Events
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Guided Walk- Hockomock Swamp
The roughly 16,950 acre Hockomock Swamp with it's wetlands and water bodies make up the largest vegetated freshwater wetland system in Massachusetts. It's wetlands and water bodies, including Lake Nippenicket, serve as the headwaters for the Town River, which flows into the Taunton River. This easy walk will lead to views of the "Nip". Like most wetlands, Hockamock Swamp is a great place to see birds and other wildlife. Waterproof footwear recommended. No restrooms available. Our guide, Ellenor Simmons, brings 32 years of state parks experience to TRWA as a former Southcoast Field Operations Team Leader and park supervisor with…
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Guided Walk- Somerset Recreation Area
The Taunton River begins at the confluence of the Town and Matfield Rivers in Bridgewater and flows 40 miles to Mount Hope Bay in Fall River. In nearby Somerset, views from the river's flow into the Bay can be discovered. We will take a close up look at small and interesting "creatures" found in a tide pool formed at the mouth of the Taunton River. This is a short walk with stones. Waterproof boots are recommended. Dress for the weather. No restrooms available. Our guide, Ellenor Simmons, brings 32 years of state parks experience to TRWA as a former…
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Listening to Nature with Bioindicators
FeaturedGertrude Boyden Refuge 1298 Cohannet Street, Taunton, MANature is always speaking to us! Join Abby at the Boyden Wildlife Refuge to discover how we can learn about the health of our ecosystems by studying something called a bioindicator: a species that signals whether environmental conditions are thriving or under stress. After discussing and exploring biofacts from several Massachusetts bioindicator species, we’ll conduct an air‑quality experiment and search for a very special bioindicator found almost everywhere in our watershed… lichen! **Update: Main portion of the program will be held inside building at Boyden Wildlife Refuge. A shortened walk will follow due to the forecasted frigid temperatures.** …
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****REGISTRATION FULL**** Guest Speaker Norman Smith: Snowy Owls to Saw-Whet Owls
Middleborough Public Library 102 N Main St, Middleborough, MA, United StatesSince 1981, Norman Smith has spent countless days and nights, in every imaginable weather condition, observing, capturing, banding and relocating Snowy Owls at Logan International Airport. Data has been collected on roosting, hunting and behavior while on their wintering grounds. Since 2000 satellite transmitters have been attached to owls to learn more about their movements. Find out what has been learned to date, what questions remain and how this project developed to include research on Saw-whet Owls. ****REGISTRATION FULL*****
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Guided Walk: Seeking the Hidden Signs of Wildlife
Canoe River Preserve Red Mill Rd, Norton, MA, United StatesJoin us at Canoe River Preserve in Norton, MA for a guided walk with Ellenor Simmons! During a 2.2 mile-roundtrip forest walk, we will look for hidden signs of wildlife. Free parking is available in front of a gate on Red Mill Road, which is a dirt road between 55 and 75 Newland Street. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, bring a water bottle, and get ready for a morning of fun in nature! Registration required.
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Guided Walk: The Taunton River in Winter
FeaturedHeritage State Park 1 Central St., Fall River, MAJoin us at Heritage State Park in Fall River, MA for a guided walk with Ellenor Simmons! We will watch the wildlife on the river and learn about how the waterfront has changed in the past 40 years. The walk will begin along the boardwalk and move upriver to Bicentennial Park. Restrooms are available in the Heritage State Park Visitor Center. Free parking is available in the Battleship Cove parking lot at 1 Central Street in Fall River. This guided walk is 2.2 miles roundtrip, with benches and a scenic viewing area along the boardwalk. Registration required. Please fill…
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Guided Walk: Trees & Mushrooms in Late Winter
Woodward Forest Gateway Lane, Norton, MA, United StatesJoin us at Woodward Forest in Norton, MA for a guided walk with Cheryl Graham! Free street parking is available along the side of the road. This guided walk is 3 miles roundtrip, with mostly compact ground and switch-back trails for ease along subtle elevation changes. Registration required. Please fill out a separate registration form for each person attending.
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Big Night: The Amphibian Migration
Massasoit State Park 1361 Middleboro Ave, East Taunton, United StatesBig Night: The Amphibian Migration Join DCR staff and educators from the Taunton River Watershed Alliance (TRWA) to witness the incredible annual amphibian migration. Every year frogs and salamanders wait for a warm, damp night to move from the forest into ponds and pools, where they will mate and lay their eggs. As we walk we’ll keep our eyes and ears open for signs of these slimy creatures. Free. For adults and ages 6+. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Visitor Contact Station, about 1/4 mile past the park entrance. We will walk approximately 1.5 miles…
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Big Night! The Amphibian Migration – Part 2
Massasoit State Park 1361 Middleboro Ave, East Taunton, United StatesBig Night: The Amphibian Migration - Part 2 **REGISTRATION FULL** Join DCR staff and educators from the Taunton River Watershed Alliance (TRWA) to witness the incredible annual amphibian migration. Every year frogs and salamanders wait for a warm, damp night to move from the forest into ponds and pools, where they will mate and lay their eggs. As we walk we’ll keep our eyes and ears open for signs of these slimy creatures. Free. For adults and ages 6+. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Visitor Contact Station, about 1/4 mile past the park entrance.We will…
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Owl Prowl! Guided Walk & Interactive Activities **RESCHEDULED – REGISTRATION FULL**
Pratt Farm 110 E Main St, Middleborough, MA, United States**RESCHEDULED - REGISTRATION FULL** Join us at Pratt Farm in Middleborough, MA for an owl prowl! During a 2-mile roundtrip walk, we will learn all about owls: what they do, where they live, and what makes them so cool! Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and warm clothing, and get ready for an exciting evening learning about and looking for these beloved raptors!