Central & Western Massachusetts Programs & Events - JANUARY- MAY 2019 - Mass Audubon
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Central Massachusetts / Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuaries in Central & Western Massachusetts For information on programs and sanctuaries in Eastern Massachusetts, visit massaudubon.org. Pleasant Valley 15 6 5 Rugged, yet accessible— nature at its best. 20 7 13 9 10 11 472 West Mountain Road Pittsfield Lenox, MA 01240 19 14 3 21 4 Boston 23 17 12 Worcester 2 1 22 18 Springfield 16 8 Arcadia Wachusett Meadow Broad Meadow Brook Forests, grasslands, meadows, Habitat diversity and Sanctuary in the city; and marshes. abundant wildlife in the discover the wilds of Worcester. 127 Combs Road Wachusett highlands. 414 Massasoit Road Easthampton, MA 01027 113 Goodnow Road Worcester, MA 01604 Princeton, MA 01541 Central MA Western MA 1 Broad Meadow Brook, Worcester Connecticut River Valley 2 Burncoat Pond, Spencer 12 Arcadia, Easthampton & Northampton 3 Cook’s Canyon, Barre 13 Conway Hills, Conway 4 Eagle Lake, Holden 14 Graves Farm, Williamsburg & Whatley 5 Flat Rock, Fitchburg 15 High Ledges, Shelburne 6 Lake Wampanoag, Gardner 16 Laughing Brook, Hampden 7 Lincoln Woods, Leominster 17 Lynes Woods, Westhampton 8 Pierpont Meadow, Dudley 18 Richardson Brook, Tolland 9 Poor Farm Hill, New Salem 19 Road’s End, Worthington 10 Rutland Brook, Petersham 20 West Mountain, Plainfield 11 Wachusett Meadow, Princeton Berkshires 21 Canoe Meadows, Pittsfield Staffed wildlife sanctuaries with 22 Lime Kiln Farm, Sheffield accessible features. 23 Pleasant Valley, Lenox
Central Massachusetts / Broad Meadow Brook Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries m a s saudubon . org /pleasantvalley Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary 472 West Mountain Road Lenox, MA 01240 News & Notes 413-637-0320 Should I stay or should I go? This is a question some During our bird walks, we not only identify birds, we of us ask before and during our long, snowy New also appreciate their survival strategies, with long- England winters. After tens of thousands of years distance flight being one of the most awe-inspiring. of natural selection, birds don’t have to ask that Birding helps us use our brains in different ways, question; they just know when it’s time to leave. shifting our senses for heightened awareness and Sometimes, we can forget just how sophisticated growing our knowledge of the marvels in the natural birds really are. world. Take, for instance, the osprey that return in March This winter, stick around and take a moment to from places like Colombia and Venezuela, sometimes remember the resilient, brain-growing chickadees. traveling for extended hours over open water. Or the And as we ease into spring, get out and find those tiny bobolink, another South American migrant, who remarkable neotropical migrants. No matter the flies all that way, but weighs just about the same as a season, we invite you to our recurring, new, nearby, Snickers bar. and travel birding programs to discover and explore Then there are those birds that stay for the winter; the great outdoors. as the weather gets colder, winter resident birds like chickadees and nuthatches tough out the season Becky Cushing, Berkshire Sanctuaries Director by shifting their diets to eat more seeds and berries, Dale Abrams, Berkshire Naturalist and Education caching food, foraging in flocks, and hiding out in Coordinator tree cavities. Chickadees even increase the volume of their brains to remember where their food is hidden! Reminders Connect with Us Weather & Gear Preregistration is requested facebook.com/ Most programs take place unless otherwise noted. MassAudubonPleasantValley outdoors, rain or shine. Participants will be notified Please check program location, ahead of time if a program as some are held offsite. is canceled due to inclement The cost of program materials weather. Please bring water is included unless otherwise and wear sturdy, closed-toe noted. footwear (sneakers or hiking This sanctuary has shoes). Sunblock and insect accessible features. repellent are recommended. 26 28 Learn more and register: massaudubon.org/arcadia
