Boston, MA – January 15, 2015 – Staycationing during February school vacation week? If so, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) have you covered with fun and wallet-friendly programs and activities for all ages designed to expand your family’s horizons. Whether you’ve always dreamed of learning to snowshoe, using a GPS to hike a new trail, identifying animal tracks, counting birds or making maple sugar, The Trustees have the program to teach you and your kids something new this winter.
The Trustees own and manage 112 properties across the state located in 75 communities from Provincetown to Williamstown that include mountains, beaches, forests, working farms, gardens, and historic homesteads. Visit our website or new Go Trustees app to find a Trustees of Reservations property near you!
GREATER BOSTON
Farm Fun for the Whole Family: Pizza Making and Board Games: Powisset Farm, Dover
Wednesday, February 18 | 5PM – 7PM
Venture out on a glorious winter night of school vacation! Join Powisset Cooks! for a short look at the farm in Winter followed by a fun-filled evening of pizza making, eating and board games. Class includes options for vegetarians and vegans. This event is part of the Powisset Cooks! program. Adult Member: $15. Child Member: $10. Adult Nonmember: $20. Child Nonmember: $15. For more information: 508.785.0339 x3003 or www.thetrustees.org/powissetcooks .
February Vacation Camp: Exploring Farm and Forest: Weir River Farm, Hingham
Tuesday, February 17, Wednesday, February 18, and Thursday, February 19 | Ages: 4-6 | 9AM – 12PM, Ages 7–10 | 1PM – 4PM
Vacation equals exploration! Under a fresh dusting of snow, you can explore Weir River Farm in a whole new light. With hikes, games, and plenty of time with the animals, your child’s vacation will be full of fun and adventure.
Members: $90. Nonmembers: $110. Space limited. Please pre-register by emailing mconnolly@ttor.org. For more information: 781.740.7233 or www.thetrustees.org/southeast.
THE SOUTH SHORE, CAPE COD AND THE ISLANDS
February School Vacation Exploration Long Point Wildlife Refuge: West Tisbury
Monday, February 23, Tuesday, February 24, Wednesday, February 25, Thursday, February 26 and
Friday, February, 27 | 10AM – 2PM
Stop by Long Point Wildlife Refuge during February school vacation to complete a Quest, scavenger hunt, and much more! The Visitor’s Center will be open with snacks and hot drinks. Explore with family and friends through exciting inquiry this unique property on the south shore of the Vineyard! Child Member: $3. Child Nonmember: $5. Adults: FREE. For more information: 508.693.7662 or www.thetrustees.org/places-to-visit/cape-cod-islands.
Winter Birding for Kids: Watuppa Reservation, Fall River
Saturday, February 7 | 1PM – 3PM
Even in winter the Bioreserve is full of birds! Some of our feathered friends actually migrate down to the South Coast from up north and can only be seen during the coldest months of the year. . Bring the kids to make pinecone bird feeders to take home and search for winter birds at our feeders and in the forests of the Bioreserve.
Members: $5. Nonmembers: $10.For more information: 508.636.4693 x103 or www.thetrustees.org/southeast.
LOVE Your Local Property: Lyman Reserve, Wareham
Saturday, February 14 | 1PM – 4PM
Looking to get out of the house and spend a wintry day with a loved one? Why not join us for an afternoon at Lyman Reserve for a tour of the property ending in a bonfire with a hot chocolate warming your hands.
Members: FREE. Nonmembers: $5. For more information: 774.302.0779 or www.thetrustees.org/southeast
Get Started in the Greenhouse: Cornell Farm, Dartmouth
Saturday, February 28 | 10AM – 12PM
Getting a jump on the spring veggie planting doesn’t start in April, it starts in the warmth of a greenhouse in the heart of the winter. Come learn how to start a successful spring planting season by executing seed starts in a greenhouse in February with the helpful guidance of Farm Manager Steve Connors. Members: $10. Nonmembers: $15. For more information: 508.636.4693 x110 or www.thetrustees.org/southeast.
