Moose Hill Happenings February 2012

Moose Hill Happenings February 2012

Family Programs

Free Star Parties

Join local astronomers for a look at the stars and other night objects through big telescopes.  The event is on-going, so drop in for all or just some of the evening.  This program is cancelled if sky conditions are cloudy or in extreme snow/cold; call Patti Austin at 781-784-5691 x8103 after 6 pm for a recorded message concerning the status of the program prior to attending.  Park in the Nature Center parking lot and follow the marked trail to the viewing field.  Bring a flash light for the short, self-guided trail walk.

Tuesday, February 21; 7 – 10 pmFree

Adult Programs

Animal Signs

Train your eye to search out evidence of wildlife in your yard and at Moose Hill.  Join Patti Austin and search for tracks, nests, homes, scat, sounds, and more during this interpretive outdoor walk just for adults.  A guide card to animal tracks will be included. Animal Signs

Sunday, February 12; 1 – 2:30 pm Fee:  $5,-$8  Pre-registration required

Groundhogs

It’s Groundhog Day!  Stories, a craft, and plenty of fun games will complete this program about this celebrated animal.  Pretend to be a groundhog and “tunnel” into your winter den.  If the weather allows, hike to see groundhog habitat. Thursday, February 2; 10 – 11:30 am -1 – 2:30 pm  $8- $11

Rainbow Art

Winter is often void of brilliant color…so why not create some!  Explore the colors of the rainbow through a variety of art projects and experiments.  This all indoor program will also feature stories and an indoor rainbow hunt. Wednesday, February 8; 10 – 11:30 am 1 – 2:30 pm Fee per session:  $8 -$11

Mice are Nice

Mice are nice, especially if you are a predator!  Explore the lives of animals who eat mice:  owls, coyotes, snakes, and more.  Search for mouse tracks and leave seeds to help these small mammals get through the winter. Thursday, February 9;   10 – 11:30 am 1 – 2:30 pm Fee per session:  $8- $11

Night and Day

Explore the lives of nocturnal animals during the day!  Search for owls, bats, and other nighttime critters during this game-filled program.  A story about nocturnal animals will get us ready for our adventure as we try to wake snoozing wildlife. Wednesday, February 15; 10 – 11:30 am -1 – 2:30 pm Fee $8, -$11

Leaping Critters

In honor of Leap Year, jump into the lives of any creature that leaps, hops, or bounds.  Can you leap like a leopard?  Hop like a grasshopper? Bound like a bunny?  This active day of games will be both indoor and outside.  Make a paper frog that hops. Wednesday, February 29; 10 – 11:30 am 1 – 230pm

Fee $8--$11

Ages 6 – 11

Kitchen Science

Science is everywhere!  Use items from a typical kitchen to help in understanding the scientific method.  Each session will feature experiments based on the themes listed above.  Some experiments may be outdoors, so dress for the weather. Thursday; 3:30 – 5 pm February 16; Weather Wonders Fee $9 - $12

assisting with the Nature Gift Shop and other various changing activities. We offer ongoing training, support and some benefits as well. If you are available one morning and/or afternoon during the week, especially during the summer, please call Jan Goba at 781-784-5691 or email her at jngoba@massaudubon.org to learn more about this program.

Wanted:  Maple Sugaring Help

Event Weekends

Come join in the magic of sugaring by volunteering for our Maple Sugaring Festival.  Volunteers lead groups along the event trail, portray historical characters, run the sugar house (see below), manage indoor activities at the Nature Center, and/or sell maple-related treats.  Contact Patti Austin at paustin@massaudubon.org for details.

Sugar House

We need volunteers to operate our sugar house.  Contact Rich Savage at rsavage@massaudubon.org for details.

Citizen Science Projects

Moose Hill has several opportunities in helping with wildlife monitoring projects:  bluebird house monitoring, amphibian coverboard project, and assisting with the salamander crossing.  If you are interested in more information on any of the above Citizen Science projects, contact Christine Turnbull at cturnbull@massaudubon.org.  No prior experience is necessary, training is provided for all projects.

Volunteer News

Volunteer Opportunities

Would you like to share your talents and your time to be a part of the Volunteer Team at Moose Hill? Opportunities are currently available for a Front Desk Reception Volunteer. Responsibilities include greeting visitors, answering telephones, processing program and membership registrations,

Maple Event

Maple Sugaring Festival…40 Years of Sweetness!

Session 1:  Sunday, March 11

     Don’t forget to change your clocks.

Session 2:  Saturday, March 17

Session 3:  Sunday, March 18

Times Each Session: 

11, 11:15, 11:30, 11:45 a.m., 12:30, 12:45, 1, 1:15, 1:30, 1:45, 2, 2:15, 2:30, 2:45, and 3 p.m.

Fee Information

Pre-registration rate:  $7 per person

Day-of rate:  $8 per person

Children age three and younger are free.

Join in the celebration of 40 years of maple sugaring at Moose Hill!  Travel back in time and discover the history of maple sugaring during this special 90-minute outdoor, guided tour.  Visit a Native American and colonial site meeting with people portraying characters from the past as they go about their daily chores, including making maple syrup.  End your travels in the present day at our operational sugar house where we are turning sap into syrup.  A taste of the final product will conclude your program.  Dress for the weather, but plan to come inside for additional sugaring fun after your tour.

Pancakes with syrup, “sap” dogs, maple popcorn, and more delicious food items will be available for a small additional fee at the Nature Center.  Make a simple project to remind you of your maple sugaring experience at our children’s craft table.  Test your maple sugaring knowledge at the quiz board.  Learn about other Mass Audubon offerings and opportunities.  Add your sugaring memories to our Memory Board and check out our images from past sugaring seasons. Pre-registration is highly recommended, as some time slots may be filled.  If you have questions about this event, please contact Patti Austin at