WEEKEND PICK: Butterfly Festival

This weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, the New England Wild Flower Society’s Garden in the Woods, in Framingham will host a Butterfly Weekend, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. with special events from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Experience thousands of wildflowers covered with butterflies. View peak meadow bloom. Make butterfly lifecycle crafts. Take a butterfly walk. Enjoy a butterfly gardening demo. Check out a free Bug Venture Bag from Museum Store (including binoculars, magnifying glass, bug bingo game, and sketch pad) to enhance your visit. BUGMOBILES feature live bugs and craft projects. Build-a-bug Park has everything to build your own Big Bug. Check out the Big Bugs exhibit, featuring 13 dinosaur-sized sculptures. Admission is $8 for adults, $4 seniors and students with ID $6, and children under 3 and members of New England Wild Flower Society are free. For additional information, including directions, visit http://www.newfs.org/

Free Tree Time at the Arnold Arboretum on Saturday, Aug. 16

Tree Time! Bring your family: it’s time for free tree fun this summer at the Arnold Arboretum…

On Saturday, Aug. 16, anytime between noon and 2 pm learn what goes on inside a tree? How do water and food in the soil feed the top leaves on a 100-foot tall Scholar Tree? Learn the answers to these questions and more through fun, hands-on science experiments at the Hunnewell Visitor Center. One of the activities will even result in a colorful flower for you to take home.

While there, pick up a Tree-of-the-Month guide and explore a different, fascinating tree each month. August’s focus: The Scholar Tree.
Activities are at the Hunnewell Visitor Center. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Free, no registration required.
For more information, call 617-384-5209 or contact arbweb@arnarb.harvard.edu.

Saturday Explorations at Mass Audubon's Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

This Saturday, Aug. 9 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. the Massachusetts Audubon Society's Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield is hosting a Thank You, Sunshine program for families with children age 5 and older.
This program combines a hike with fun activities and explorations. Make solar pizza ovens, learn how solar panels produce electricity, and explore different ways we can use the sun’s energy. Cost & pre-registration: $9 adults, $7 children (discount for Mass Audubon members available). For more information or to register call 978-887-9264 or visit the sanctuary's web site at www.massaudubon.org/ipswichriver
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CONTEST: Sunday is Final Day to Win an Autographed EcoTarium Book

Siegfried the Stegosaurus, who went AWOL from the EcoTarium to take a ramble through downtown Worcester, is now safely back home, and a book chronicling his adventures was unveiled earlier this summer -

The book about Siegfried's odyssey was born when Ann "Cookie" Nelson, who designs the EcoTarium's annual fund materials, learned from EcoTarium President Stephen Pitcher that this year the museum would have a new exhibit, DinoTracks. "Whatever happened," she asked Steve, "to Siegfried, the dinosaur that my children loved when the museum was on Elm and Cedar Streets?" She learned that until very recently, Siegfried, a life-sized sculpture, had been exiled to a spot in the woods on the EcoTarium's grounds, but that now he was located in a more prominent position near the museum entrance.

What if Siegfried, discontented at being alone in the woods, had decided to walk away from the EcoTarium and explore Worcester, visiting the city's famous landmarks? That thought has turned into a colorful children's book written by Cookie Nelson and illustrated by Michael McMenemy, a Worcester artist and graduate of the Pratt Institute whose whimsical illustrations brought Siegfried and the sights of Worcester to life. And what did happen to Siegfried when he ran away? He investigated Mechanics Hall, the Worcester Art Museum, the restaurants of Shrewsbury Street and lots more. To find out all the exciting details, you have to read the book!

EXCLUSIVE CONTEST: The EcoTarium has generously offered 5 autographed copies of Ann Nelson's new book Siegfried the Stegosaurus to Bay State Parent magazine readers.

5 readers, drawn at random, will each win an autographed copy.

To enter, please fill out the form at: http://www.baystateparent.com/common/entry_form.html

Please select Siegfried book in the pull down menu.

The deadline to enter is Sunday, Aug. 10 at 11:59 p.m., EST.

Winners will be announced on the magazine's blog.

Books will be mailed to winners, upon verification.

Contest is limited to Massachusetts residents only.

About the EcoTarium: EcoTarium, A Museum of Science & Nature, is a unique indoor-outdoor museum offering three floors of interactive exhibits, wildlife habitats, interpretive nature trails, a digital planetarium, and a narrow- gauge railroad. The museum, located at 222 Harrington Way in Worcester is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays 12 to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for seniors, college students and children ages 3-18. Parking is free. For information, visit http://www.ecotarium.org/.