NORTHEAST
Cape Ann Discovery Center (or “Cocoa Cabana”): Ravenswood Park, Gloucester
Open Saturdays, Sundays, and Holiday Mondays | 10AM – 3PM
The Discovery Center is the jumping off point to Ravenswood Park. It features hands-on science exhibits, and Investigation Station, seasonal snowshoe rentals and loaner “Discovery Detective Backpacks” perfect for treks around the park’s open carriage paths and woodland trails. Visitors are invited to warm up by the woodstove and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate .FREE. For more information: 978.281.8400 or www.thetrustees.org/capeann.
Ready, Set, Snow! Snowshoe Rentals: Cape Ann Discover Center at Ravenswood Park, Gloucester
Saturdays, Sundays, and Monday Holidays Jan-March | 10AM – 2PM
Snowshoe rentals are available when the snow flies on Saturdays, Sundays, and Monday Holidays. Adult and children’s sizes available on a first come, first served basis. Member: $10. Nonmember: $15. Child: $5. For more information: 978.281.8400 or www.thetrustees.org/capeann.
Snowman Making in the Stone Paddock w/ Hot Cocoa: Appleton Farms, Ipswich
Saturday, February, 14 | 10AM – 12:30PM
What a perfect time to enjoy the snow! Join us for some outdoor farm fun and make your very own snow farmer! Play out in the stone paddock and then warm up in the Carriage Barn with some hot cocoa. While you’re here, explore the farm and see some of our adorable Jersey cows in the dairy barn. Drop in at the Stone Paddock next to the Visitor Center anytime between 10AM-12:30PM. FREE. For more information: 978.281.8400 or www.thetrustees.org/appleton.
Mini Moos Tour: Appleton Farms, Ipswich
Saturday, February 1, Monday February 16, Saturday, February 21 | 2PM – 3PM
Our popular Mini Moos tour is back for February Break! Got milk? We do! On this special program designed especially for our toddler friends, we’ll enjoy calf close encounters, a cow costume, a tour of the dairy barn while the cows are being milked and more! Recommended for ages 2-5 accompanied by an adult. Program meets at the Visitor Center. Member Family: $10 / Non-Member Family: $15. For more information: 978.281.8400 or www.thetrustees.org/appleton.
Seaside Winter Birding Walk: Coolidge Point or Halibut Point, Cape Ann
Sunday, February 15 | 8AM –10AM
Families get outside and enjoy these seaside properties – nationally renowned for viewing winter birds! Learn winter birding basics, natural history, and behavioral traits of winter shorebirds. FREE. For more information: 978.281.8400 or www.thetrustees.org/capeann.
Farm Fun Nature Crafts & Cookies: Appleton Farms, Ipswich
Monday, February 16 & Saturday, February 21 | 10AM – 12PM
Friday, February 20 | 1pm – 3 PM
Take a break from the outdoors and cozy up in the Appleton family farm house with some kid-friendly nature crafts. Bring a little bit of the outdoors in with these fun creations and enjoy some cookies for a snack! Drop in anytime at the Visitor Center. FREE. For more information: 978.281.8400 or www.thetrustees.org/appleton.
Meet the Maples Tour: Appleton Farms, Ipswich
Monday, February 16 & Saturday, February 21 | 1PM – 2PM
Ever wondered how we turn sap into syrup at Appleton Farms? Now you can find out when you Meet the Maples! Learn about the entire sugaring process and see how we tap our maple trees, collect the sap, and transform it in our sugar house. Even get a chance to taste some syrup! All ages are welcome Meets at the Visitor Center.
Member Family: $10. Non-member Family: $15. Space Limited. Please pre-register: 978.356.5728×18 or by crush@ttor.org . www.thetrustees.org/appleton .
