BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation has announced its April school vacation programming schedule, offering 85 free recreational and educational activities for kids and families at 24 state parks and watersheds across Massachusetts.
Taking place during Earth Week, the lineup includes community celebrations, environmental education programs and activities such as sustainable gardening, guided hikes and animal encounters, running from Saturday, April 18, through Sunday, April 26. These programs are designed to help families connect with nature, explore the outdoors and enjoy Massachusetts’ state parks together.
“After such a cold winter, we’re excited to invite Massachusetts back outside to enjoy our outdoor spaces and reconnect with nature,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “With Earth Week around the corner, it’s a great time to check out a DCR park in your area with friends and family.”
“Spring in Massachusetts is one of the best times to get outdoors to play and learn” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “We’re excited to welcome kids and families with fun, hands-on ways to explore our parks together. No matter what part of the state you live in, there are free opportunities to help kids learn about and feel at home in our shared outdoor spaces and public lands.”
“April school vacation is a great time for families to explore, learn, and spend time together,” said Education Secretary Dr. Stephen Zrike. “These free, interactive experiences help students stay engaged outside the classroom and allow families to experience the unique resources that make Massachusetts special.”
To make it easier for families to participate, DCR is waiving parking fees at parks offering programming.
Additionally, DCR is offering adaptive programming during April vacation week through the Universal Access Program.
Visitors are encouraged to dress appropriately for all locations and activities. Children are required to be accompanied by an adult for all activities. Many events are weather-dependent and subject to change or cancellation. Registration is required for select events. For a full list of all programming offered during school vacation week, as well as participation details and contact info for each activity, visit DCR’s website.
Highlights from April break programming include:
Princeton
Walking with the Ancients — Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, 345 Mountain Road, in Princeton on Tuesday, April 21, from 1 to 2 p.m. Explore the forests of Wachusett Mountain with DCR staff and learn about some of the rarest and most ancient trees currently growing in Massachusetts. Wachusett Mountain has the only old-growth forest in Massachusetts east of the Connecticut River. This experience will include a roughly 1-mile guided hike. Great for children ages 8 and up. For more information, call the Wachusett Mountain Visitor Center at 978-464-2987.
Great Hill Detective Wachusett Mountain Visitor Center, 345 Mountain Road, in Princeton on Wednesday, April 22, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Investigate the mysteries of the mountain as we unwrap pieces of history and learn about their significance. Discover the secrets of “The Great Hill” we know as Wachusett Mountain today. Stop in for a few minutes or stay for the whole time. Great for ages 5+, all children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, please call the Wachusett Mountain Visitor Center, 978-464-2987.
Wildlife on the Mountain — Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, 345 Mountain Road, in Princeton on Thursday, April 23, from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Discover the lives of the “locals” in this talk about wildlife habitats, competition, and survival on Wachusett Mountain. See and touch skins, skulls, and tracks of some of our native animals, including deer, bobcats, bears, and more. Great for ages 5+, all children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, please call the Wachusett Mountain Visitor Center at 978-464-2987.
Sterling
Spring Puddles Stroll & Story — Wachusett Reservoir Watershed in Sterling on Friday, April 24, from 10 to 11 a.m.
Join a morning of outdoor adventure on this slow-paced walk to spot signs of wildlife and listen for frog calls. Along the way, participants will stop at a forested play area and read from the book The Noisy Puddle, which describes the magic of vernal pools. This walk is less than a mile in length on a trail accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Creatures of the Forest — Wachusett Reservoir Watershed in Sterling on Saturday, April 25, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Explore the different habitats and animals of the watershed on a guided sensory adventure for explorers of all abilities. Along this ¾ mile stroll, guests will encounter the telltale signs of forest life. The trail is both stroller and wheelchair accessible.
Uxbridge
Woodlands and Waterways — Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park in Uxbridge on Saturday, April 18, from 10 to 11 a.m.
Go for a 1-mile walk along the banks of the Blackstone River and learn about the life that it supports. Guests will have the chance to look for signs of local wildlife and learn from staff about everything DCR does to protect this watershed. Appropriate for ages 6 and up.
East Boston
An Oasis for Birds — Belle Isle Marsh Reservation in East Boston on Saturday, April 18, from 8 to 9:30 a.m.
Discover raptors and other specialty birds on a leisurely 1-mile walk over flat, relatively easy terrain at this bird watching hotspot. Great for adults and children age eight and up. Guests are encouraged to bring their own binoculars. Limited numbers of binoculars will be available to borrow. This is a multi-location activity. Guests interested in visiting more than one location will be responsible for their own transportation. Meet at DCR’s Belle Isle Marsh Reservation main parking lot, 1399 Bennington St., East Boston.
Salisbury
The Seal Sensation Station — Salisbury Beach State Reservation in Salisbury on Thursday, April 23, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Drop by for a quick look or stay a while to watch for harbor seals resting on the rocks along Salisbury Beach and learn about their behavior from DCR staff. Sightings are dependent on tide conditions and seal behavior. Spotting scopes are provided. Great for children ages 5 and up. Meeting Location: After parking in Lot 1 by the Merrimack River, head right along the path. Look for spotting scopes and educational displays and follow signs near the bathrooms and river.
Information about other activities across the state, including in Boylston and Concord, is available at https://tinyurl.com/yc6epkte.
Original article
Comments