounds they make.
Instructions and Directions:
Drop off/pick is outside in front of the sanctuary buildings. Please come dressed for the weather each class.
Class is conducted entirely outside. Masks are required only when going inside the building to use the bathroom. All participants must bring a mask to the program.
Registration is required.
Register now with our secure payment portal.
For more information, contact:
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
87 Perkins Row
Topsfield, MA 01983
Cost
$88 members, $104 nonmembersHow
More Info
COVID Reopening: Please evaluate your family's health carefully before attending, and please follow all mask and social distancing requirements when attending any in-person event.
