Mass Audubon Strengthens Partnership with Dept. Of Conservation and Recreation’s ‘Summer Nights’ Series

LINCOLN, MA. — For the second straight year, Mass Audubon is partnering with the state Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) on its popular “Summer Nights” series, which engages young people in urban neighborhoods across the Commonwealth through positive, enriching experiences with nature. 

Mass Audubon is leveraging 2021’s inaugural success in this outreach initiative by doubling its number of locations to six this summer, offering a range of programs in the Boston communities of Dorchester, Mattapan and Jamaica Plain, as well in Cambridge, Milton, and Stoughton.  

These programs, taking place in July and August, will encourage more than 1,500 youth to explore and engage with nature, create with natural materials, and connect with other young people and adult mentors in their communities.  

Locations where the Mass Audubon programs will take place include Mass Audubon’s Boston Nature Center in Mattapan; Blue Hills Trailside Museum in Milton; and its new three-season nature center and cultural meeting space at Magazine Beach Park on the Charles River in Cambridge. 

The statewide conservation organization will also provide weekly programming at the Southwest Corridor Park in Jamaica Plain; Pope John Paul II Park on the Neponset River in Dorchester across from Quincy; and at the Stoughton Recreation Department in that south-of-Boston suburb.  

“Summer Nights” mission-specific programming at the Mass Audubon sites will include interactive activities such as live-animal programs with wildlife that thrive in urban habitats; container garden demonstrations and hands-on maker-space activities; kayaking at Magazine Beach; and nature-inspired art activities such as painting, printing, journaling, and ceramics.  

Each location will also offer site-specific activities that are determined by the natural and cultural resources. Pre-packaged water boxes, vendor-supplied ice cream and other COVID-safe snacks will also be provided.   

“Summer in Massachusetts is a great time to enjoy being outside, and the Summer Nights program is an incredible way to bring fun and engaging outdoor experiences to urban communities across the state,” said Renata Pomponi, Mass Audubon’s Senior Regional Director for Metro Boston. “Mass Audubon is excited to partner with DCR to provide access to nature and encourage young people and their families to learn about and protect their environment.”