North Shore Explorers

Come explore what nature has in store at some of our most amazing wild places on the north shore. Our engaging and experienced staff will introduce families to local beaches, forests, and wetlands to make observations in nature, identify wildlife, and enjoy hands-on science activities outdoors.

All programs will meet at the location listed below. In case of inclement weather, we will offer a make-up date or the program will take place indoors at the Joppa Flats Education Center when appropriate.

Please note that this is a 6-program series. The deadline to preregister is Friday September 20.

Here is the line-up for the fall programs with meeting places and details:

September 26: Sandy Beach Study at Wingaersheek Beach, Gloucester. Free parking.

Find hermit crabs, moon snails and clams in the sand. Learn about microplastics.

October 10: Salt Marsh Walk at Rough Meadows, Rowley. Free parking.

Find minnows, snails and mussels in the peat. Learn about King Tides.

October 24: Mushroom Hunting at Cedar Pond, Wenham. Free parking.

Look for gilled, toothed and pored fungi. Learn about animal food webs.

November 7: Quaking Bog walk at Ward Reservation, Andover. Parking is free for members of the Trustees of Reservation or $6 nonmember.

Look for aquatic insects, carnivorous plants and birds. Learn about wetlands.

November 28: Early Signs of Winter walk at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Newburyport. Free parking.

Look for hawks, ducks and geese. Learn about migration.

December 12: Winter Mammals walk at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, Topsfield. Free parking.

Look for nests, burrows, animal tracks. Learn about hibernation.