Fall Foliage Hike with Adventure East
Enjoy a relaxed, two‑hour guided hike through some of Western Massachusetts’ most beautiful fall landscapes. Your naturalist guide will highlight seasonal changes, point out tree species and color patterns, and share insights into forest ecology as you walk. October’s crisp air and vibrant canopy make these outings an ideal way… Read More
CraneOutdoors: The Castle Hill Hike
Come explore the lesser-visited corners of Castle Hill and its surroundings with us. This hike is a CraneOutdoors guide favorite because it’s got a little bit of all the things that make the Crane Estate such a special place… A stroll along the spine of Castle Hill, starting at the… Read More
Geology Walk at World's End
If you think you know all of the history of World’s End, step back in deep time to look for evidence of the ancient igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary bedrock, as well as volcanoes, submarine mudslides, and mountainous rivers within this portion of the 400 million year old Boston Basin. We… Read More
Fall Foliage Walk through Whitney and Thayer Woods
Join experienced Trustees staff on an easy to moderate 2.5 mile hike through Whitney and Thayer Woods. Starting from Weir River Farm and looping through Whitney and Thayer Woods, this hike will take approximately 1.5 hours. During the hike, enjoy the crisp fall air while strolling through the beautiful woodlands… Read More
Homeschool Scholars: Seasonal Rhythms
Join us in October for weekly homeschool programs exploring the seasonal rhythms of the trails, woodlands, farm fields, and coastlines of the Crane Estate and Appleton Farms! October is a great time to see how nature is changing and getting ready for winter. Participants will explore the coastline, trails, and… Read More
Homeschool Adventures: Session 2
Young explorers are invited to join us in October & November for a 4-part homeschool series that will get them active & moving with nature adventures, exercise, and outdoor skill building. While exploring Appleton Farms & the Crane Estate, participants complete active adventures & design challenges that will exercise both… Read More
Fall Foliage Hike with Adventure East
Enjoy a relaxed, two‑hour guided hike through some of Western Massachusetts’ most beautiful fall landscapes. Your naturalist guide will highlight seasonal changes, point out tree species and color patterns, and share insights into forest ecology as you walk. October’s crisp air and vibrant canopy make these outings an ideal way… Read More
Mushroom Walk through Whitney and Thayer Woods
Calling all mushroom enthusiasts! Interested in learning how to identify mushrooms and other delicious local wild edibles? Join experienced forager, Diana Burnell, for a Mushroom Walk along the interconnected trails of Whitney and Thayer Woods, Weir River Farm, and Turkey Hill! This walk is perfect for the forager/mushroom enthusiast, outdoor… Read More
CraneOutdoors: The Castle Hill Hike
Come explore the lesser-visited corners of Castle Hill and its surroundings with us. This hike is a CraneOutdoors guide favorite because it’s got a little bit of all the things that make the Crane Estate such a special place… A stroll along the spine of Castle Hill, starting at the… Read More
CraneOutdoors: Choate Island Kayak and Hiking Adventure
Kayaking the pristine, sheltered waters of the Essex River Basin offers one of the top on-the-water experiences to be had in Northeast. Add to that a hike on the area’s largest island and you have the makings of an epic adventure. This combined outdoor trip in the Crane Wildlife Refuge—home… Read More
Coffee with the Cows at Appleton Farms
Celebrate fall with this special hike to visit the Appleton cow and calf herd. Meet these mamas and their growing babies as they spend their morning grazing in our beautiful pastures. Coffee and pastries will be provided by our team so you can “graze” alongside the cattle and enjoy the… Read More
CraneOutdoors: Choate Island Kayak and Hiking Adventure
Kayaking the pristine, sheltered waters of the Essex River Basin offers one of the top on-the-water experiences to be had in Northeast. Add to that a hike on the area’s largest island and you have the makings of an epic adventure. This combined outdoor trip in the Crane Wildlife Refuge—home… Read More