Registration: All programs are free at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, located at 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, 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.
Bird Banding at Parker River: Sunday, Oct. 5, 9:30 to 11 a.m., ages 8 and older. In order to track birds, scientists band them with silver bracelets and release them back into the wild. Did you know that Mass Audubon operates a bird-banding station seasonally on the refuge? Join refuge volunteer Sue McGrath on a visit to the banding station to witness birds being banded and see this important research in action. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the outdoors. Meet at the sub-headquarters parking lot.
Going Batty! Saturday Oct. 18, 1 to 2:30 p.m., ages 6 to 11. Halloween is coming, so let's talk about that scary creature of the night, the bat! Learn about common bat myths, find out which bats live in our area, and take home a fun bat craft to share! Meet at the Refuge Visitor Center.
Nature Tots: Spooky Spiders: Thursday, Oct. 23, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 2 p.m., ages 3 to 5; Friday, Oct. 24, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 2 p.m., ages 3 to 5. It's almost Halloween ... and what better animal to learn about than the scariest one of all ... the spider! Introduce your preschooler to the wonderful webby world of the spider through songs, stories, crafts and meet a live spider friend in this fun, hands-on program. Decide for yourself if spiders are as scary as they seem! Meet at the Refuge Visitor Center.
Creepy Critters Homeschool Program: Tuesday, Oct. 28, 9 to 11 a.m., ages 6 to 10. Snakes, spiders and bats, oh my! Come celebrate the spookiest of holidays by learning about the myths and facts that surround the creepiest of wildlife. Learn about animal adaptations while dissecting owl pellets, test your spider sense and join us for nature fun! Dress for indoor and outdoor activities. Meet at the Refuge Visitor Center.
15th annual wildlife festival: Saturday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. Scheduled activities include: fun kids crafts and activities; "Explore the Ocean World" live animal touch tank; "Curious Creatures" live animal show; kid-friendly musical performances by Sue and April Grant; canoe/kayak tour of the refuge (bring your own canoe/kayak); Hellcat habitat hike; bird-banding demonstration. All activities are free and open to all ages. For times of and details on the day's events, check out the Web site (http://parkerriver.fws.gov) or call 978-465-5753.
