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All programs at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge are free, but space is limited, and advance registration is required for all programs, unless otherwise indicated. Call 978-465-5753 to register.
Registration is not complete until confirmation is received from a staff member. Outdoor programs may be canceled if there is inclement weather. For more information, visit the website http://parkerriver.fws.gov.
The refuge visitor center is located at 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport.
Saturday Morning Birding: Join our experienced leaders in a weekly search for avian activity in the Newburyport/Plum Island area. For beginners and birders of all skill levels. Saturday, Sept. 4, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center. Fee: adults, $10; children ages 8 and up, $7. No preregistration required.
Family Flyby at Joppa Flats: Back to School for Fish!: Fly-by or settle in for free-flowing nature fun. Crafts, experiments, games and more for families with children ages 2 to 12. Saturday, Sept. 4, 11a.m. to 3 p.m. Meet at the Joppa Flats Education Center. Fee: $7 per child. Pre-registration is not required.
Introduction to Bird-watching: Get the basics on field identification, birding locations and field guides. Start an exciting, lifelong learning experience. Sunday, Sept. 5; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Meet at the Joppa Flats Education Center. Fee: $36. Pre-registration required.
Science at Sea on the Erica Lee: Calling all would-be marine biologists! Explore the river and the sea while learning about above- and below-the-sea wildlife. For families with children ages 7 and up. Co-sponsored by BOAT CAMP, Inc. Sunday, Sept. 5, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet at the Newburyport waterfront on the boardwalk. Fee: adult or child, $45. Preregistration is required.
Seabirds and Whales: Board the Prince of Whales for a birding and whale watching trip guided by marine mammal naturalists and Joppa Flats staff. Tuesday, Sept. 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Meet on the boardwalk off Merrimac Street in downtown Newburyport. Fee: adults, $47. Children ages 4 and up, $37. Preregistration is required by calling Newburyport Whale Watch at 800-848-1111.
Volunteer Training: Bird Banding Station and Maritime Forest: Learn to assist children's educator Lisa Hutchings in coastal ecology and birding programs in the field and at schools. No experience necessary. Program fee is refunded after three volunteer shifts. Tuesday, Sept. 7, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Meet at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, parking lot #1. Fee: $20. Preregistration required.
Wednesday Morning Birding: Join Joppa Flats Sanctuary Director Bill Gette and USFWS veteran David Weaver for this weekly birding field trip in the Newburyport/Plum Island area. Appropriate for all birding levels. Wednesday, Sept. 8, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet at the Joppa Flats Education Center. Fee: $15. Preregistration is not required.
A Kayak Adventure in the Plum Island Estuary: Observe wildlife in the estuary behind Plum Island from Newbury to Ipswich. Wednesday, Sept. 8, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Meet at the Joppa Flats Education Center. Fee: $100. Preregistration is required.
Homeschool Study Session: Tidal Mudflats: Monthly focus topics for homeschoolers, ages 7 to 12, each with an on-site study session and an exciting field trip. Field trip on the river aboard the Erica Lee on Sept. 23. Teacher: Lisa Hutchings. Thursday, Sept. 9, 1 to 3 p.m. Meet at the Joppa Flats Education Center. Fee: $15. Preregistration is required.
Saturday Morning Birding: Join our experienced leaders in a weekly search for avian activity in the Newburyport/Plum Island area. For beginners and birders of all skill levels. Saturday, Sept. 11, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Meet at Joppa Flats Education Center. Fee: Adults $10; Children ages 8 and up $7. No preregistration required.
Family Day at the Bird Banding Station: Bring the family to the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge for an exciting, up-close look at migrating birds as they are netted and evaluated before releasing. The Bird Banding Station is only open at the height of migration in spring and fall. For families with children age 6 and up. Choose one of two sessions. Sunday, Sept. 12, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet at the Joppa Flats Education Center. Fee: $8, adults, $5, children. Preregistration is required.
Volunteer Training: Salt Marsh And Sandy Beach: Learn to assist children's educator Lisa Hutchings in coastal ecology and birding programs in the field and at schools. No experience necessary. Program fee is refunded after three volunteer shifts. Tuesday, Sept. 14, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Meet at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, parking lot #1. Fee: $20. Preregistration required.
Wednesday Morning Birding: Join Joppa Flats Sanctuary Director Bill Gette and USFWS veteran David Weaver for this weekly birding field trip in the Newburyport/Plum Island area. Appropriate for all birding levels. Wednesday, Sept. 15, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet at the Joppa Flats Education Center. Fee: $15. Pre-registration is not required.
Parent/Child Walkabout: A Mudflat March: Explore the ecology, sights and sounds of the famous Great Marsh. A fun, energetic format for families with children ages 3 to 6. Led by teacher-naturalist Lisa Hutchings. The fee covers one adult and one child. Friday, Sept. 17, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Meet at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, parking lot #1. Fee: $16. Preregistration is required.
On exhibit: Through Sept. 12: "Avians on Parade," photographs by Phil Ellin. Starting Sept. 19: "Plum Island, the Marshes, and More," paintings by Newburyport artist Herb Crooks.
