Come explore what nature has in store at some of our most amazing wild places on the North Shore! Joppa Flats Education Coordinator Lisa Hutchings and her team will introduce families to local forests, beaches, and wetlands to make observations in nature, identify wildlife, and enjoy hands-on science activities outdoors. Sign up for one, some, or all!

Joppa Flats will provide all field gear and equipment. This is not a drop-off class; all children must be accompanied by at least one adult. All adults are expected to participate in the program.

9/23, 3:00-5:00 pm: Tide Pool Study at Sandy Point, Plum Island
Find and collect a wide variety of marine life, then learn how to classify and sort them by species while discussing the effects of sea level rise on rocky shore ecosystems.

Let’s compare what life we can find in two habitats; life under a log and life at the end of a pond! Salamanders, frogs and toads are all active in autumn and can be found in a variety of habitats.

10/7, 10:00am-12:00 pm: Visit to the Bird Banding Station, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Plum Island
Birds are migrating south for the winter, so let’s learn how birds are banded and why this process is so important for long term study. You’ll test your own banding skills with a mock student lab after our visit.

10/14, 1:00-3:00 pm: Aquatic Invertebrates at Mill Pond, West Newbury
Pond life need a healthy habitat, so let’s find some snails, beetles, and nymphs while we do some simple water sampling. We’ll also see if frogs and turtles are still present in the pond.

11/4, 10:00 am-12:00 pm: Life at Lake Gardner, Amesbury
We’ll start with some water testing, then go birding around the lake in search of waterfowl, wading birds, and woodpeckers.

11/11, 1:00-3:00 pm: Waterfowl at Cherry Hill Reservoir, Byfield
Ducks, swans, geese, and cormorants all use this location for feeding, breeding, resting, and nesting. Let’s bring binoculars and see which of our feathered friends we can find on the pond.

12/2, 10:00 am-12:00 pm: Learning about Weather at Maudslay State Park, Newburyport
Winter is coming, so let’s use some tools to determine the wind speed and direction, forecast the weather based on the clouds, and discover how wildlife are adjusting to the colder temperatures.

12/9, 10:00 am-12:00 pm: Winter Mammals & Birds at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield
Mammals are digging out burrows and dens, songbirds are storing seeds, and insects are safe and warm inside their winter homes. Let’s take a hke and see what evidence we can find of active wildlife.

Directions:
Prior to the program, you will receive an email with information on where to meet, parking and facilities details, driving directions, and other guidelines. Dress for the weather and terrain.

Suitable for children 6 – 11 years

Members:
Adult $14.00
Child $12.00

Nonmembers:
Adult $18.00
Child $16.00

Registration is Required

Joppa Flats Education Center
1 Plum Island Turnpike
Newburyport, MA 01950
joppaflats@massaudubon.org