Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but spring is just around the corner. That means the beach is closing, but the birds are coming. Some great programs are in store to get geared up for spring.
All programs 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 Web site http://parkerriver.fws.gov.
The refuge visitor center is located at 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport.
Matinee Movie Series — The Discovery Channel's Planet Earth: Tuesdays, March 9 through April 6, 1 p.m. Enjoy parts or all of this amazing series depicting captivating images and fascinating information about 11 different biomes on our planet. No registration necessary. All shows are free, but space is limited to the capacity of the auditorium. Each showing will last approximately 11รขÑ2 hours and be shown at the Refuge Visitor Center. Because of the sophisticated nature of movie content, these movies may not be suitable for all audiences.
Calling All Plover Wardens: Sunday, March 14, 10 a.m. to noon. Do you like being outside? From April through mid-August, the refuge beach is closed for the piping plover, a threatened bird species. Help us protect the beach, educate visitors and get a lot of fresh air. This orientation is open the adult public. Attendance does not obligate you to volunteer. No registration required. Meet at the Refuge Visitor Center.
Celebrate the Longer Days With the Birds: Sunday, March 14, 3:30 p.m. to dusk. Celebrate the longer days with the birds! Join Essex County Ornithological Club President Sue McGrath to search for birds on at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. If you have binoculars and a field guide, please bring them along. Please dress in layers, wear warm socks and sturdy shoes. Meet at Refuge Parking Lot 1.
Making Sense of Nature Hike for Homeschoolers: Friday, March 19, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., ages 6 to 11. Which tree has the roughest bark? Which branch is the smelliest? Use your five senses to answer these questions and experience nature in this fun, interactive hike through dune and marsh habitats. Meet at Refuge Parking Lot 4 (Hellcat). Dress for the weather.
Bark, Buds and Leaf Scars: Saturday, March 20, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Come learn to read the trees no matter what the season. The first day of spring will be a wonderful day to practice the art of leafless tree identification with refuge staff members while taking a hike on the Dunes Trail. Meet at Refuge Parking Lot 4 and dress for the weather.
Nature Tots: Tweet Tweet: Monday, March 22, and Wednesday, March 24, 10 to 11 a.m, ages 3 to 5. Introduce your preschooler to the soaring world of birds through stories, songs, crafts and a hike in this fun, interactive program. Program will include both indoor and outdoor activities, so dress for the weather. Meet at the Refuge Visitor Center.
Annual Refuge Beach Cleanup: Saturday, March 27, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., all ages. The plovers are coming. Let's give them a great place to nest and rest and do something great for Mother Earth. Join us for our Annual Spring Beach Cleanup! You bring the gloves, and we'll supply the trash bags. All are welcome, and the plovers thank you! Meet at Refuge Parking Lot 1. No registration required.