Bluebird Nest Box Building, Ravenswood Park, Gloucester and Coolidge Reservation, Manchester-by-the-Sea
Monday, February 16 | 10AM – 12PM
Help build Eastern bluebird nest boxes to add to the Coolidge Reservation Ocean Lawn and start your own bluebird nest box program at home! These beautiful birds have been in decline due to a shortage of natural nesting cavities and competition from non-native species. Visit Coolidge Reservation to hang boxes along the trail and catch a bluebird sighting! Member: $5. Nonmember: $10. Children: Free. Take nest box home: additional $20. For more information: 978.281.8400 or www.thetrustees.org/ravenswoodpark.
Tracks and Telltales for Kids: Castle Hill on The Crane Estate, Ipswich
Tuesday, February 17 | 1PM – 3PM
Looking for an outdoor activity during school vacation? Join us as we hike from the Barn to the Pine Grove, looking for tracks and telltales left behind by the creatures who roam the property surrounding the Crane Estate. Use observation skills to discover footprints and feeding sites, homes and hiding places. The trek ends with hot chocolate in the Pine Grove. Member: $5 Nonmember: $8. For more information: 978.356.4351 or www.thetrustees.org/craneoutdooradventures
Snowflake Shapes & Science: Ravenswood Park, Gloucester
Thursday, February 19 | 1PM – 3PM
Get to know snow! Catch snowflakes, make ice crystal models and paper flakes, and view Bentley’s snowflake photographs taken under microscopes. Snowflakes – more than a bunch of flakes!
Adult Member: $5. Adult Nonmember: $8. Children: FREE. For more information: 978.281.8400 or
www.thetrustees.org/ravenswoodpark.
Winter Woods Walk: Appleton Farms, Ipswich
Friday, February 20 | 10AM – 11:30AM
Get outside and enjoy the season with a winter woods walk to one of our stone Pinnacles. We will explore some of the nearby forest on Appleton Farms and look for signs of animal activity. From tracks, to rubbings, to animal winter homes, there is always something interesting to discover in the winter landscape. We will talk about how plants and animals survive the winter and end with some hot cocoa! FREE. Recommended for ages 5-10. For more information: 978.356.5728×18. Register at www.thetrustees.org/appleton.
Hermit’s Tales on the Trails – With Animal Tracking Basics, Ravenswood Park, Gloucester
Friday, February 20 | 1PM – 3PM
From 1884-1917 Mason A. Walton lived in Ravenswood. Like he, we will track wildlife signs and determine animal behavior. Walk his footsteps and share tales from his book “A Hermit’s Wild Friends.”
Adult Member: $5. Adult Nonmember: $8. Children: FREE. For more information: 978.281.8400 or www.thetrustees.org/ravenswoodpark.
Live Animals of the Night – Opossum, Porcupine, & Bats: Ravenswood Park, Gloucester
Saturday, February 21 | 5PM –7PM
Have you seen the barred owls or red squirrels of Ravenswood Park? Come to the Center when these creatures visit and get a close-up view while learning about them. Family F U N! Adult Member: $8. Adult Nonmember: $10. Children: Free. For more information: 978.281.8400 or www.thetrustees.org/ravenswoodpark.
CENTRAL & WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
Hot Chocolate Saturdays: Bartholomew’s Cobble, Sheffield
Saturdays, mid-December through mid-March | 9AM – 4PM
Hot cocoa tastes better after some chilly exploring of winter’s wonders. Join the fun by grabbing a pair of snowshoes, getting some fresh air and exercise, and chatting over a cup of hot cocoa in the Visitor Center. Snow shoe rentals are available in adult and children’s sizes. Sign up for a Trustees membership and snow shoe rentals are Free! For more information: 413.229.8600 or bcobble@ttor.org.