Western Massachusetts / Arcadia Bulletin Board Berkshire Nature Day Camp February & April School Vacation Weeks Tuesday–Friday, February 19–22 / 9:00 am–3:30 pm Registration is Open! Tuesday–Friday, April 16–19 / 9:00 am–3:30 pm Summer will be here before we know it. Our Vacation Weeks are packed with nature exploration Find information and register for camp and hands-on learning outside the classroom. Sign up for at massaudubon.org/berkshirecamp. one, two, three, or all four days. See page 32. Canoe Meadow’s Snowshoe Rentals Community Gardens $2/hour members, $3/hour nonmembers Registration Begins April 13 Don’t let the snow deter you from enjoying winter Join Canoe Meadows’ Community Garden outdoors—get out and enjoy the crystalline beauty of the and enjoy growing vegetables in the season with a pair of snowshoes. Adult and children’s most scenic community garden in the sizes are available. Berkshires! See page 32. Pleasant Valley Spring Volunteer Day Saturday, April 20 / 9:00 am–12:00 pm Berkshire Sanctuaries Wish List Help care for native gardens, trails, boardwalks, and more. Garden, carpentry, and handcraft tools. Binoculars, spotting scopes, nets, and other nature study equipment. Statewide Volunteer Day at Canoe Meadows Call to learn more about granting a wish: 413-637-0320. Saturday, April 27 / 9:00 am–12:00 pm Help restore habitat and prepare our Community Gardens for the season. See massaudubon.org/berkshirevolunteers for details. ©Cathy Fitzgerald Learn more and register: massaudubon.org/pleasantvalley 29
Western Massachusetts / The Berkshires Winter Hikes in the Berkshires Embrace the winter weather and get outside this season! Strap on some snowshoes or microspikes and join us for a hike to experience the serenity of the Berkshires in winter. We’ll track wildlife, identify trees by their bark, and more. Dress for the weather. Bring snowshoes or microspikes, if you have them, or call in advance to reserve our snowshoes. Bring water and a snack. Pleasant Valley Snowshoe Hikes Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox Programs for Adults Dates: Leader: Saturdays, January 26; February 16 / 12:30–3:00 pm Dale Abrams, Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist and Preregistration is requested for all Education Coordinator Cost: $10 members, $15 nonmembers, per session programs unless otherwise noted. Embark on this winter wonderland hike around the sanctuary’s trails. We’ll watch for wildlife activity around ponds, streams, meadows, and woodlands. Bare-Naked Beauty: Woody Plants in Winter Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox Lenox Mountain Summit Hike Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox Date: Saturday, March 16 / 9:30–11:30 am Leader: Dale Abrams, Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist and Date: Saturday, February 2 / 12:30–3:30 pm Education Coordinator Leader: Dale Abrams, Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist and Cost: $10 members, $15 nonmembers Education Coordinator Cost: $10 members, $15 nonmembers No leaves? No problem! You can learn to recognize oaks, maples, and other woodland trees and shrubs without Get active during this hike to the summit of Lenox Mountain foliage. We’ll look at samples of twigs, practice using a (2,126 feet) where we’ll take in an expansive 50-mile view field guide, and take a hike to test our identification skills. from the top. This moderately strenuous hike follows the Winter Tree Finder field guide available for purchase at Visitor Trail of the Ledges and/or Overbrook Trail three miles round- Center Gift Shop or bring your own guide. Dress for the weather. trip through northern hardwood and evergreen forests for an Snowshoes may be required depending on conditions; bring yours or elevation gain of 840 feet. Hiking poles recommended. borrow ours. L SPECIAK SNEA W Cold Brook Wildlife Sanctuary Birding by Ear: PREVIE Cold Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Sandisfield/Otis* Songs & Calls of Berkshire Birds Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox Date: Saturday, March 2 / 10:30 am–12:30 pm Leader: Dale Abrams, Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist and Education Coordinator Date: Saturday, April 6 / 10:00 am–12:00 pm Cost: Free Leader: Dale Abrams, Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist and Education Coordinator Get a ‘‘sneak preview” of the newest Berkshire wildlife Cost: $10 members, $15 nonmembers sanctuary, Cold Brook in Sandisfield and Otis, before it officially opens. We’ll have fun exploring the forests and Learning to identify the calls and songs of birds can be fun wetlands of this peaceful property. Hiking poles recommended and challenging. Making connections between bird songs but not required. *Sanctuary not yet open for public visitation. and the ecosystems or places they occur can help us sort and classify the myriad bird songs into manageable groups. We’ll share tricks to sound identification while hearing how bird sounds go hand in hand with habitat, behavior, and other clues, as well as review helpful resources available to you. Wood Duck ©Shaun Clarkson 30 Learn more and register: massaudubon.org/pleasantvalley
