In addition to aquatic animals that inhabit the river environment, many land animals also depend on the river for their food and water. This program focuses on learning to identify the various animal sign we may encounter while paddling the river or walking the river edge. These clues tell us not only who was there, but also sometimes what a pacticular animal was doing and when.
After an indoor presentation at the visitors' center we will take a walk to look for wildlife and sign along the Saugus River Trail.

This Program, sponsored by the Saugus River Watershed Council, is free and open to the public.
Pre registration is required.
Contact:
The Saugus River Watershed Council
781-233-5046
or srw@shore.net

These mammals and others, like porcupine and bobcat, are common in many parts of Massachusetts but are only occasional visitors and seldom or never seen in other areas.
At this indoor presentation we will focus on learning about the natural history of these animals in our state, as well as about their habitat preferences and present range.
We will also learn how to identify the tracks and sign that these animals leave behind as evidence of their presence. Once you know what to look for, you may discover that a new visitor has been out exploring in your area !
For information and registration contact:
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Topsfield, Ma
978-887-9264

What is life like for a predator in winter?
In this wildlife exploration of a remote area, we will try to find the trail of a predator that we can follow thru the forest. By following the trail of a Fox, Fisher, Coyote or Weasel, we can learn much about their life and behavior. The trail can teach us about prey preferences, hunting strategies and much more.

We will meet inside to go over some basics of winter tracking, and then head out to explore.

Some walking will be "off trail", so wear insulated boots and warm clothing. Snowshoes are not required, but bring them if you have them.

Pre Registration is required.
For more information and registration contact:
Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Topsfield, Ma
978-887-9264

In this three hour indoor class we will learn about what animals we might see in New England, study some basics of track identification and get familar with other types of sign, such as trails, feeding sign, scat and scent marking.
Participants will be ready to begin exploring and discovering what animals are active in their own back yard or other local area .
No experience is required. All experience levels welcome.
For Information click on the link to contact New England Discovery

Enjoy exploring diverse habitats including active beaver ponds, hillside woodlands, mountain streams and open fields, all on over one hundred acres of private land which backs up to Beers and Brush Mountains in western Massachusetts.
Deer, fisher, coyote, gray and red fox, bobcat and porcupine are all in the area.
Learn to read the stories of these animals from their tracks and sign. There will be a one hour session inside followed by a full day exploring outside.
Walking will be off trail with some hills. Wear insulated boots and warm clothing. Bring water and a trail lunch. Program cost is $35 per person.
Contact New England Discovery for information and registration.

Porcupine trail photo (right) by Charles Perakis.