January 2012 Programs Offered by Mass Audubon

Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary

414 Massasoit Rd.  Worcester, MA, 01604
tel. 508.753.6087   email bmbrook@massaudubon.org

Advance registration is required for most programs.

Programs are held at Broad Meadow Brook unless otherwise indicated

Volunteer Day at Broad Meadow Brook

1/4/2012, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Fee:  Free

Description: Help care for the sanctuary and enjoy a few hours of fresh air, fun and fulfillment.  Come once or every week and become part of our growing group of sanctuary volunteers.  Together with Mass Audubon staff, put up signs and markers, look for wildlife tracks, pick up branches, fill bird feeders, tend the gardens, and distribute program information.  Some tasks may require heavy lifting.  Ability to work without supervision required.  Carpentry skills welcome.  Nature lovers appreciated.  Sponsored by Mass Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary.  For more information and to register, call 508.753.6087

First Saturday of the Month Volunteer Days at Broad Meadow Brook

1/7/2012, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

Fee: Free  

Description: Join us on this Saturday morning for wildlife-related volunteering activities. Maintaining habitat and monitoring populations are part of managing the largest urban wildlife sanctuary in New England. Spring through early fall we look for butterflies and dragonflies, take care of bird feeders, and battle invasive plants.  Open to adults and families with children ages 8 and older.  For more information and to register, call 508.753.6087.   Sponsored by Mass Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary.

Discovering Nature as a Preschooler - Winter 2012 Session

1/10/2012 to 2/14/2012, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM

Fee: $85 MA Audubon Child Members, $100 Child Non-members.  

Description: This six-week series of nature classes is designed for young children ages 4 to 5 unaccompanied by a parent. Each week brings a new focus, but we’ll always begin indoors with games, activities, or crafts, and then explore the great outdoors on Broad Meadow Brook’s clearly marked trails.  This is a wonderful opportunity for young children to learn about nature and meet other children, in a safe, caring environment. For more information and to register, call 508.753.6087.   Sponsored by Mass Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary

Volunteer Day at Broad Meadow Brook

1/11/2012, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Fee:  Free

Description: Help care for the sanctuary and enjoy a few hours of fresh air, fun and fulfillment.  Come once or every week and become part of our growing group of sanctuary volunteers.  Together with Mass Audubon staff, put up signs and markers, look for wildlife tracks, pick up branches, fill bird feeders, tend the gardens, and distribute program information.  Some tasks may require heavy lifting.  Ability to work without supervision required.  Carpentry skills welcome.  Nature lovers appreciated.  Sponsored by Mass Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary.  For more information and to register, call 508.753.6087

Nature Adventures for 5-7 Year Olds

1/12/2012, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM

Fee: $8 MA Audubon Child Members, $12 Child Non-members.  

Description: Join us the second Thursday of each month for a hands-on nature program designed especially for five, six, and seven year olds. Each month we’ll focus on a new nature topic. We’ll explore our topic indoors -- using investigations, crafts, and activities – and outdoors in Broad Meadow Brook’s beautiful 400-acre wildlife sanctuary. These classes will provide in-depth learning in a supportive social environment. (Homeschool classes for 8-13 year olds meet at the same time.)  For more information and to register, call 508.753.6087.   Sponsored by Mass Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary

Snowshoe the Sanctuary

1/12/2012, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM

Fee: $8 MA Audubon Child Members, $12 Child Non-members.  

Description: Use snowshoes to explore the natural beauty of the sanctuary in winter. Look for tracks, watch winter wildlife, and cure your cabin fever! No experience necessary. We provide the snowshoes and basic instruction, if needed. Parents are welcome to snowshoe with us. (In the event that we don't have snow cover, we will still learn basic snowshoe technique and take a winter ecology hike on foot.)

Broad Meadow Brook’s homeschool programs offer a friendly, cooperative learning environment for people of all ages! Our homeschool programs are designed for the homeschooling family. Parents are welcome to attend, but students may stay on their own if a medical form is on file with the sanctuary. At the end of all programs, students will receive follow-up information and activities so the learning can continue at home.  We look forward to learning with you! Advance registration is required. For ages 8 to 13.  For more information and to register, call 508.753.6087.   Sponsored by Mass Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary

Snowshoeing For Families

1/14/2012, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Fee: $6 Mass Audubon Adult Members, $7 Adult Non-members, $4 Child Members, $5 Child Non-members.  . Family rate: $20 M / $24 NM. Price includes snowshoe rental.

