Registration: All programs are free, but space is limited, and advanced registration is required unless otherwise indicated. Call 978-465-5753 to register. Registration is not complete until you receive confirmation from a staff member. Note that outdoor programs may be canceled if the weather is inclement. Visit the Web for more information, http://parkerriver.fws.gov. If you have special needs requests for these programs, contact us at least two weeks prior to the event.
Thousand Mile Song: Whale Music in a Sea of Sound": book signing and presentation by author David Rothenberg, Saturday, Sept. 13, 1 p.m. This book delves into the mysterious music of whale song, covering scientific work being done on it, the role whales played in the growth of the environmental movement, and the various musicians who have sought to bring the whale into their work. Location: the Refuge Visitor Center Auditorium, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport. The event is free. and no registration is required.
Plum Island COASTSWEEP 2008, Saturday, Sept. 13, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sponsored by Mass Audubon-Joppa Flats and Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. COASTSWEEP is the annual statewide cleanup of Massachusetts coastal and riverine environments. Over the past 20 years, COASTSWEEP has engaged thousands of volunteers in cleaning hundreds of miles of shoreline and riverbanks. Our COASTSWEEP project will involve removing trash and debris from the beaches on Plum Island, including the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Sandy Point State Reservation and the north end of the island. In the past two years we have collected a total of five tons! This event is free, and everyone is welcome. Rain or shine. No registration is necessary. Meet at Refuge Parking Lot #1. For more information, contact Joppa Flats at 978-462-9998.
Nature Tots: Terrific Tide pools! Wednesday, Sept. 17, 8 to 9:30 a.m., ages 3 to 5; Thursday, Sept. 18, 8 to 9:30 a.m., ages 3 to 5. Hermit crabs, periwinkles and urchins, Oh MY! Introduce your preschooler to the wonderful world of tide pools in this outdoor program. We will be walking in rocky and wet areas so parental supervision and sturdy shoes are a must! Shorts or pants that can be rolled up and shoes that can get wet are recommended. Meet at the first parking lot at Sandy Point State Reservation at the southern end of Plum Island. Advanced registration is required for this program. Call 978-465-5753 to register. Registration is not complete until you receive confirmation from a staff member. Free.
Creative Nature Journaling Workshop: Saturday, Sept. 20 (rain date Sept. 27), 9 a.m. to noon, ages 16-plus. Love nature? Looking for a creative way to experience nature up close? Join local artist Paula Kulas and learn how to keep a creative nature journal in this hands-on workshop. She will share tips and techniques on turning your nature experiences into lasting treasured memories through art and writing. Time will be taken to explore the refuge and get you started on nature journaling right away! No artistic or creative experience is necessary. To register, contact Paula Kulas at 978-532-0604. The fee for this program is $15/person. This workshop is sponsored by the Friends of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, and part of the proceeds will benefit the Friends.
Sunday Morning with the Birds: Sunday, Sept. 21, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., ages 8-plus with adult. Join Refuge volunteer Sue McGrath on a guided bird walk exploring the Refuge's varied habitats. We'll see many species of birds and enjoy the hues of The Great Marsh in early autumn. Interpretive materials are provided. All skill levels are welcome including children age 8 and older accompanied by an adult. Meet at Refuge Parking Lot 4 (Hellcat) and wear sturdy walking shoes. Call 978-465-5753 to register. Registration is not complete until you receive confirmation from a staff member. Free.
Eco-tours Aboard the Joppa Flats: We are again teaming up with Newburyport Harbor Tours to offer guided Eco-tours of Newburyport Harbor, the Great Marsh, and Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on the boat Joppa Flats. Explore the refuge as you never have before ... this boat tour will give you fantastic opportunities to view wildlife up close, and affords breathtaking views of Plum Island. Price is $30 for adults and $15 for kids under 12. These three-hour tours run almost every day, but Parker River staff will be guiding them on the following dates and times: Friday, Sept. 12, 10:30 a.m.; Saturday, Sept. 27, 11:15 a.m. For more information and to register, call Harbor Tours at 603-682-2293.
TRAILS AND SAILS 2008: The Refuge is offering the following events as part of the seventh annual Trails & Sails: A Weekend of Walks and Water — a weekend of free events celebrating the natural, cultural and historic resources throughout the Essex National Heritage Area. More than 200 free events are being hosted by over 140 sites and organizations throughout the region. All events are free. For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit www.trailsandsails.org or call 978-740-0444.
Wild Plum Island! Hike Through the Habitat: Saturday, Sept. 27, 9 to 10:30 a.m., all ages. Explore the different wildlife habitats of Plum Island on the beautiful Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. This 1.4-mile guided hike will take you through dunes, maritime shrubs and forest, as well as freshwater and salt marshes. Limited to 25 participants, all ages (with adult) welcome. Meet at Refuge Parking Lot 4. (Hellcat Interpretive Area). No registration required.
Refuge Kayak Tour: Sunday, Sept. 28, 9 a.m. to noon, adults & children over 12 (with adult). Join refuge staff on an informative kayak/canoe paddle through the great marsh! Refuge staff will lead an informative tour inside this wonderful natural resource. This event is limited to 12 boats. You must bring your own kayak or canoe and personal flotation device. Boats will not be provided. You must call ahead to reserve a spot, 978-465-5753. Meet at refuge Parking Lot 1.
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