Western Massachusetts / The Berkshires Mindfulness & Nature Spring Birding in the The Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Stockbridge, Berkshires and Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox Beginners welcome. All programs free of charge. Preregistration not Experience the New England woods in winter, and at required.* Bring binoculars, if you have them, or call to reserve a pair. the height of spring bird migration, through the lens of consciousness and awakened perspective. Be prepared for hiking in any weather and gentle indoor movement classes. Birding at Canoe Meadows *Accommodations, meals, additional yoga classes, and healing arts Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, Pittsfield services available through Kripalu for additional fees. For more details and to register, visit kripalu.org. Dates: Fridays, April 19, 26 / 8:00–10:00 am Fridays, May 3–24 / 7:00–9:00 am Leader: Noreen Mole, Berkshire Sanctuaries Volunteer and Winter Woods Hoffmann Bird Club Past-President Canoe Meadows’ beautiful grounds are ideal for spotting Dates: Monday–Friday, February 18–22 migrant species, especially colorful wood-warblers, orioles, Leaders: Dale Abrams, Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist and and thrushes. Explore wetlands, meadows, and woodlands, Education Coordinator; Micah Mortali, Kripalu Schools while seeing different bird species each week. Director and Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership Founder Cost: $339 members and nonmembers* Explore the fascinating world of the late-winter forest and Birding at Pleasant Valley Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox its denizens, and expand your awareness of woodlands in winter with the help of naturalist-guided instruction. Discover the natural world as never before on the Dates: Wednesdays, May 1–22 / 7:00–8:30 am snow-covered trails of the Yokun Ridge, a designated Leader: Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist Massachusetts Forest Legacy area. Develop observational Pleasant Valley’s beaver ponds, wetlands, woods, and skills to interpret the subtle ‘‘language’’ of animal tracks meadows are super sites to see warblers, tanagers, orioles, and other signs, observe winter birds in their natural and more during spring migration and nesting season. habitat, and learn about the lives of trees that comprise the beautiful and diverse Berkshire forests. Experience the healing, meditative qualities of "forest bathing" in evergreen-rich woods, and relax with gentle indoor yoga and Birding at Lime Kiln Farm Lime Kiln Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, Sheffield movement classes. Snowshoes and poles are provided. Dates: Saturdays, May 4–18 / 7:00–9:00 am Leader: Dale Abrams, Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist and Berkshire Birds Education Coordinator Celebrate the height of spring migration with a morning Dates: Tuesday–Friday, May 28–31 bird walk at Lime Kiln Farm. Listen and look for warblers, Leaders: Becky Cushing, Berkshire Sanctuaries Director; Micah orioles, sparrows, thrushes, and other songbirds, while Mortali, Kripalu Schools Director and Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership Founder enjoying woodland trails and views of the Taconic Range. Cost: $309 members and nonmembers* Observing birds in nature shares many qualities with the L SPECIAK Birding at Tracy Brook practice of mindfulness. The focused awareness and calm SNEA W PREVIE Tracy Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Richmond observation of both activities helps to soothe the mind and promotes connection to the natural world—and ourselves— in profound ways. This program will introduce you to the Dates: Thursdays, May 9, 23 / 7:00–9:00 am meditative joys of birdwatching. Hike Kripalu’s wooded Leader: Dale Abrams, Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist and trails and explore its serene waterways during the height of Education Coordinator spring bird migration. We will hope to see great blue herons, Get a special ‘‘sneak preview” of one of our newest Berkshire woodpeckers, and bald eagles along the way. Experience wildlife sanctuaries before it officially opens. View one of the the healing, meditative qualities of “forest–bathing” in largest great blue heron rookeries in the region and observe evergreen-rich woods, and relax with gentle indoor yoga and migrant songbirds at this birding hot spot. Meet at Pleasant Valley movement classes. at 6:45 am to carpool (parking is limited). *Preregistration is required. Learn more and register: massaudubon.org/pleasantvalley 31