Nordic Skiing at Notchview: Notchview Reservation, Windsor
Daily in-season | 8AM – 4:30PM
Join us for our 45th year of winter fun at New England’s largest Nordic (cross country) ski center. Skiing on snowshoeing on 25 miles of groomed and backcountry trails spread over 3200 acres. Perfect for families, with ski and snowshoe equipment rentals available for all ages, as well as a lunch café and lessons on weekends. For conditions: www.xcskimass.com or call 413.684.0148.
Nordic Ski Lessons: Notchview Reservation, Windsor
Winter Weekends | 11 AM
Learn the basics or finer points of Nordic skiing. Proper technique can make a big difference in the enjoyment of this sport. Groups lessons at 11AM or individually by arrangement. Members: $20 for group lessons and $45 for individual lessons. Nonmembers: $25/$50. 413.684.0148.
Snowshoe Shenanigans – A Valentine Special! Notchview Reservation, Windsor
Saturday, February 14 | 10AM – 12PM
Bring the one(s) you love and enjoy a snowshoe-focused winter celebration. Try the Adult 1KM, 3-person relay race and Kid’s Obstacle Course–all on snowshoes! We’ll also have hot cider, snacks and a bonfire.
Trustees of Reservations or Hilltown Land Trust members: $5, $10 family max; Nonmembers: $10, $20 family max. Includes day pass to Notchview – stay and play! For more information: 413.628.4485 x4.
Frosty Snowshoe—Toasty Yoga: Tyringham Cobble, Tyringham
Sunday February 15 | 1PM – 4PM
Cure your cabin fever. Explore the fields, trails, and summit views of Tyringham Cobble. We’ll follow this moderate snowshoe with toasty yoga in front of the fireplace in John McLennan’s swanky barn/music studio at nearby Ashintully Gardens. Great for beginners. We’ll hike if there isn’t much snow, but think snow!! Pre-registration required. Snowshoe rentals must be reserved at www.tracyremelius.com. Members: $25; Nonmembers: $30. (Rent snowshoes for $5 as supplies last) For more information: 413.243.3582 or tracyremelius@gmail.com.
Holyoke Winter Carnival: Hot Cocoa Snowshoe Hike: Little Tom Reservation, Holyoke
Sunday, February 15 | 10AM – 1PM
Close out the Holyoke Winter Carnival by enjoying a beautiful winter hike before taking a break with a tasty treat. The hike will be approximately 2-3 miles in length and will take about 2-3 hours. Generally moderate terrain with a few short steep sections. Beginners welcome. Members: FREE, Non-Members: $5. Snowshoes will be available for rent. Members:
FREE, Non-members: $5.For more information: 413.532.1631 x10 to register or westregion@ttor.org.
Ski and Snowshoe Trek at Field Farm: Field Farm, Williamstown
Sunday, February 22 | 1PM – 3 PM
Bring your cross country skis and or snowshoes for a group excursion around Field Farm’s fields and woodlands. Gentle terrain. Hot chocolate and marshmallows afterwards. Members and Children: FREE: Nonmember Adult: $5. Rain cancels. Registration: 413.532.1631 x10 or westregion@ttor.org.
For a list of fun programs and events for all ages happening at these and other Trustees reservations, visit: www.thetrustees.org/things-to-do/.
The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) “hold in trust” and care for properties, or “reservations,” of irreplaceable scenic, historic, and natural significance for the general public to enjoy. Founded by open space visionary Charles Eliot in 1891, The Trustees is the world’s oldest land trust and one of Massachusetts’ largest conservation and preservation non profits. Supported by more than 100,000 members and donors and thousands of volunteers, The Trustees own and manage 112 spectacular reservations – from working farms and historic homesteads and landscaped gardens, to community parks, barrier beaches, mountain vistas and woodland trials — located on more than 26,000 acres throughout the Commonwealth. With hundreds of outreach programs, workshops, camps, concerts and events annually designed to engage all ages in its mission, The Trustees invite you to Find Your Place and get out and experience the natural beauty and culture our state has to offer. For more information, visit: www.thetrustees.org.
