Discovery

Explore the Ipswich River at dusk. Bring your family and join us for an evening paddle in a canoe as we learn more about the river and some of its inhabitants. Celebrate the coming of summer with the solstice just around the corner. As we paddle along, we'll look for plants and animals that are equally excited about the approaching season.

Fireflys, also called lightning bugs, appear for only a few weeks in the early summer to delight us with their luminous nighttime dance and light show. During this fun evening family adventure at Maudslay, learn about the life of a firefly and take a firefly walk led by the park interpreter. Bring a net or jar to catch fireflies, and learn how you can help with firefly monitoring. Comfortable walking shoes and bug spray are recommended.  Meet at the park headquarters on 74 Curzon Mill Road.

Maudslay State Park has one of the best shows of flower bloom in the Commonwealth. Come and join the beginning of this cycle with a look at the two varieties of trilliums that bloom at Maudslay with the park interpreter. This month, we enjoy the bloom of Lily-of-the-Valley, Ghent/Exbury Azalea, Columbine, and Ox-eye Daisy. Wear comfortable shoes and appropriate warm clothes. Meet at the park headquarters at 74 Curzon Mill Rd

Maudslay State Park has one of the best shows of flower bloom in the Commonwealth. Come and join the beginning of this cycle with a look at the two varieties of trilliums that bloom at Maudslay with the park interpreter. This month, we enjoy the bloom of Lily-of-the-Valley, Ghent/Exbury Azalea, Columbine, and Ox-eye Daisy. Wear comfortable shoes and appropriate warm clothes. Meet at the park headquarters at 74 Curzon Mill Rd

What kid doesn’t like playing in the water? There’s many creatures that live there that we may not know about. Come join the interpreter for this interactive exploration into the pond and its many denizens. Appropriate for families with children. Wear clothes that can get wet and appropriate shoes. Meet at the park headquarters on Curzon Mill Rd.

We will be exploring the tide-pools of Sandy Point to learn about the relationships between the water, plants, and animals that live in this habitat. We will learn how to search and handle a wide variety of intertidal animals including  snails, mussels, crabs, and other small invertebrates. We plan to play a game that shows what life in a tide-pool is like, sing some songs and get a little wet too!

Come to Joppa Flats to celebrate our incredible variety of birds, beach creatures, fish, horseshoe crabs, insects, and plants with a day of indoor and (hopefully) outdoor activities for all ages!  This full-day family event will feature an exciting mixture of indoor and outdoor activities that encourage participants to learn more about biodiversity.

Come to Joppa Flats Education Center where adults and children can learn about the transitional habitat of the mud flats at Joppa and spend quality family time in the great outdoors finding, observing, and admiring local wildlife. Excursions include a group game to burn off some steam, an on-the-water scavenger hunt, or a guided tour. We'll observe, investigate, and compare coastal environments and their inhabitants, both on- and offshore.

Late spring is a great time to experience on-the-water ecology, and kayaking is the perfect way to capture every moment. From wading birds to waterfowl, the salt marshes provide the backdrop to sights and sounds that are uniquely available from the water. Kayaking quietly on the calm waters of the Plum Island Sound, we'll visit secluded areas where we can witness wildlife without disturbing their activities. We may even see horseshoe crabs mating!

05/24/2013: This workshop was canceled! Come to a fun filled workshop hosted by the Beverly Recreation Department! Building a fairy house is a great way for kids to be creative and learn about preserving our planet. Use twigs, rocks, shells, mulch, sand, pinecones, moss, clay and more. Children encouraged to dress like fairies! Materials included. A photographer may take pictures for parents (extra fee for pictures). Instructor: Gigi Sisman-Thomson.