Climate Change and Its Effects on Plum Island and Us

Parker River NWR Headquarters/Visitor Center 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, United States

Hear a lot about climate change in the news and want to get an idea how it affects you and local wildlife? Join a refuge ranger and biologist on a special behind the scenes tour down Parker River National Wildlife Refuge covering one of the most talked about topics today. Stops will be made along…

Woodcock Walk at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Parker River NWR Lot#1

Each spring American woodcocks engage in one of nature’s most fascinating courtship displays. Here’s your chance to witness this “sky dance” up close and in-person! This program is appropriate for ages 8 and older. Meet the ranger on the deck of the visitor contact station at parking lot 1. Bring binoculars and a flashlight. Program…

Birding the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Parker River NWR Headquarters/Visitor Center 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, United States

Meet Park Ranger Bill Isaacson for an informative birding tour on the refuge. This tour will concentrate on warbler identification, on the habits and habitats of local birds, and where to go to maximize bird viewing opportunities. This tour is limited to 8 people. Please wear sturdy shoes and proper outerwear. Some walking will be…

Woodcock Walk at Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge 4 Arboretum Drive, Newington, NH, United States

Each spring American woodcocks engage in one of nature’s most fascinating courtship displays. Here’s your chance to witness this “sky dance” up close and in-person! This program is appropriate for ages 8 and older. Meet the ranger in front of the Great Bay office, just opposite the parking lot. Bring a flashlight and binoculars, if…

Wind, Weather, Ice & Everything Nice (And By That, We Mean Ice Cream!)

Parker River NWR Headquarters/Visitor Center 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, United States

How do clouds form? What is the wind? Why do we put salt on icy roads in the winter? Join us for fun science experiments for kids investigating wind, weather, and ice. Create a cloud in a jar! Make a take home weather vane. Best of all, experiment with making your own ice cream in…

Behind the Scenes Refuge Tour of Parker River NWR

Parker River NWR Headquarters/Visitor Center 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, United States

Join a refuge ranger for a behind the scenes tour of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Tour will be conducted via refuge van, with several brief “drive by” stops along the way. The tour will present an “up close and personal” look at the refuge through the multiple lenses of the cultural history of Plum…

Evening Program: Restoration by Design

Parker River NWR Headquarters/Visitor Center 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, United States

Oysters play a critical role in maintaining the health and resilience of estuaries in New England. Each bivalve can filter up to 30 gallons of water per day, removing suspended particles and clearing the surrounding waters. Additionally, their reefs provide important habitat for native fish and invertebrates and can help alleviate erosion and buffer shorelines.…

Bicycle Tour of Great Bay NWR

Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge 4 Arboretum Drive, Newington, NH, United States

Join a refuge ranger for a behind the scenes tour, by bicycle, of Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge, located in Newington, NH. Participants will have an opportunity to visit areas of the refuge that are not normally open to the public. See a diversity of habitats and learn how the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service…

Introduction to Astrophotography: Tips, Tricks, and Techniques!

Parker River NWR Headquarters/Visitor Center 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, United States

Sponsored by the Photo Society of Parker River NWR Photographing the Milky Way, and the stars in general, has become all the rage in recent years. And, if you’ve ever tried it, you know how technically challenging this type of photography can be. But, not to worry – professional photographer Christopher Georgia will be “in…

Nelson Island Tour

Parker River NWR Headquarters/Visitor Center 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, United States

Explore another part of the refuge – this time, on the mainland. Join a ranger for a tour of a beautiful spot that few people visit: Nelson Island. If we’re lucky, we might catch a glimpse of a nesting osprey. Learn about the history of this little known refuge jewel. If weather and tide permits,…