Western Massachusetts / The Berkshires Spring Wildflower Walks Introduction to Gardening Organically Lime Kiln Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, Sheffield Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox Date: Saturday, May 4 / 9:30 am–12:00 pm Leader: Dale Abrams, Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist and Date: Saturday, April 13 / 10:30 am–12:00 pm Education Coordinator Leader: Berkshire Sanctuaries Staff and Volunteers Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, Pittsfield Cost: Free Date: Saturday, May 11 / 10:30 am–12:30 pm Leader: Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist This workshop is a great skill-builder for new gardeners and those who haven’t gardened in several years. Our Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox experienced instructors will share the benefits of Date: Saturday, May 18 / 10:00 am–12:30 pm organic gardening and techniques for incorporating Leader: Linda Cysz, Botanist organic growing practices in your own garden. Cost: $6 members, $8 nonmembers, per session Search our meadows and woodlands for blooming Canoe Meadows Community Gardens Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, Pittsfield wildflowers and other signs of spring as we enjoy a leisurely $35 members, $50 nonmembers, six-month walk in the warm sunshine. Learn to use guidebooks and Community Garden Membership smartphone apps to look up plants that we discover. Bring a snack and a hand lens, if you have one. Join Canoe Meadows’ Community Garden and enjoy growing vegetables in the most scenic community garden in the Berkshires! Register early to reserve your plot. New garden members must register for the free program Introduction to Gardening Organically, above. Programs for Children, School Vacation Weeks Families, & All Ages Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox Ages: Children ages 7–12 Preregistration is requested for all Leaders: Max Galdos-Shapiro, Berkshire Sanctuaries Education programs unless otherwise noted. Coordinator; Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalists Cost: $190 members, $250 nonmembers, per week $50 members, $65 nonmembers, per day Our Vacation Weeks are packed with nature exploration and Wildlife CSI: Understanding Animal hands-on learning outside the classroom. Sign up for one, Tracks & Signs two, three, or all four days. Bring a lunch and two snacks each day. Space is limited; early registration recommended. Dates: Saturdays, January 26; February 2 / 9:00–11:00 am WINTER ADVENTURE VACATION WEEK Saturday, February 16 / 10:00 am–12:00 pm Tuesday–Friday, February 19–22 / 9:00 am–3:30 pm Ages: Adults and families with children ages 8 and up Leader: Dale Abrams, Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist and Learn about wildlife that stays active in the cold and snow, Education Coordinator and the adaptations that enable them to survive. Depending Cost: adults $8 members, $10 nonmembers, per session* on the conditions, we’ll build snow shelters and snowshoe children $4 members, $6 nonmembers, per session* or hike to ‘‘secret’’ parts of the sanctuary. Snowshoes provided. Dress for the weather; warm outerwear and waterproof boots required. Search for tracks, scat, and other signs of wildlife that stay active through the winter. You’ll discover new whodunit SPRING EXPLORERS VACATION WEEK mysteries that take place out in nature while we’re typically Tuesday–Friday, April 16–19 / 9:00 am–3:30 pm warm inside our homes. Dress for the weather. Snowshoes may be required depending on conditions; bring yours, or borrow ours. Spring is a great time to experience the natural world as plants and wildlife awaken, energized and full of life. Explore January 26: Lime Kiln Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, Sheffield our forests, ponds, and wetlands for new plant growth, early February 2: Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, Pittsfield bird arrivals, and emerging amphibians and reptiles. Dress February 16: Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox for the weather; mud boots are required. 32 Learn more and register: massaudubon.org/pleasantvalley