Description: If you can walk, you can snowshoe! We'll teach you how to use snowshoes and practice in our field before heading out onto the trails. We will teach you how to look for signs of wildlife as we enjoy the beauty of the sanctuary in winter! If Mother Nature does not provide us with enough snow, we will go for a hike.  Please wear boots and other clothing appropriate for winter. Hot chocolate and coffee will be available For ages 5 and older.  For more information and to register, call 508.753.6087.   Sponsored by Mass Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary

Volunteer Day at Broad Meadow Brook

1/18/2012, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Fee:  Free

Description: Help care for the sanctuary and enjoy a few hours of fresh air, fun and fulfillment.  Come once or every week and become part of our growing group of sanctuary volunteers.  Together with Mass Audubon staff, put up signs and markers, look for wildlife tracks, pick up branches, fill bird feeders, tend the gardens, and distribute program information.  Some tasks may require heavy lifting.  Ability to work without supervision required.  Carpentry skills welcome.  Nature lovers appreciated.  Sponsored by Mass Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary.  For more information and to register, call 508.753.6087

Third Week Wonders Preschool Series: Feed the Birds

1/18/2012, 10:00 AM-11:00 AM

Fee: $7 MA Audubon Child Members, $10 Child Non-members.  $2 each additional participating child.

Description: If you are between the ages of 3 and 5, bring your favorite adult for a thematic hour of a story, an activity, and a naturalist-led walk. Choose from the third Wednesday, Thursday, or Saturday of each month. Be prepared to go outside. For more information and to register, call 508.753.6087.   Sponsored by Mass Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary

Third Week Wonders Preschool Series: Feed the Birds

1/19/2012, 10:00 AM-11:00 AM

Fee: $7 MA Audubon Child Members, $10 Child Non-members.  $2 each additional participating child.

Description: If you are between the ages of 3 and 5, bring your favorite adult for a thematic hour of a story, an activity, and a naturalist-led walk. Choose from the third Wednesday, Thursday, or Saturday of each month.  Be prepared to go outside. For more information and to register, call 508.753.6087.   Sponsored by Mass Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary

Third Week Wonders Preschool Series: Feed the Birds

1/21/2012, 10:00 AM-11:00 AM

Fee: $7 MA Audubon Child Members, $10 Child Non-members. $2 each additional participating child.  

Description: If you are between the ages of 3 and 5, bring your favorite adult for a thematic hour of a story, an activity, and a naturalist-led walk. Choose from the third Wednesday, Thursday, or Saturday of each month.  .Be prepared to go outside. For more information and to register, call 508.753.6087.   Sponsored by Mass Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary

Owl Prowl

1/21/2012, 6:30 PM-8:30 PM

Fee: $6 Mass Audubon Adult Members, $8 Adult Non-members, $4 Child Members, $6 Child Non-members.  Maximum fee per family is $20 m/$28 nm

Description: Are owls wise? How do they fly so silently? Can they really turn their heads all the way around? Find out at this evening program for families. Play owl games and learn some fun facts. We’ll practice owl calls inside then search the sanctuary for these magnificent creatures of the night.  Bring a flashlight and dress warmly (we'll be outdoors for about an hour).. For ages 5 and older.  For more information and to register, call 508.753.6087.   Sponsored by Mass Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary

Volunteer Day at Broad Meadow Brook

1/25/2012, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Fee:  Free

Description: Help care for the sanctuary and enjoy a few hours of fresh air, fun and fulfillment.  Come once or every week and become part of our growing group of sanctuary volunteers.  Together with Mass Audubon staff, put up signs and markers, look for wildlife tracks, pick up branches, fill bird feeders, tend the gardens, and distribute program information.  Some tasks may require heavy lifting.  Ability to work without supervision required.  Carpentry skills welcome.  Nature lovers appreciated.  Sponsored by Mass Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary.  For more information and to register, call 508.753.6087

Winter Birding Trip to Plum Island

1/28/2012, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Fee: $30 Mass Audubon Adult Members, $37 Adult Non-members  

Description: Winter can be a great time to go birdwatching. Leave the driving to us as we explore the winter birds in several Important Bird Areas (IBAs) along the coast of Massachusetts. We'll go to Plum Island, a birding hot spot and part of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, in search of waterfowl that are attracted to this area. We'll also be on the lookout for shrikes, snowy owls, and snow buntings.  Bring lunch, binoculars, and a field guide.  Dress in warm layers for the cold weather. For more information and to register, call 508.753.6087.   Sponsored by Mass Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary

Snowshoeing For Families

1/29/2012, 1:30 PM-3:30 PM

Fee: $6 Mass Audubon Adult Members, $7 Adult Non-members, $4 Child Members, $5 Child Non-members.  Family rate: $20 M / $24 NM. Price includes snowshoe rental.

Description: If you can walk, you can snowshoe! We'll teach you how to use snowshoes and practice in our field before heading out onto the trails. We will teach you how to look for signs of wildlife as we enjoy the beauty of the sanctuary in winter! If Mother Nature does not provide us with enough snow, we will go for a hike.  Please wear boots and other clothing appropriate for winter. Hot chocolate and coffee will be availableFor ages 5 and older.  For more information and to register, call 508.753.6087.   Sponsored by Mass Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary

Thank you for helping us spread the word and to protect the nature of Massachusetts!!!