November 2009 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

Take a Hike!

11/1/2009, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM

Fee: Free.  

Description: Join sanctuary volunteers on Sunday afternoons for a family-friendly hike at Broad Meadow Brook. On this walk, we will look for anything that is flying, crawling, hopping, or flitting nearby.  This program is free with sanctuary admission. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes. 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

11/4/2009, 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

Friday Morning Birds and More

11/6/2009, 7:00 AM-9:00 AM

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

Description: This weekly birdwalk helps document the sanctuary birds over the season, keeping tabs on our regulars and an eye out for rare visitors like last fall's short-eared owl. Help us confirm fall migrating species. Most of the time we'll explore different corners of the sanctuary, but we may take trips to look at nearby areas. Birders of all levels are welcome!  Meet at the Visitor Center. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Binoculars and field guides are recommended but not required. For more information and to register, call 508.753.6087.   Sponsored by Mass Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary.

Stone Walls: Natural and Human History

11/7/2009, 1:00 PM-3:30 PM

Fee: $9 Mass Audubon Adult Members, $13 Adult Non-members

Description: Broad Meadow Brook has miles of stone walls -- witness and evidence to our geologic and human history. These walls define old boundary lines, pastures, house lots, gardens, and old roads. Walls provide habitat, tell a story about local geology, and are testament to the artistry of their builders. This introductory program will provide enough information to encourage participants to explore and investigate stone walls on their own.  Bring water and wear good walking shoes. For more information and to register, call 508.753.6087.   Sponsored by Mass Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary.

Saturday-Morning Bird Walk for Adults

11/7/2009, 8:00 AM-10:00 AM

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

Description: Explore the sanctuary grounds in search of birds during this program for casual and novice birders alike. Come discover the immense variety of birdlife that exists at this large urban sanctuary. We'll teach you the basics of birding and bird identification during an easy-to-moderate walk along the trails.  Free for members. Bring binoculars and field guides, if you have them. Wear appropriate footwear and bring a water bottle. 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 - Fall 2009 Session 2

11/10/2009, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM~11/17/2009, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM~11/24/2009, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM~12/1/2009, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM~12/8/2009, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM~12/15/2009, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM

Fee: $85 Child Mass Audubon 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. Tammy Fleming Maus, a mother and grandmother, has been sharing her love of nature with children at Broad Meadow Brook for the last four years and is a seasoned Discovering Nature teacher.   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

11/11/2009, 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's & 6's

11/12/2009, 9:30 AM-11:30 AM

Fee: $10 Mass Audubon

Child Members, $15 Child Non-members.  

Description: Join us the second Thursday of each month for this exciting new program designed especially for five and six year olds. Each month we’ll focus on a new nature topic.  We’ll explore our topic indoors -- with 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.   For ages 5 to 6.  For more information and to register, call 508.753.6087.   Sponsored by Mass Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary.

Friday Morning Birds and More

11/13/2009, 7:00 AM-9:00 AM

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

Description: This weekly birdwalk helps document the sanctuary birds over the season, keeping tabs on our regulars and an eye out for rare visitors like last fall's short-eared owl. Help us confirm fall migrating species. Most of the time we'll explore different corners of the sanctuary, but we may take trips to look at nearby areas. Birders of all levels are welcome!  Meet at the Visitor Center. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Binoculars and field guides are recommended but not required.  For more information and to register, call 508.753.6087.   Sponsored by Mass Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary.

Waterfowl in the City of Worcester

11/14/2009, 9:00 AM-11:00 AM

Fee: $6 Mass Audubon Adult Members, $8 Adult Non-members  

Description: Join Sheryl Farnam as we explore local water bodies in search of waterfowl that can be found in the fall before the water freezes. We will start at Leesville Pond and then move onto Coes Pond, looking for hooded mergansers, common mergansers, green-winged teal, american widgeon, northern pintail and so much more.  Meet at the entrance to the New Swedish Cemetery, 7 Island Road.  For more information and to register, call 508.753.6087.   Sponsored by Mass Audubon at Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary.

Wildlife Volunteer Days at Broad Meadow Brook

11/14/2009, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

Fee: Free  

Description: Join us on the second Saturday of the month 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.

Up the Blackstone with Mass Audubon: A Three-Part Series of Van Tours

Part 3: The Headwaters

11/15/2009, 1:00 PM-5:00 PM

Fee: $15 Mass Audubon Adult Members, $20 Adult Non-members  

Description: Explore Worcester's waterways, all of which are headwater tributaries to the Blackstone River. We'll visit Kettle Brook, Tatnuck Brook, Beaver Brook, Mill Brook, Middle River, Coal Mine Brook, and Poor Farm Brook. We'll discover how they all interconnect, the role they play in Worcester’s history, and the impact of the city’s history on them. Originating as a series of streams in the hills of Worcester, the Blackstone River flows 46 miles south into Rhode Island, dropping 438 feet before emptying into the Seekonk River in Pawtucket and on to Narragansett Bay near Providence. Come explore the valley with us in Mass Audubon's van and learn about its natural, historic, and cultural resources. This season we'll start with the Rhode Island reach and work our way upriver! Meet at Broad Meadow Brook; refreshments and restrooms will be provided. There are  a limited number of seats in the van - please register early!

This program series is part of the Campaign for a Fishable/Swimmable Blackstone River by 2015 and is cosponsored by the Blackstone River Coalition.  Meet at Broad Meadow Brook; refreshments and restrooms will be provided.  There are a limited number of seats in the van for these programs - please register early! This program series is part of the Campaign for a Fishable/Swimmable Blackstone River by 2015 and is cosponsored by the Blackstone River Coaliiton. 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

11/18/2009, 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: All About Turkeys

11/18/2009, 10:00 AM-11:00 AM

Fee: $7 Mass Audubon Child Members, $10 Child Non-members. Fee covers adult/child pair; $2 per additional 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: All About Turkeys

11/19/2009, 10:00 AM-11:00 AM

Fee: $7 Mass Audubon Child Members, $10 Child Non-members. Fee covers adult/child pair; $2 per additional 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..

Homeschool Programs at Broad Meadow Brook:  Turkey Time

11/19/2009, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM

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

Description: We’ll learn about the turkey’s life cycle and habits as we search the sanctuary for turkeys or their signs.  Back inside, we’ll create attractive, educational table decorations for Turkey Day.  Prepare to astound everyone at the Thanksgiving table with your knowledge of turkeys!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 encouraged to attend with the student(s), 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!   For ages 5 to 13. Advance registration is required.   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: All About Turkeys

11/21/2009, 10:00 AM-11:00 AM~

Fee: $7 Mass Audubon Child Members, $10 Child Non-members. Fee covers adult/child pair; $2 per additional 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.

Volunteer Day at Broad Meadow Brook

11/25/2009, 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!!!