Family on boardwalk Join today and get outside at one of our 60+ wildlife sanctuaries.
Family on boardwalk Join today and get outside at one of our 60+ wildlife sanctuaries.
Meadow at Wachusett Meadow with tree on left and grass trail
Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, Princeton

Programs for Groups at Wachusett Meadow

Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary offers a variety of fun and educational nature-based programs for scout troops, birthdays, homeschools, community groups, and more.

The widely diverse habitat and wildlife and an extensive trail system provides a wonderful setting and many program options including guided and unguided hikes, canoeing, snowshoeing and overnights.

Adult Community Groups

Your group can explore local ecology with Wachusett Meadow staff all year long! We serve all ages and types of groups including libraries, church youth groups, parent groups, and more. 

Our programs can be tailored to fit a specific interest or setting. In addition to guided hikes, we also offer guided or unguided canoeing and snowshoeing. 

Presentations Available at the sanctuary or your site.

  • The Wildlife of Your City/Town
  • Bluebirds
  • Butterfly Life Cycles
  • Vernal Pools and Bogs
  • Bird Nests – Types, Locations, & Housekeeping

Guided Hikes, Walks, & Combinations

  • Introduction to Birdwatching
  • The Wonders of Wetlands
  • Night Hike
  • Nature Photography
  • Helping Wildlife: Tag Monarchs (September only)
  • Hawk Migration Watch (September-October only)
  • Winter Snowshoe or Tracking Hike (snowshoe rentals available)
  • Guided Canoe on Wildlife Pond (canoe rentals available)

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Ask us! We may be able to custom design a program for you.

Scout Programs

Wachusett Meadow offers programs for scouts of all levels. Our qualified educators are available to lead guided explorations of the sanctuary highlighting many natural history topics, or we can design a program to fulfill the requirements of a specific badge.

Self-guided scout outings can also be arranged. Ask us about opportunities for Eagle or Gold Award projects!

Scout Programs Brochure 951.49 kB

Facility Rentals

Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary has both indoor facilities and outdoor function space available to rent for private and public groups and organizations.

The sanctuary’s expansive landscapes and historic buildings offer a scenic, natural setting for events such as meetings, retreats, and other gatherings. Learn more about facility rentals at Wachusett Meadow

Parenting & Playgroups Parents & Caregivers

Sharing Nature with Your Child: A Workshop for Parents and Caregivers

Sharing Nature with Your Child: A Workshop for Parents and Caregivers explores the benefits of nature play and reflect on ways they can incorporate nature play into their daily routine. Participants will learn and practice a variety of simple ways to enhance nature play with children and will receive resources for continued learning and exploration. Let us visit your playgroup or request a playgroup in our beautiful sanctuary setting. Contact us to learn more

Homeschool Programs

Our homeschool programs are designed to encourage children to connect and interact with the environment through investigation and science-based learning, and with each other through group building and games. We offer both single-session topics and multi-session program series covering comprehensive topics.

Most programs include indoor portions as well as time outdoors exploring the sanctuary. Participants receive handouts or “home projects” to help further their learning and to share with their families. Contact us to learn more