About Family Explorer: Winter Birds and Wildlife at Appleton Farms
What birds and other wildlife frequent the Appleton Farms fields, woodlands, and wetlands in the winter? This hike will start with some interactive games and demonstrations to get learners familiar with our resident winter birds and wildlife, and to introduce techniques for bird observation and animal tracking. We will then head out on the trails to practice these skills!
The Family Explorer hiking series will get you and your young explorers outside and moving at Trustees properties across the Northeast Region. These family-friendly hikes cover less ground to accommodate smaller strides and have more frequent stops to look, listen, and learn from our Outdoor Guides. Some hikes will start with a story, hands-on demonstration, or explorers’ challenge to spark curiosity before hitting the trail.
Sign up for one, or get a discount if you sign up for three or more in the series. Contact Craneoutdoors@thetrustees.org for discount code.
February Vacation 2026 Schedule:
- Sunday 2/15, 1-3pm – Winter Wildlife Walk at Crane Beach
- Monday 2/16, 10am-12pm – Sleepy Garden Hike at Long Hill
- Tuesday 2/17, 1-3pm – Winter Bog Walk at Ward
- Wednesday 2/18, 10am-12pm – Winter Birds and Wildlife at Appleton Farms
- Thursday 2/19 1-3pm – Winter on the Lake at Moraine Farm
- Friday 2/20, 10am-12pm – Winter Tracking in the Dunes at Crane Beach
Accessibility: This hike has an easy level of difficulty on gently hilly terrain, expect it to last approximately 2 hours. Be sure to wear weather appropriate clothing and boots or shoes that are appropriate for hiking in potentially wet and muddy spots or over uneven terrain, or in light precipitation. We recommend you bring your own water bottle. Single use plastics are not permitted on site.
Space is limited for this event and pre-registration is required. All children must be accompanied by an adult. This is appropriate for adventurous kids as young as 5 years old.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Program Refunds/Cancellations: In the event that a program is cancelled due to severe weather, low enrollment, or other circumstances, we will notify you as soon as possible by email and issue you a full refund within 14 days of the cancellation. If you cannot attend a program as planned, contact appletonfarms@thetrustees.org at least 7 days prior to the start of the program to receive a full refund or transfer to another date/class. Refunds and/or class transfers will not be granted for registration cancellations placed fewer than 7 days before the start of the program. There are no refunds for missed programs or events. Appleton Farms reserves the right to change program locations, schedules, or instructors when necessary.
- Where to park: When you arrive at the farm, go right at the fork at the Welcome House (towards Farmhouse, Education Farmyard, Camp & Offices) and park in the lot next to the white Farmhouse / Farm Offices. Overflow parking is located along the drive leading up to the farmhouse between the trees before you cross the 4-way bridge intersection. Please be mindful of roped off areas and no-parking signs. The group will meet on the front porch/ in the farmhouse library/ at the Carriage barn across the stone paddock.
- Membership Lookup: Click here to find your membership number.
- Need to see an existing order? Click
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