Western Massachusetts / The Berkshires Moonlight Owl & Wildlife Prowls Evenings at the Beaver Ponds Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox Dates: Tuesday, February 19 / 6:30–8:00 pm Wednesday, March 20 / 7:00–8:30 pm Dates: Wednesdays, May 15, 29 / 6:00–7:30 pm Ages: Adults and families with children ages 7 and up Ages: Adults and families with children ages 3 and up Leader: Dale Abrams, Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist and Leader: Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist Education Coordinator Cost: adults $6 members, $8 nonmembers, per session Cost: adults $6 members, $8 nonmembers, per session children $3 members, $4 nonmembers, per session children $3 members, $4 nonmembers, per session Visit our beaver ponds with a naturalist, and search for Enjoy a moonlit evening listening and watching for owls beavers and other animals attracted to these rich wetlands. and other nocturnal wildlife. We’ll explore fields, forests, Learn about the natural history of beavers and how they and wetlands, learning about animal adaptations for night continue to change the valley’s landscape 85 years after hunting. Afterward, we’ll warm up with tea and hot cocoa. their reintroduction to the area. Wear long pants, a shirt with long Dress for the weather. Snowshoes may be required depending on sleeves, and a hat. Bring binoculars, if you have them. conditions; bring yours, or borrow ours. February 19: Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, Pittsfield March 20: Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox Habitat Helpers: Build Wildlife Homes Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox Woodcock’s Sky Dance Housatonic Wildlife Management Area, Lenox Dates: Select Saturdays, February–April / 12:30–2:00 pm Ages: Adults and families with children ages 5 and up Dates: Wednesdays, April 17; May 1 / 8:00–9:00 pm Leader: Dale Abrams, Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist and Ages: Adults and families with children of all ages Education Coordinator Leader: Dale Abrams, Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist and Cost: children Free Education Coordinator Cost: adults $5 members, $7 nonmembers, per session Come get crafty in our cozy red barn and build something children Free that will improve wildlife habitat in your neighborhood. These hands-on, family-friendly workshops will teach you When the sun sets in early spring, woodcock love is in where and how to place the boxes in ideal habitats. In the the air. Wet meadows and fields are transformed into a end, you get to take them home. No experience necessary. All ‘‘runway’’ for their beautiful aerial courtship display; we’ll materials included. visit our meadows to listen and watch for the woodcock’s performance on their breeding grounds. Viewing the February 23: Bluebird Nest Box Workshop woodcock’s sky dance is a natural spectacle that should Cost: adults $20 members, $25 nonmembers not be missed. Directions provided upon registration. Dress for the weather. Bring binoculars if you have them. Assemble pre-cut bluebird nesting box kits to provide nest sites for eastern bluebirds and other small, cavity-nesting species such as tree swallows, house wrens, black-capped chickadees, tufted titmice, and white-breasted nuthatches. Spring Salamander & Frog Search Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox March 16: Wood Duck & Kestrel Nest Box Workshop Cost: adults $35 members, $40 nonmembers Dates: Fridays, April 19, 26 / 5:30–7:30 pm Ages: Adults and families with children of all ages Wood duck or kestrel nest boxes on your property are a great Leader: Dale Abrams, Berkshire Sanctuaries Naturalist and way to support wildlife populations in your neighborhood. Education Coordinator Learn the fascinating natural history of these birds and how Cost: adults $6 members, $8 nonmembers, per session to identify the ideal location for your box. children $3 members, $4 nonmembers, per session April 13: Bat Box Workshop Spotted salamanders and wood frogs spend their days Cost: adults $25 members, $35 nonmembers under logs, stones, and other forest-floor objects, venturing out only on cool, moist evenings. Search our woods and Bat houses on your property are a great way to support wetlands for these fascinating nocturnal animals, and learn these declining but important predators of flying insects. about their interesting lives. Children must be accompanied by an Learn about bats in our area and their natural history. Bat adult. Dress for the weather with long pants, long sleeves, and boots. boxes make a great addition to your neighborhood, helping to naturally keep away pesky insects like mosquitoes. Learn more and register: massaudubon.org/pleasantvalley 33