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WEEKEND PICK: Lady Bug Festival Sunday a Garden in the Woods

Last weekend, Garden in the Woods had a grand opening celebration for the return visit of David Rogers' dinosaur-sized bug sculptures into its 45 acres. The sculptures made a visit in 2004.
This weekend, your family can see the sculptures and explore more than 1,500 varieties of native plants as the Framingham garden hosts a Ladybug Weekend.
Join in on a ladybug release in the meadow garden and learn about insects with “warning colors." Make a craft. See the ladybug sculpture by Rogers. Have you children take a photo in front of it. Admission is $8 for adults (non-members) and $4 for children ages 3-18.
For additional information visit, http://www.newfs.org/
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WEEKEND PICK: Gigantic Bugs Invade Framingham on Saturday

Come to BIG BUGS at Garden in the Woods in Framingham on Saturday and get a bug’s eye view of the world when you stand nose to knee with a 18-foot, 1200-pound praying mantis and 12 other enormous and beautiful wood sculptures by New York artist David Rogers.
(The exhibit is in Framingham through Oct. 31) Enjoy a picnic and buzz over to the nursery to buy a butterfly garden and other cool native plants, gifts, books, and bug-themed toys. Take photos and share your images at bigbugsart@newenglandWILD.org

Saturday is the Grand opening celebration, featuring MEET THE BEATLES –with HELP! New England’s own Beatles Tribute Band, performing live in honor of BIG BUGS. Join in to make this the greatest celebration of rock history meeting natural history ever. All this takes place in a summer paradise filled with 1,500 native wildflower species and including 200 rare species at New England Wild Flower Society's Garden in the Woods, a world-renowned 45-acre botanical garden and living museum.
For nearly 20 years, "HELP!" has delighted audiences with its authentic Beatles sound, vintage costumes and instruments, and repertoire that spans the entire recording career of the "fab four." “We play Beatles music because we love it”, says Marc Hertzberg, Bandleader of ‘HELP!’, and dedicated conservationist. “Bringing the Beatles to the Beetles is an exciting way to support the plant conservation work of the Society and have a great party too.”
Families will thrill to meet live costumed characters “ANT MINI”, “ODO” the dragonfly, and “DANI” the monarch butterfly on garden walks, together with the enormous BIG BUGS on Saturday too. Opening day festivities begin at 10 a.m. and run until 4 p.m.

Which BIG BUG is also a beetle? Throughout the exhibit's run visitors will learn the answer and lots of exciting nature facts every day, and at theme weekends through the exhibit, with special family activities, buggy crafts, and a great time for everyone. There is a full roster of buzz worthy courses at the Society’s education programs throughout. New England Wild Flower Society's offers the largest native plant education program in the nation.
“Insects play a vital role in a garden, but are unnoticed, so I put them on such a large scale that you can’t help but notice them,” says Rogers. His popular exhibition is a smash hit across America and returns to New England in this exclusive showing.
Make BIG BUGS your summer’s centerpiece for a grand celebration of the Web of Life and enter the exciting world of plant and insect relationships with dozens of special events.
Learn more at about your visit, photo gallery, events, and bug-related classes.
See BIG BUGS July 12-September 1, 9-7 daily; September 2-October 31, 9-5 daily, rain or shine. Admission, including opening day concert and theme weekends is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and students with identification, $4 for children 3-18, and free for members and children under three. 508-877-7630, www.newenglandwild.org.
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PHOTO: BIG BUGS Spider and Web by David Rogers at Garden in the Woods. (c) New England Wild Flower Society/Lisa Mattei

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July 12: Lavender Blooms at Canterbury Shaker Village in NH

This Saturday July 12, Canterbury Shaker Village celebrates Lavender Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 10 am to 4 pm. Mom's if your in the Granite State Saturday, this is a a day to savor, learn about, and relax with this fragrant herb. Families can tour the historic Canterbury Shaker Village botanical gardens, make their own lavender sachets and tea, and unwind at the relaxation clinic. They can attend workshops on growing lavender and on its culinary, medicinal and household uses. Visitors can also sample traditional Shaker style lavender lemonade and cookies. Lavender plants will be available at the Farm Stand.
Admission: $15 for adults, $7 for children ages 6-17; no charge for children under 6. Family rates are available. Admission price includes and all regular museum tours, demonstrations, and exhibits. This event is rain or shine. http://www.shakers.org/
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Founded in 1969 to preserve the heritage of the Canterbury Shakers, Canterbury Shaker Village is an internationally-known, non-profit museum and National Historic Landmark with 25 original Shaker buildings, three reconstructed Shaker buildings and 694 acres of forests, fields, gardens, nature trails and mill ponds under permanent conservation easement. The Village is located 20 minutes north of Concord, NH, and 25 minutes south of Meredith, NH. Take I-93 to Exit 18 or Route 106 to Shaker Road.

