Boston Flora

Tag: Northfield Mountain

  • Tuesday, May 18, 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm – Upriver Journey, Online

    On Tuesday, May 18 from 5:30 – 6:30, learn about the fascinating lives and epic migrations of American Shad and Sea Lamprey. These fish play an important role in our river ecosystems as they migrate to and from the sea. Author John McPhee nicknamed American Shad our founding fish. Sea Lamprey have been called hero of our revires and vampire of the sea. Find out why this keystone species is misunderstood and underappreciated. Join Kim Noyes, Northfield Mountain’s Education Coordinator, for this free online presentation on the history and natural history of these unusual fish as this spring’s upriver migration is underway.

    The program is co-sponsored by Firstlight’s Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center and the Northfield Bird Club. Registration requests must be received at least 24 hours before the program begins. Click HERE to register.

  • Saturday, October 21, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm – Tree ID Using Bark and Habitat Clues

    Join naturalist Nancy Goodman and take a close look at trees and other botanical wonders we encounter at Northfield Mountain. Have you ever looked at a tree in winter and wondered what it might be? For more than half the year, bark provides the best clue to tree identification. We will be keying out some of the trees to see what we can learn. Become familiar with the characteristic bark of different trees in different habitats and at different stages of growth, as well as identification from leaves and other clues. Bring binoculars, water, lunch, sturdy walking shoes and the book Bark by Michael Wojtech, if you have a copy. This program is co-sponsored with the Athol Bird and Nature Club and will take place at Northfield’s scenic Riverview area along the Connecticut River. This special location has an especially rich variety of tree species. Meet in the Riverview parking area at 10 or at the Northfield Mountain Visitors Center in Northfield at 9:45 a.m. for a short walk to Riverview. For ages 16 and older. FREE , but pre-register by calling 800-859-2960.

  • Saturday, January 24, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm – On the Trail of Fisher and Porcupine

    Northfield Mountain’s trails are a great place to snowshoe and look for wildlife sign. On this Saturday, January 24 winter ramble we’ll explore animal tracks, porcupine signs and search for signs of fisher. This program, beginning at 1 pm, will include an introduction to common track patterns and helpful tips for observing prints as well as the opportunity to follow tracks and sign to learn more about an animal’s behavior. Snowshoeing is fabulous exercise, incredibly easy to learn and no prior experience is necessary. A cup of hot cocoa by a fire will round out the afternoon. Participants should be in moderate shape and the program will include some off-trail tracking. If we are open for skiing, snowshoes are required. Bring water and snacks, wear wind pants or gaiters and dress in warm layers that can be shed as we get moving. Warm footwear is essential. All levels of experience are welcome. Free, or $18 with snowshoe rental. Call 1-800-859-2960 to register.

  • Wednesday, January 15, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Barton Cove Eagles: The Year of Three

    Join William Dean, author, amateur photographer, and nature enthusiast, for an amazing look at the Barton Cove eagle nest during the 2013 breeding season. For the first time since the nest was constructed 25 years ago, three eaglets successfully fledged from the nest. This program will provide a beautiful look at the Barton Cove eagles with a photo and video presentation, interspersed with stories and observations. Mr. Dean enjoys sharing his passion for these remarkable birds that he has photographed and observed for the past seven years. Please visit his website at www.cutloosewildlife.com. The free program will take place on Wednesday, January 15, from 7 – 8:30 at Northfield Mountain, 99 Millers Falls Road, Northfield, and you may preregister by calling 1-800-859-2960.  Image from www.old-print.com.

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  • Saturday, October 26, 9:00 am – 3:30 pm – Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood Educators: Growing Up Wild and Project Learning Tree

    Growing Up WILD and Project Learning Tree’s Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood build on children’s sense of wonder about nature and invite them to explore the natural world around them. Through a wide range of activities and experiences, these new curricula provide an early foundation for developing positive impressions about the natural world and lifelong social and academic skills. Educators taking this professional development workshop on Saturday, October 26 from 9 – 3:30 will receive award winning curriculum guides for educators of young children. The activity guides feature over 150 experiences that engage children in outdoor play and exploration. Join instructors Patti Steinman, Education Coordinator, Connecticut River Valley Sanctuaries and Kim Noyes, Northfield Mountain’s Education Coordinator, for a fun-filled day of interactive, hands-on, activities. Gain experience and skills helpful for taking children outside to explore the natural world. This professional development workshop is great for teachers, camp counselors, child care providers, home school parents and other educators. Both curricula are correlated to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Standards and the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework. Fee is $40, which includes two activity guides. The event will take place at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Easthampton, and is co-sponsored with Massachusetts Audubon Society. To register call 413-584-3009 or online through Mass Audubon.

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  • Thursday, January 31, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm – Introduction to Snowshoeing for Seniors

    Enjoy a morning of camaraderie and exercise outdoors with other active seniors ages 50 and older. Lightweight aluminum snowshoes are the perfect tools for gaining grip on snowy or icy terrain and using ski poles gives extra contact points to further increase stability in a variety of winter conditions. After an indoor introduction to equipment, participants will practice techniques on flat terrain and gentle hills. Wear wind pants or gaiters if you have them and dress in warm layers that can be shed as we get moving. No prior experience is necessary. The program will take place Thursday, January 31, from 10 – 12:30 at Northfield Mountain. Free, with $16 rental if needed. For details, call 1-800-859-2960 or email northfield@gdfsuezna.com.