L O C AT I O N S & D E S C R I P T I O N S Western MA Poor Farm Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 53 Acres West Main Street, New Salem Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, 724 Acres 978-464-2712 127 Combs Road | Easthampton 413-584-3009 | arcadia@massaudubon.org Poor Farm Hill Wildlife Sanctuary is part of a large mosaic of conservation land located in New Salem. The expansive area massaudubon.org/arcadia provides forest habitat for warblers and ground-nesting birds as facebook.com/massaudubonarcadia well as large mammals including bobcat, black bear, and moose. Spanning Easthampton and Northampton, Arcadia’s diverse LATITUDE/LONGITUDE: 42.5029, -72.33948 terrain (forest, meadows, grasslands, marsh, and wetlands) attracts an extraordinary variety of wildlife. You will also find a thriving population of wildflowers, thanks to its rich, loamy soil, which is characteristic of the Connecticut River floodplain. Rocky Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, 441 Acres Cardinal Lane, Groton NATURE CENTER HOURS: 978-464-2712 Monday–Saturday, 9:00 am–3:00 pm Sunday, seasonally Located on the Groton-Ayer town line, Rocky Hill Wildlife Sanctu- ary is a land of impressive ledges, large boulders, beaver ponds, ADMISSION: vernal pools, and extensive uninterrupted woodlands. The sanctuary Members and Northampton and Easthampton residents: Free lies within a state designated Area of Critical Environmental Nonmembers: $4 adults; $3 children (2–12); $3 seniors (65 and older) Concern and supports moose, beavers, and porcupines, as well DIRECTIONS: From Northampton, take Rt. 5 South. Right on East as nearly 100 species of birds and more than 240 plant species. Sreet. Right on Fort Hill Road. Please note: Parking area may not be plowed in winter. LATITUDE/LONGITUDE: 42.581056, -71.531061 Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, 253 Acres Holmes Road, Pittsfield Rutland Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 1,779 Acres 413-637-0320 | massaudubon.org/canoemeadows Off of Pat Connor Road, Petersham Located just one mile from the center of Pittsfield, Canoe 978-464-2712 | massaudubon.org/rutlandbrook Meadows brings wildness to Berkshire County’s largest city, Combined with neighboring conservation lands, Rutland Brook attracting warblers, turtles, ospreys, otters, and the occasional is part of one of the most extensive parcels of uninterrupted bear at different times of year. Gentle, flat trails wind through protected land in central Massachusetts. Here, moderate-to- the sanctuary’s scenic woods, fields, and wetlands, and along strenuous interlinking trails wind though cathedral-like stands the edge of the Housatonic River. of hemlock and white pine and along boulder-strewn Rutland Brook. LATITUDE/LONGITUDE: 42.430527,-73.237482 LATITUDE/LONGITUDE: 42.463191, -72.161287 Conway Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, 105 Acres Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, South Deerfield Road (Route 116), Conway 1,124 Acres 978-464-2712 | massaudubon.org/conwayhills 113 Goodnow Road | Princeton Once, cow pastures along with hay and tobacco fields covered 978-464-2712 | wachusett@massaudubon.org much of the area. Now, many of the fields have reverted to massaudubon.org/wachusettmeadow forests, which provides habitat for coyotes, bears, moose, and bobcats. A single loop trail with a moderate ascent takes you facebook.com/massaudubonwachusettmeadow through a previously harvested white pine and hemlock forest, Wachusett Meadow is a former farmstead that offers spectacular past aging stone walls, by a large sugar maple “wolf” tree, and over scenery and supports abundant wildlife throughout woodlands, some rocky ledges. Please note: only roadside parking available. wetlands, and meadows. Historic buildings and barns are still in DIRECTIONS: 4.5 miles west on Rt. 116 from I-91 and Rt. 5. use for educational programming and resident sheep graze the pastures. Trails traverse many interesting features including Brown Hill Summit, Glacial Boulder, ancient trees, and beaver ponds. Graves Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 607 Acres NATURE CENTER HOURS: Adams Road, Williamsburg Tuesday–Friday, 10:00 am–2:00 pm 413-584-3009 | massaudubon.org/gravesfarm Saturday, 10:00 am–4:00 pm Sunday and Monday Holidays, 12:30–4:00 pm For more than 125 years, this property was managed as a dairy Closed Mondays farm. The now-protected wildlife sanctuary is complete with mixed forest, dramatic geologic features, pristine cold-water TRAIL HOURS: Daily dawn to dusk streams, and serene pastoral landscapes. ADMISSION: DIRECTIONS: North on Depot Road from Rt. 9. Right on Adams Mass Audubon members and Princeton residents: Free Road. Half mile to entrance. Nonmembers: $4 adults; $3 children (2–12); $3 seniors (65 and older) DIRECTIONS: From Rt. 62/Rt. 31 intersection at Princeton Center Common, follow Rt. 62 West for 0.6 miles. Turn right onto Goodnow Road and parking lot is one mile ahead on the left. 35
