Crane Lecture: Sharing the History of Enslaved People on Choate Island
Join us for a lecture at the Crane Estate, sharing the history of a family of enslaved individuals on Choate Island. Learn the story of Ned & Sabina, and their 7 children, who were enslaved by the Choate Family and lived on the island in the 1700s. The lecture will… Read More
Secrets of the Winter Woods – Guided Hike at Rocky Woods
Winter is a wonderful opportunity to observe the secrets of the woods. With the dense summer canopy gone, the forest reveals the untold stories of the landscape. Will we see carved rocks, a pinecone buffet, nests high up in a tree, or cozy dens? What does it take for an… Read More
Family Explorer: Winter on the Lake at Moraine Farm
Hike along the shores of beautiful Wenham Lake on a glacial moraine and learn how this ridge formed thousands of years ago, as glaciers melted, scattering about rocks and sand to form the landscape we see today. Learn also about the importance of Wenham Lake as a water source, both… Read More
Family Wildlife Tracking at Notchview with Adventure East
Step into the mystery of the natural world and deepen your relationship with those who we share the land. This two-hour immersive experience introduces the foundational skills of wildlife tracking—learning to identify track and sign, interpret animal clues, and cultivate a mindful presence in nature. Through guided exploration and… Read More
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… Read More
Family Explorer: Winter Bog Walk at Ward
Travel through the woods and across the boardwalk at Ward Reservation to discover a curious quaking bog habitat. Learn about insect-eating plants and other odd species that form a floating island of plants above a kettle pond formed by glaciers thousands of years ago. What makes this swampy place a… Read More
Maple Story Hour at Appleton Farms
Bring your little ones to Appleton Farms for our special, super sweet winter story hour. While the farm is quieter, there is so much to experience. We will read books about maple sugar, visit some maple trees that are tapped and visit the sugar shack where the smell of… Read More
Family Explorer: Sleepy Garden Hike at Long Hill
What happens to the garden in winter? This hike will start with a story & discussion, and then we will head out on the trails and through the gardens at Long Hill to learn about plant life cycles and how gardens and forests go dormant in the winter to prepare… Read More
CraneOutdoors: Sunset Hike to Cedar Point with Firepits
There’s no better excuse to explore Cedar Point—the western-most part of the Crane Estate—than a hike at sunset. This two-hour adventure in a lesser-known part of the property has it all… A stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens of the Great House A hike down the Woodland Trail leading… Read More
Children's Maple in the Barnyard at Appleton Farms
Maple Season is here! This special program for ages 3-11 & their families will focus on the magic of maple from start to finish. We will discover this tradition by observing trees, tasting sap, learning the tools involved, and finally, tasting the sweet product. This program is for families,… Read More
Adult Maple Strolls at Appleton Farms
Visit the historic maple stand and sugar shack at Appleton Farms and learn all about maple sugaring, its history at the farm and in New England, and how you can try your hand at it at home! Experience a leisurely stroll along our country farm roads and past several historic… Read More
Maple Story Hour at Appleton Farms
Bring your little ones to Appleton Farms for our special, super sweet winter story hour. While the farm is quieter, there is so much to experience. We will read books about maple sugar, visit some maple trees that are tapped and visit the sugar shack where the smell of… Read More