Daily Archives: September 2, 2021


Saturday & Sunday, September 11 & 12, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm – Field School: Bees and Other Pollinators

Early fall is a magnificent time to explore outer Cape Cod; empty beaches, agreeable weather and an abundance of pollinating insects.

Raise your awareness about the vital role bees and other insects play in our environment. Animals pollinate about 75% of all the food, fiber, beverages, and medicine used by humans, and insects, especially bees, are the primary pollinators. Emphasis of this course will be on the natural history, biology, and identification of pollinators including the often unnoticed but hard-working native bees. Learn about their habitat requirements and conservation issues.

This two-day course on September 11 and 12 from 8 – 4 will include an online evening lecture and time in the field spent searching for the diverse assortment of pollinators found on Cape Cod, including Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and the surrounding natural communities.

Please be prepared for spending time outside in sunny, open environments and off-trail in search of insects. We recommend wearing light-colored clothing and pack long pants and close-toed shoes for time in the brushy habitats. Bring plenty of drinking water and sunscreen, and possibly even a wide -brimmed hat. Binoculars, a 10X or 20X magnifyling glass (or jeweler’s loupe), and backpack in which to carry items is also recommended. Pack a brown bag lunch for each day, light daytime snacks will be provided. Like bees, we need sustenance!

* Please note: the hours listed on the schedule may vary from the sample schedule in the field school brochure and are subject to change based on tides, staff, optimal wildlife sightings, and other variables. A detailed schedule will be prepared and sent to registrants in advance.

Due to COVID protocols, participants will need to provide their own transportation to field trip locations around the Cape.

This course is one of serveral Cape Cod Field Schools offered. Visit www.massaudubon.org/wellfleetbay/fieldschools.

Instructions and Directions:

Advance registration is required and is accepted on-line, over the phone, or through the mail. Payment in full is due upon registration. Upon registration you will receive a confirmation letter, then 2-3 weeks in advance of your course you will receive an email with detailed information related to the class.

Due to COVID protocols, participants will need to provide their own transportation to field trip locations around the Cape.

$325 for Mass Audubon members, $350 for nonmembers.

Cancellation received less than 30 days before starting date may result in forfeit of entire course fee. If we can fill your spot with another registration then your balance is returned, less the $50 nonrefundable administration fee. The sanctuary reserves the right to cancel any course with a full refund to registrants.

For a complete listing of Field School courses visit http://www.massaudubon.org/wellfleetbay/fieldschools Registration is required. Register now with our secure payment portal.

For more information, contact:

Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary P.O. Box 236, State Highway Rte. 6 South Wellfleet, MA 02663 wellfleet@massaudubon.org


Sunday, September 12, 10:15 am – 12:15 pm – Painting Marvelous Mushrooms

This Tower Hill Botanic Garden course on September 12 from 10:15 – 12:15 with Carol Schwartz is focused on learning and applying botanical illustration skills. It is an all levels workshop but it is encouraged that participants have some basic illustration experience. During this workshop, take a short walk along the wooded paths at Tower Hill and find just the right mushroom to paint. Snap a few pictures, then back in a classroom learn about how to use watercolors to create a beautiful mushroom illustration. Carol will provide tips, tricks and guidance for your illustration.

Required Materials (Not Provided With Registration)

  1. Watercolor or mixed media paper pad, 9″ x 12″, such as Canson XL or Strathmore 400 Series
  2. No. 2 pencil and an eraser
  3. Watercolor set, pan or tubes, suggested brands include Winsor & Newton, Pelikan, Raphael, Royal Talens Van Gogh, Koi
  4. Three watercolor brushes; one small round brush size 0 or 1, one medium round brush size 2-5, one large round brush size 6-8

Carol graduated from the Kansas City Art Institute, attending her senior year at Rhode Island School of Design. She earned her MFA in Illustration from the University of Hartford, Connecticut in 2014. Her education equipped her to be diverse and adaptable, with work appearing in 60 picture books and countless magazines, newspapers and advertisements.

$30 Member Adult; $40 AdultĀ (Registration includes admission to the Garden) Register HERE.