L O C AT I O N S & D E S C R I P T I O N S High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary, 792 acres Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 1,191 Acres Off of Patten Road, Shelburne 472 West Mountain Road | Lenox 978-464-2712 | massaudubon.org/highledges 413-637-0320 | berkshires@massaudubon.org Enjoy the spectacular panoramic views of the Deerfield River massaudubon.org/pleasantvalley Valley and Mount Greylock from the ledges at the end of the facebook.com/massaudubonpleasantvalley sanctuary road. Spring is the best time to see many wildflowers, although the entire flower season offers both common and Set amidst more than 1,000 lush acres in the Berkshires, uncommon wildflowers and ferns. Some trails may be Pleasant Valley’s varied trails wind through forests, meadows, strenuous, but the views are worth it. Please note: Parking wetlands, and along the slopes of Lenox Mountain, making this area is not plowed in winter. site an excellent location for easy-to-strenuous hiking. While exploring, there’s a good chance you will see evidence of the DIRECTIONS: From Rt. 2, turn north onto Little Mohawk Road. sanctuary’s most visible wildlife resident, the beaver, via dams, Follow Mass Audubon signs. dens, or lodges. NATURE CENTER HOURS: Monday*–Friday, 9:00 am–4:00 pm Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 367 Acres Saturday, Sunday, and Monday Holidays, 10:00 am–4:00 pm 793 Main Street, Hampden *Closed Mondays, Columbus Day–June 30 413-584-3009 | massaudubon.org/laughingbrook TRAILS: Dawn to dusk on days Nature Center is open Fans of Thornton W. Burgess are no strangers to the setting at ADMISSION: Laughing Brook. The children’s author wove his tales around Members and Lenox residents: Free the wild animals that live here. The landscape has changed Nonmembers: $5 adults; $3 children (2–12); $3 seniors (65 and older) since Burgess called this land home. The ‘‘laughing’’ brook has at times become a roaring river, depositing sand used later by LATITUDE/LONGITUDE: 42.382587, -73.298968 turtles, and strong winds have downed trees, leaving behind new shelter for salamanders. DIRECTIONS: From Allen Sreet in Springfield, turn left on Main Richardson Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 109 acres Sreet in Hampden. Entrance is two miles ahead on the left. New Boston Road (Route 57), Tolland 978-464-2712 | massaudubon.org/richardsonbrook Named for the brook at its southern boundary, this wildlife Lime Kiln Wildlife Sanctuary, 260 Acres sanctuary offers a challenging trail that meanders by numerous Silver Street, Sheffield large trees and boulders, an interesting stone structure, and 413-584-3009 | massaudubon.org/limekiln finally to Richardson Brook itself. Please note: Only roadside parking available (not plowed in winter). Lime Kiln Farm hosts more than 500 species of plants including many rare varieties. A key tract of land within the LATITUDE/LONGITUDE: 42.08858, -73.04907 14,000-acre Schenob Brook Area of Critical Environmental Concern, the rolling hayfields, limestone ridge, conifer forest, and former pastures attract more than 50 species of butterflies Road’s End Wildlife Sanctuary, 190 Acres as well as pileated woodpeckers, alder flycatchers, and Corbett Road, Worthington red foxes. 978-464-2712 | massaudubon.org/roadsend LATITUDE/LONGITUDE: 42.082599, -73.362743 An abandoned farmstead that was once selectively lumbered and cleared for agricultural purposes, Road’s End proves that, in time, the land can return to its former state. A white pine Lynes Woods Wildlife Sanctuary, 188 Acres forest now stands in an old field, and pastures have become Edwards Road, Westhampton beaver meadows. Two gentle loop trails through the fields, 413-584-3009 | massaudubon.org/lynes forests, and along a brook quickly transport you to the ‘‘middle of nowhere.’’ Please note: Parking area is not plowed in winter. Forest, shrubby fields, wetlands, and old stone walls tell the story of Lynes Woods’ past as a former working farm and LATITUDE/LONGITUDE: 42.423736, -72.930181 orchard. Here you can take an easy one-mile loop walk along a quiet woodland path to crystal clear Lyman Brook and listen for the music of water rushing over rocks. Please note: Parking area West Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, 1,711 Acres is not plowed in winter. Prospect Street, Plainfield DIRECTIONS: Head 0.7 miles south on Edwards Road from Rt. 66 978-464-2712 | massaudubon.org/westmountain to reach the entrance. West Mountain, situated within the watershed of the federally designated Wild and Scenic Westfield River, is part of one of the largest aggregations of conserved land in Massachusetts. The sanctuary provides valuable habitat for moose, black bears, otters, fishers, and bobcats, as well as habitat for a number of state-listed rare plants and animals and nesting sites for threatened ground-nesting birds. Please note: Only roadside parking available and parking area is not plowed in winter. LATITUDE/LONGITUDE: 42.5172, -72.9425 36
R E G I S T R AT I O N I N F O R M AT I O N Registration Procedures & Policy Guidelines REGISTRATION We will notify you at least 24 hours in advance of the program only if space becomes available. If space does Advance registration with full payment is required for not open up, you will receive a full refund within three all programs unless otherwise noted. You may call in advance to inquire about space availability, but we weeks of the program date. cannot hold a space for you until we have received your payment in full. Please register early as many programs CANCELLATION/REFUND fill quickly. If you are registering for a class and less than To receive a refund for a program you no longer plan one week remains before the program begins, please to attend, you must notify the wildlife sanctuary that call the wildlife sanctuary that is hosting the program to is hosting the program at least one week prior to the confirm space availability. If you are not a Mass Audubon program start date. Each wildlife sanctuary reserves the member, you may join when you register and pay the right to change programs, schedules, and instructors or member program fee. to cancel programs due to low enrollment. A full refund will be processed if the wildlife sanctuary cancels the program. Refunds require approximately three weeks THREE EASY WAYS TO REGISTER! for processing. Please be aware that summer camp Online: Register online at massaudubon.org/catalog. and vacation week programs have a separate refund (Please note: Some programs and trips do not take policy. Please refer to the camp brochure or call for this online registration. In these instances, please call the information. wildlife sanctuary that is hosting the program during business hours.) INCLEMENT WEATHER By Phone: Our staff will be happy to complete your Most programs are held rain or shine; please dress registration with a credit card by phone. accordingly. If a program is canceled as a result of In Person: Stop by the wildlife sanctuary that is hosting extreme weather conditions, an attempt to notify all the program to register in person. (Please note: In- participants will be made and full refunds will be issued. person registration should be done prior to the program If you have any questions about the status of a program, start date to ensure space availability.) please call the wildlife sanctuary that is hosting the program. For programs that specify a rain, cloud, or REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION snow date, we recommend that you hold the alternate date open. Refunds will not be issued if the class is Written confirmation is not sent for every program. If you switched to its alternate date and you are not able would like to receive written confirmation, please let the to attend. wildlife sanctuary that is hosting the program know at the time of registration. You will be notified if a program is full and you have been added to a waitlist. Please read ADDITIONAL INFORMATION all correspondence carefully as it may contain important If you have additional questions about registration program information such as what to bring or wear, policies or a particular program, please call the wildlife directions to a location, etc. sanctuary that is hosting the program. WAITLISTED PROGRAMS Most programs have minimum and maximum enrollments depending on the type of class and instructional techniques. Some programs have waitlists. If the program of your choice is full, you will be placed on a waitlist when there is one. If you do not wish to remain on the waitlist, please notify the wildlife sanctuary that is hosting the program and a refund will be issued. 37
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