Hiking

06/02/2013

Weekly Outdoor Events: Coexisting with Critters – June 3-9, 2013

Recess is one of the most important times in a child’s life, a time for exploration and hands-on education. My recesses were usually comprised of dirty hands, frogs, worms, and other many-legged living creatures. Unfortunately, as you get older, recess slowly starts to disappear, becoming replaced with “study halls” and “lunch breaks.” For all those who can understand and sympathize with my feeling of loss, I have wonderful news – this weekend, it’s time to be that dirt-covered kid again!

On June 6, in Harold Parker State Forest, all ages are welcome to come and learn about their neighbors in the woods. From 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., a park interpreter will be teaching about the variety of animals that make their home in the forest, and their habits. For more information, call (978)475-7972.

It’s supposed to be a beautiful 70 degrees in Sandy Point State Reservation on Friday June 7, so make your way down and look beyond the beach you see.  From 10 – 11 a.m., hike along the seldom-explored side of the Western trail, and investigate the salt marsh and sand dunes, and associated ecology and geology. Get your hands dirty! For more information, call (617)372-6730.

Finally, to top off your Massachusetts creature feature, join Rick Roth of the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team for a special event on Saturday June 8 in Halibut Point. From 1 – 2 p.m., you’ll be able to learn about snakes in New England, snakes in California, snakes in the tropics, and other slimy, scaled inhabitants.  For more information,  call (978)546-2997.

The end of this first week in June is sure to be a fun one, so grab your sunscreen, bug spray, and water bottle, and take a walk on the wild side of Massachusetts.

And don’t forget to check out the Great Outdoors interactive Google calendar for a full calendar of Massachusetts outdoor events!

 

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05/03/2013

Weekend Outdoor Events - May 3-6: Getting Outdoors and Fishing Fun!

 On Saturday, May 4, head over to the Freetown State Forest and strap on your hiking boots and experience the vastness of the unbroken forest on a walk that spans the full length of the 13,600-acre bioreserve. From old mill ponds to abandoned farm sites to vernal pools to cedar swamps - you won't believe the wilderness right in our own backyard. The full hike is 12 miles, but pick-ups will be available every few miles along the way and transportation will provided back your car.

This program is co-sponsored with The Trustees of Reservations, MassWildlife, and the city of Fall River. This hike is suitable for adults. Program is free and open to the public. Rain or shine. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request. Meet at the pavilion located near the main parking lot at Freetown State Forest. The Bioreserve Big Walk takes place 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. For more information call (508) 636-4693 x103. For directions, go to http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/southeast/free.htm

 

Also happening this weekend is a number of fishing derbies and festivals across the state! Cast a line; learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. If you have fishing equipment, bring it along. A limited quantity of fishing equipment and bait will be available at each event.

  • On Saturday, May 4, the Needham Recreation Family Fishing Derby is taking place at the Needham Reservoir from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. MassWildlife is participating in this festival in cooperation with the Needham Recreation Commission. Contact: Karen Peirce (781) 455-7521.
  • The Westborough Spring Fishing Challenge is also happening on Saturday on Sandra Pond at the Minuteman Park in Westborough from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Contact MassWildlife’s Jim Lagacy at (508) 389-6309 or email jim.lagacy@state.ma.us.
  • For those in the Charlton area, the Snows Pond Family Fishing Festival is happening on the shores of Snows Pond, located at Fay Mountain Farm off Cemetary Rod from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. MassWildlife is participating in this festival in cooperation with the Charlton Conservation Commission. Contact: Charlton Conservation Commission, Todd P. Girard (508) 248-2247 or email: todd.girard@townofcharlton.net.
  • On Sunday, May 5, the Brookline Reservoir Family Fishing Festival is taking place in Brookline! From 9:00 a.m. – noon, MassWildlife is participating in this festival in cooperation with the Brookline Recreation Department. Contact Stephanie Springer by email sspringer@brooklinema.gov for more information.

And don’t forget to check out the Great Outdoors interactive Google calendar for a full calendar of Massachusetts outdoor events.

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02/04/2013

Weekly Outdoor Events February 4 – February 10: Nature in Winter

With the Superbowl over, it’s time to get off the sofa and back outside!

