News

Programs offered at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge


Published: July 4, 2009

Registration: Programs are free at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, located at 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, but space is limited. Registration is required unless otherwise indicated. Call 978-465-5753 to register.

Purple Martins of Plum Island: Tuesday, July 7, 7 p.m. to sunset, ages 8 and older with adult. Join refuge volunteer Sue McGrath at the north end of Plum Island for an evening with the purple martins of Plum Island to watch their graceful flight and social antics. We'll listen to their gurgles and learn about their breeding cycle and migration. Dress in long pants and long-sleeved shirt. Bring a comfortable chair. Meet at the old refuge headquarters site at 261 Northern Blvd. (near the lighthouse).

Tide Pooling for Kids! Saturday, July 11, 8 to 9:30 a.m., ages 4 to 12. Saturday, July 25, 8 to 9:30 a.m., ages 4 to 12. Hermit crabs, periwinkles and urchins. Introduce a child to the wonderful world of tide pools in this terrific 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 are recommended. Greenheads will be around (though not as active in the morning), so bring the bug spray. Meet at Refuge Parking Lot 7.

Nature Tots: Incredible Insects! Wednesday, July 15, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 2 p.m., ages 3 to 5. Thursday, July 16, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 2 p.m., ages 3 to 5. What has six legs and four wings? An incredible insect! Introduce your preschooler to world of the creepy-crawly insects through stories, songs and more in this hands-on interactive program. Meet at the Refuge Visitor Center.

Let's Go Fishing! Saturday, July 18, 8 to 9:30 a.m., ages 4 to 12. Bring your child out for an early morning surf fishing clinic. Kids will learn how to cast a line, how to be an ethical angler and try their hand at landing a striped bass. Greenheads will be around (though not as active in the morning), so bring the bug spray. Space is limited in this program. We will provide fishing poles. Meet at Refuge Parking Lot 1.

Eco Art: Thursday, July 23, 1 to 2:30 p.m., ages 6 to 10. Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without. Come learn how to recycle everyday items into great arts and crafts projects in this fun, interactive program. Meet at the Refuge Visitor Center.

Bugs, Bugs, Bugs! Sunday, July 26, 9 to 10:30 a.m., ages 6 to 9. Ever gotten up close with a cricket or met a meadowhawk? Come to this hands-on program where we will search for incredible insect friends and learn about what makes them the most abundant animal on the planet. Meet at the Refuge Visitor Center.