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The Great America Backyard Campout is NEXT Saturday, June 28

Looking for a way to kick off your summer?
Here’s an idea for family fun, no further than your backdoor. Sponsored by National Wildlife Federation to encourage parents and kids alike to turn in their TV remotes, iPods, Wiis, computers, MP3 players, cell phones and all things high tech, and experience a night with Mother Nature including listening for nocturnal wildlife (maybe even see a few), star-gazing, cooking outdoors, telling stories about Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster, and exploring a whole other world right in their own backyard.
Last year thousands of families from around the country participated in the Great American Backyard Campout. You don’t need to go to Yosemite National Park to experience the great outdoors and the wonders it has to offer. Just open up your backdoor!

Where: Backyards across America
When: Saturday night, June 28
Who: Families, friends, neighbors, and communities
Why: This initiative is part of a National Wildlife Federation campaign to rescue our nation’s kids from what famed author Richard Louv calls “nature deficit disorder.” Research now shows that kids spend an average of 44 hours per week “plugged into” electronic media - for the first time in our country’s history; we have an entire generation that is growing up disconnected from nature.
Camping in your backyard is a great way to introduce your kids to the fun and adventure of sleeping under the stars. It also brings families closer together without the distraction of TV, computers, and video games.

Getting Started: The National Wildlife Federation is providing everything you need to head out into the great outdoors called your backyard. The web site has packing lists, recipes, nocturnal wildlife guides, exploration activities, nature guides. Check it out at www.backyardcampout.org. People can even sign up on the site to share their campout plans and experiences.

June 21-22: Enchanted Weekend Planned for National Heritage Museum

The Lexington Field and Garden Club presents an Enchanted Weekend at the National Heritage Museum, Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22. Each day children and adults will have the opportunity to learn about the natural world and the fairies that inhabit it.

*Children’s Fairy Workshop: Saturday, June 21, 1-4 p.m.
Play fairy games, create a village of fairy houses in the Museum’s enchanted woods, and bring home a keepsake of your day. $35; $30 for members. Registration is required. Call 781-861-6559 to register.

*Fairy House Tour and Activities for Families: Sunday, June 22, noon-4 p.m.
Discover fairy houses in the Museum’s Enchanted Woods, and enjoy activities for the entire family. Learn how to build a fairy house for the mythical sprites in your neighborhood. Suggested donation is $15 per family to support ongoing family programming at the Museum. Call 781-861-6559 to register.

About the Museum: The National Heritage Museum is dedicated to presenting exhibitions and programs on a wide variety of topics in American history and popular culture. The Museum is supported by the Scottish Rite. The National Heritage Museum is located at 33 Marrett Road in Lexington, at the corner of Route 2A and Massachusetts Avenue. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 am–5 pm, and Sunday, noon–5 pm. Admission and parking are free. Heritage Shop and Courtyard Café on site. For further information contact the Museum at (781) 861‑6559 or visit the web site at www.nationalheritagemuseum.org

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CONTEST: Win An Autographed Copy of In My Backyard Book

Local Massachusetts children’s book author, Valarie Giogas, and her publishing company Sylvan Dell Publishing have generously offered a AUTOGRAPHED copy of Giogas' critically-acclaimed book In My Backyard for an exclusive contest for Bay State Parent magazine readers. In My Backyard , published in 2007, is highly recommended by Martha Stewart Living Radio, and it has been reviewed by such nationally recognized publications as School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews and The Horn Book Guide. To enter, fill out the form at this link www.baystateparent.com/common/entry_form.html

Click OTHER in the pull down box. The deadline to enter is Saturday, July 5 at 11:59 p.m. EST The winner will be announced on the blog. The book will be mailed to the winner.

About the book: Baby dogs are puppies and they belong to a litter, but what is a baby skunk and what is the name of its group? This clever, rhythmic story tells us just that! Counting from one to 10, familiar backyard animals are introduced by baby and family group name. Each stanza also tells a bit more about each animal by providing clues as to what they eat, how they sound or where they live. The “For Creative Minds” section includes more animal fun facts, information on keeping a nature journal and how to watch for wildlife in your own backyard.

About the author: Giogas has been writing since she was a child. As a teacher, her favorite part of teaching was the books. She’s been writing for children ever since she discovered that she could combine her love for children’s literature with her passion for writing. The idea for In My Backyard began when her son was in preschool. They always drove by a gaggle of geese, and he would giggle when she told him the group name. When the geese had goslings, the idea for this book was cemented.