On Saturday, February 9, head to Nickerson State Park at 9:45 a.m. to take a hike! Join hike leaders Bill and Amy on a 5-mile hike around the park, visiting four ponds along the way. Bring water, a lunch, and bug spray for ticks. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on an 8-foot or shorter leash (no expandable leashes, please). Traction devices are recommended for the few hilly areas if there is snow or ice.

This hike is the first in the Five-Park Hiking Challenge. Preregistration is required to keep a safe group size. Pre-register at (508) 866-2580 x161. The hike will take place rain or shine. If weather conditions are severe, call for cancellation update. 

Want learn about tracking animals in the snow? On Sunday, February 10 at 1 p.m., head to Breakheart Reservation and join expert tracker naturalist David Brown in search of wildlife signs. You may discover the trails of coyotes, otters, deer and other animals! For more details, call 781-233-0834.

And February 8–10, visit MassWildlife at the New England Fishing and Outdoor Expo in Worcester! Check out the MassWildlife exhibit, share your latest fishing or hunting story, or buy your license while enjoying the show. The show is being held at the Worcester DCU Centre.

For more great events happening this and every week, check out our outdoors calendar for events near you.

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01/14/2013

Weekly Outdoor Events January 14-January 20: Experience Winter Wildlife

As we reach the middle of winter, now is the perfect time to experience all of the season’s wildlife. Learn more about nature with three events this week:

Enjoy birding and wildlife? Love Boston Harbor Cruises? Combine the two for the Winter Wildlife Cruise on Saturday, January 19th! Departing from Quincy or Boston, discover wildlife as you cruise through Boston Harbor, the outer islands and Hingham Harbor. The cruise lasts from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm from Quincy Shipyard or from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm from Long Wharf in Boston.  

Get your entire family learning about the outdoors with the Winter Family Hike. Experience winter wildlife as you hike along Easthead Reservoir Trail on Sunday, January 20th from 10:00 am to 11:30 am.  Meet at Myles Standish State Forest headquarters in South Carver for this 2.5 mile hike.

Also on Saturday, January 20th is the Winter Greens Hike. Walk with a DCR naturalist through different habitat types in Nasketucket Bay State Reservation and experience the area’s winter greens! The hike, appropriate from ages 8 and up, is from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm.

For more great events happening this and every week, check out our outdoors calendar for events near you.

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01/07/2013

Weekly Outdoor Events January 7-January 13: Skiing, Hiking, Walking

With a range of outdoor events this week, stick with your weekly routine or try something new! From snowshoeing to cross country skiing to walking, check out what’s going on outside:

Ever wonder what snowshoeing and cross country skiing are like? Now’s your chance to find out! From 9:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 12, try these two easy-to-learn snow sports at the Weston Ski Track during Winter Trails Day.

As part of the Northeastern Massachusetts Weekly Winter Hikes program, explore Boxford State Forest from Bay Circuit to Bald Hill on Saturday, January 12 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Meet at Harold Parker State Forest in North Andover.

On Sunday, January 13, take a 3.5 mile walk with the Southeastern Massachusetts Adult Walking Club. This week’s hike will be moderate through hilly terrain on the St. Moritz green dot loop. The walk begins at 1:00 pm at the Blue Hill Reservation.

For more great events happening this and every week, check out our outdoors calendar for events near you.

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12/31/2012

Weekly Outdoor Events December 31-January 6: New Years’ Resolutions and First Day Hikes

Happy New Year! Did you resolve to get outside more and be more active this year? Get started on your goals immediately with these three events and First Day Hikes:

On Saturday, January 5, 2013, join the Southeastern Massachusetts Adult Walking Club for a moderate 3.5 mile walk. Beginning at 1:00 pm at the Blue Hills Reservation, the walk covers Meadow Road to Three Pines Trail to No Name Trail.

Exercise and appreciate nature on the Trees of Winter Walk at Hammond Pond Reservation in Newtown. Take in the beauty of the evergreens and tree silhouettes on this scenic winter walk from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm on Saturday, January 5.

Attend the Northeastern Massachusetts Weekly Winter Hike on Sunday, January 6. Experience Breakheart Hill, Fox Run, Lakes, and Ridge Trail on this two hour hike from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Breakheart Reservation.

Plus, on New Year’s Day, attend one of the eleven First Day Hikes throughout state parks across Massachusetts. Click here for a full list of times and locations and check out the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s website for more information.

For more great events happening this and every week, check out our outdoors calendar for events near you.

