February 2012 Programs Offered by Mass Audubon’s

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

 2/1/2012, 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

2/4/2012, 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.

Sanctuary Walk

2/4/2012, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM

Fee: Free for  Mass Audubon Adult Members, $5 Adult Non-members, Free for Child Members, $3 Child Non-members.  

Description: Join Lisa Carlin, Education Coordinator for a moderate paced hike through Broad Meadow Brook. We will see what is happening on the sanctuary and stop to enjoy any interesting and unusual sites we come upon.  We will be hiking aproximately 3 miles. Please bring water and come dressed for the weather. If we have snow - bring or rent snowshoes. For ages 8 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

2/8/2012, 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

2/9/2012, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM

Fee: $8 Mass 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 ages 5 to 7.  For more information and to register, call 508.753.6087.   Sponsored by Mass Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary

Homeschool Programs at Broad Meadow Brook - CSI

2/9/2012, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM~3/8/2012, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM

Fee: $16 Mass Audubon Child Members, $24 Child Non-members.  

Description: Become an expert investigator in this two-part class. In the first class, learn to classify fingerprints and shoeprints and relate your knowledge to animal tracking. In the second class, examine bite marks and impressions and compare them to the jaws of various animals. Finally, solve the mystery and announce who committed the "crime" at BMB!   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

2/11/2012, 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 Members,/ $24 Non-Members.

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. Price includes snowshoe rental. 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

2/15/2012, 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: Whose Clues? Tracks in the Snow

2/15/2012, 10:00 AM-11:00 AM

Fee: $7 Mass Audubon Child Members, $10 Child Non-members. $2 for 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: Whose Clues? Tracks in the Snow

2/16/2012, 10:00 AM-11:00 AM

Fee: $7 Mass Audubon Child Members, $10 Child Non-members. $2 for 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: Whose Clues? Tracks in the Snow

2/18/2012, 10:00 AM-11:00 AM

Fee: $7 Mass Audubon Child Members, $10 Child Non-members. $2 for 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

Snowshoeing and Winter Tracking

2/19/2012, 1:30 PM-4:00 PM

Fee: $7 Mass Audubon Adult Members, $10 Adult Non-members, $5 Child Members, $8 Child Non-members.  

Description: Burncoat Pond Wildlife Sanctuary has wonderful open spaces, perfect for using snowshoes to explore the diverse habitats there. We'll have materials on hand to delve deeper into what we find. No snow? Don't worry! We will explore the woodland trails for seasonal wonders.  Family rate: $24 members, $36 nonmembers. Snowshoes provided or bring your own and get $2 per person off  when you register for the program. Meet at the end of Polar Spring Road, just before the gate. Located off Route 9 at the Leicester/Spencer Line, Polar Spring is the dirt road adjacent to the Spencer Country Inn. For ages 6 and older.  For more information and to register, call 508.753.6087.   Sponsored by Mass Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary

February Vacation Week

2/20/2012 - 2/24/2012, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM

Fee for each day: $42 Child Members, $52 Child Non-members.  

Description: Need something to do during school vacation week? Come to Broad Meadow Brook where we will explore the sanctuary by foot or even snowshoe if the weather cooperates! Every day will feature a new theme, and this week promises to be filled with new discoveries and new friends as well!  Parents will be sent additional information upon registration. Children will need to have a medical form on file, and they will need to bring a snack and lunch. If you sign up for all five days, the cost is $185 for members and $235 for nonmembers. For ages 6 to 11.  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

2/22/2012, 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 Ducks at Sachuest Point

2/25/2012, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM

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

Description: Join us as we once again make a trip to the fantastic coast of Rhode Island to explore Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge for harlequin ducks, eiders, surf scoters, and scaup bobbing in choppy, cold waters. Turn your lenses to shore and spy on purple sandpipers crawling over the exposed rocks. Be prepared for bitterly cold winds but hey, it really is fun!  Bring lunch, binoculars, and a field guide.  Dress in 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

Discovering Nature as a Preschooler - Spring 2012 Session 1

2/28/2012 - 3/27/2012, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM

Fee: $85 Mass 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 ages 4 to 5.  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

2/29/2012, 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

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