A Snowy Owl at Crane Beach is just one of the many wonders you may encounter on a winter walk
A chill has finally settled over New England with winter on the horizon. While warmer months may seem like the most natural time to get outdoors, winter offers its own set of wonders to explore.
On the North Shore, at the Crane Estate in Ipswich and Appleton Farms in Ipswich and Hamilton, Trustees staff lead you in learning more about the true winter wonderland that can be found in our local communities during this chilly time of year. From the wildlife that emerges, to beautiful dune hikes and cozy crafts, there’s more to explore than meets the eye.
“These cooler months offer some of the most exciting opportunities at our Trustees’ properties,” said Val Perini, Regional Education Manager for the North Shore. “It’s a wonderful time of the year to get outside, go for a walk, and learn something new.”
A snowy owl flies in the dunes
Snowy Owl Prowls and Dune Hikes
The cooler weather means that the dunes are a bit easier to traverse, with a more frozen ground, and no absorption of the summer sun’s rays. They also offer refuge from the blustery ocean winds.
Offering one of the most accessible dune ecosystems north of Cape Cod, Crane Beach’s Castle Neck has over six miles of trails, traversing the dunes. These trails take you through Pitch Pine forests, up huge dunes offering stunning views of Choate Island, and by varied landscapes including naturally occurring cranberry bogs.
The first Snowy Owl of the year has been spotted at Crane Beach, and our Trustees staff offer excursions throughout the winter, including family-friendly hikes, so you can try to catch a glimpse of the magnificent bird for yourself.
Wide-open coastal sites are the location of choice for wintering Snowy Owls; common perches are dunes and salt hay staddles. Unlike most owls, snowy owls are diurnal—they hunt and are active both day and night – so visitors have a good chance of sighting one even in the daylight hours.
A winter sunset at Crane Beach
Sunset Hikes
The sun sets earlier in the winter, but that early evening glow offers the perfect opportunity for a hike to the Crane Estate’s Cedar Point. The sunset hikes offered at Crane bring visitors around the property, down to Steep Hill Beach, and through sand dunes overlooking the mouth of the Ipswich River and the southern tip of Plum Island.
Best of all, visitors wrap up their adventure with a hike along the Cedar Point Trail at sunset overlooking the tidal estuary of Fox Creek as it meanders through a supremely beautiful stretch of The Great Marsh.
The dunes at Castle Neck
Other Outdoor Adventures at Crane
“Winter is my favorite time to set out in the dunes and find something new – whether I’m looking for wildlife tracks, birdwatching, or just enjoying the weather, it’s always a good time,” shared Val.
An upcoming full moon hike promises a glimpse of Crane Beach at one of the most beautiful times of day, followed by an exploration of the trails of Castle Neck under the light of the full moon. The quiet of Pitch Pine groves and glimpses of the Atlantic offer beauty abound as hikers crest the dunes.
Winter wildlife tracks in the dunes
CraneOutdoors newest program, a Winter Wildlife Walk, explores the vast array of animals and plants that thrive in the harsh dune ecosystem. All participants are provided with wildlife tracking cards and taught what to look for and how to identify the large variety of animal tracks that are found within the dunes. This hike is packed with more than enough information and sites to whet your appetite and give you the confidence to come back and explore on your own.
Winter also brings some astronomically high tides to our coastline. These high tides, also known as “king tides”, are becoming more frequent as sea level rises. When Crane experiences a King Tide, be on the lookout for King Tide Hikes, where you can observe the phenomenon first-hand from a safe distance, perched atop Castle Hill. Hikes will be offered in December and March.
Want to choose your own adventure? You’re welcome to set out on the myriad of trails on a self-guided adventure by heading to Crane Beach.
Shipwreck Scholars, a CraneExplorer program
CraneExplorers
Setting out on an adventure with little ones? The CraneExplorers program is for you! CraneExplorer events are family-friendly educational programs and hikes for all ages. Not just a walk in the woods, these family-friendly experiences teach kids and delight adults by exploring the wonder of our coastal habitats and the rich history of the Crane Estate. They are best suited for children over the age of five.
Snowy Owl Prowls on an easier route, Shipwreck Scholars (which explores the remains of schooner Ada K. Damon), and Coastal Crafts are just a few of the upcoming programs in the CraneExplorer series.
“The CraneExplorers program is invaluable,” Val shared. “It offers such a unique opportunity for families to explore the coast and learn together.”
Feeding the animals at Appleton Farms
Winter at Neighboring Appleton Farms
Appleton Farms in Ipswich and Hamilton, a neighbor of the Crane Estate is also home to continued educational programming.
During upcoming school vacation in December, kids can be a “Farmer-for-a-Day,” and attend Appleton Farms drop-off education program. Children will explore a farmer’s life through authentic barnyard chores, fun-filled farm adventures, and traditional crafts. Check it out for a day, or for the whole week. In February and April, farmers-in-training can return to the farm during winter and spring vacation camps – registration coming soon.
As winter continues, head to the farm for maple season, and learn about a time-honored New England tradition – maple sugaring. School field trips and Saturday public programs will be offered mid-February through early-March.
You can also join the team as a Farm Education Volunteer, or simply head to the farm to take in the trails, shop the farm store, and meet the animals.