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12/24/2012

Weekly Outdoor Events December 24-December 30: Winter Walks

Already felt like you’ve spent too much time indoors this season? Feeling stressed about the holidays? Walk off the winter blues this week with these three programs:

The We Walk the Woods interpretive program is continuing through the winter, so on Wednesday, December 26, join the group for their weekly, moderately paced walk through the trails of Harold Parker State Forest. The walk begins at 10:00 am and ends at 11:30 am.

On Saturday, December 29, learn more about the wildlife around Walden Pond with the Winter Wildlife Tracks and Sign program. Get an indoor lesson about track identification with a wildlife expert and then apply your new knowledge on a two hour walk through the woods. This program takes place from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

If tracking isn’t your thing, join the Southeastern Massachusetts Adult Walking Club for their weekly walk on Saturday, December 29 at 1:00 pm. This week’s walk will be a moderate 3 mile loop along Healthy Heart Trail and around Middle Pond in the Blue Hills Reservation. Open to those 16 years of age and older.

For more great events happening this and every week, check out our outdoors calendar for events near you.

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12/10/2012

Weekly Outdoor Events December 10-December 16: A Variety of Events

This week offers a variety of outdoor events, ranging from education to straight up fun! Enjoy the following activities:

If you’re looking for some ice skating excitement, then the Adaptive Skating-Games on Ice program is for you! On Tuesday, December 11th, use your wheelchair, ice sled, or skates to participate in gently competitive games and have fun on the ice. The program takes place at the Cronin Skating Rink in Revere from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.

Want to know more about Webb State Park? Meet up with a DCR Ranger for the informative Webb Winter Walk on Saturday, December 15th. Learn all about the history of the park on a one hour walk beginning at 11:00 am.  Dress for the weather!

Attend the Northeastern Massachusetts Weekly Winter Hikes on Saturday, December 15th, and explore Harold Parker State Forest. From 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, hike from Berry Pond to Bay Circuit Trail to Soapstone Quarry Site and enjoy the fresh air.

For more great events happening this and every week, check out our outdoors calendar for events near you.

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12/03/2012

Weekly Outdoor Events December 3-December 9: Family Fun in December

An important part of the holiday season is spending time with your family and friends, so why not spend some quality time with your loved ones enjoying all that nature has to offer?! Here are some family friendly events for this week:

Start off your weekend with a showing of “The Polar Express” at the Ames Mansion at Borderland State Park as part of the Movie at the Mansion special program. Enjoy this classic, holiday movie the whole family will love with snacks and refreshments from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Friday, December 7th.  Make sure you RSPV!

Does your family love Boston Harbor Islands cruises? Then bring them on the Stars of the City Cruise on Saturday, December 8th, from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Experience the beauty of downtown Boston from the water as the cruise takes you into all the nooks and crannies of the waterfront while enjoying holiday drinks, snacks and light music.

Get the whole family outdoors on Sunday, December 9th! Join Park Rangers and other hikers for the Northeastern Massachusetts Weekly Winter Hikes program at Halibut Point State Park for a casual, easy stroll around Quarry to Overlook and Bay View. The walk, which takes place from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm, is appropriate for all ages.

For more great events happening this and every week, check out our outdoors calendar for events near you.

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11/26/2012

Weekly Outdoor Events November 26-December 2: Bring in the Holiday Spirit!

This week, work off all those leftover Thanksgiving calories and then get into the holiday spirit as we transition into December. Check out some of this week’s events:

If you’re still feeling full from Thanksgiving, start your December off with a walk through Virginia Woods as part of the Let’s Take a Walk program. The walk, which is moderately paced over gentle terrain, takes place on Saturday, December 1, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm and meets at the John Botume House Visitor Center in the Middlesex Fells.

Jump right into the holiday spirit with the Holiday Toy Drive and Mountain Bike Ride or Hike on December 2 at Blue Hills Reservation. Donate a new, unwrapped toy to the annual collection and then enjoy a mountain bike ride at 10:00 am or the Houghton’s Pond hike at 1:00 pm.

Keep ringing in the holiday spirit with the Holiday Handbell Choir at Borderland State Park. Enjoy a performance by the Unity Church Handbell Choir on Sunday December 2 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Refreshments will be served.

For more great events happening this and every week, check out our outdoors calendar for events near you.

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