About Sylvan Dell Publishing: Based in Mt. Pleasant, S.C., it is on a mission to create picture books that excite children’s imaginations, are artistically spectacular and have educational value. The company specializes in “Science and Math Through Literature” and provides free supplemental parent/teacher resources for every title. Founded in 2004, Sylvan Dell’s family has grown to include more than 55 authors and illustrators in the U.S. and Canada, and 35 titles – honored as nominees, finalists or winners of more than 50 book awards – line their bookshelf. For more information about Sylvan Dell’s books and free parent/teacher resources, visit www.SylvanDellPublishing.com

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June 10: Walk the Scenic Woodlands in Marlborough

Enjoy walking the woodland trails of Marlborough on Tuesday, June 10. Walkers may start between 3-6 p.m. and have a choice of either a 5 or 10 km loop (3.2 or 6.2 mile) walk route. The first loop visits the base of Mount Ward, now a forested haven for wildlife. The second loop at Ghiloni Nature Trail and Marlborough State Forest which consists of over 125 acres of woodland trails. Both the 5 and 10 km routes have unpaved surfaces with rolling hills. The trails are rated reasonable easy suitable for baby strollers but not for wheelchairs. Leashed pets are welcome but clean-up laws apply. The start point is the New Horizons Retirement Community, 400 Hemenway Street, Marlborough, located a short distance off Route 20
This walk is the second in a series of Second Tuesday Walks for the May-August 2008 season sponsored by the Walk 'n Mass Volksport Club.
Future Second Tuesday walks will be held in Stoneham and Milford.
Volksporting events promote fun, fitness and friendship by provided non-competitive sporting events free to the public. Volksporting also offers an achievement awards program. For further information contact 508-485-5577 or www.ava.org/clubs/walknmass.
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Opening of Powisset Farm in Dover planned for Sunday, June 8

The Trustees of Reservations will hold a Grand Opening of Powisset Farm on Sunday, June 8th. The farm located at 37 Powisset Street in Dover, is the 99th property to be added to the Trustees’ extensive, statewide reservation system.
Powisset Farm is also celebrating its second year in operation as a Community Supported Agriculture farm.
Powisset Farm features a classic old barn, pond, pigs “Tink” and “Molly,” chickens, 104 acres of fields, and more than a mile of new hiking trails.
Visitors are invited to stop by the farm on opening day at 1 p.m. for a welcome and ribbon-cutting, chance to enter-to-win one of three Winter community-supported agriculture farm shares, and opportunity to meet the farmer, walk the trails, greet the animals, and enjoy some tasty treats with friends and family.
Come discover what makes this a special place in Dover, including the new Powisset trail. Meanders through the front pasture, past the vegetable fields, and into the back wildflower meadows before linking to a network of trails running through Hale Reservation.
Also new to the farm this year is an expanded pick-your-own flower garden, benches, and picnic tables for all to enjoy.
For more information, please call 508.785.0339 or visit The Trustees at http://www.thetrustees.org/

About The Trustees of Reservations Statewide: The Trustees are 100,000 people like you, from every corner of Massachusetts, who share a deep set of similar values — a love of the land, the outdoors, and the distinctive charms of New England—as well as a shared vision of celebrating and protecting these special places for everyone, forever. Founded in 1891 by Charles Eliot, an open space visionary and protégé of the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead, The Trustees of Reservations are the nation's oldest statewide land conservation trust and nonprofit conservation organization. With 99 reservations, comprising nearly 25,000 acres—all open to the public—Trustees properties are tremendously diverse. From mountains, open meadows and parks, to working farms, stately homes and gardens, 70 miles of stunning coastline, and five National Historic landmarks, Trustees reservations offer something for everyone. The Trustees also hold perpetual conservation restrictions on more than 16,000 acres—a total larger than any other conservation organization in Massachusetts—permanently protecting scenic and natural areas from development, and have worked with communities and other conservation partners to assist in the protection of another 16,000+ acres around the state. The Trustees’ volunteers, members, donors, staff, and governing board all “hold in trust,” and care for nearly 100 places of cultural, natural, and historical significance, called "reservations." Statewide, The Trustees employ 165 full-time, 46 regular part-time, and 350-400 seasonal staff with expertise in ecology, education, historic resources, land protection, conservation, land management, and planning.
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WEEKEND PICK: Stone Zoo's New Black Bear Exhibit Opens Saturday

Stone Zoo’s brand new black bear exhibit will be unveiled to the public this Memorial Day weekend! The new exhibit will be located on the same site that was previously home to Stone Zoo’s beloved polar bear, Major, who passed away in 2000.
Zoo New England has built a naturalistic habitat for the black bears – using the foundation of Major’s former home, filling in the moats and creating an engaging and stimulating space for the bears. The exhibit is located within the zoo’s Yukon Creek section, an area of the zoo highlighting North American animals including bald eagles, Canada lynx, gray fox, and porcupine.
The bears, Smoky and Bubba, are two-year-old brothers that join Stone Zoo from the Appalachian Bear Rescue in Tennessee.
WHEN: Saturday, May 24
WHERE: Stone Zoo in Stoneham
TICKETS: Adults $9, Children (2-12) $60, Senior Citizens (62+) $8, Children under 2 free.
SUMMER HOURS: April 1 – Sept. 30 Weekdays, 10 AM – 5 PM; Weekends & Major Holidays, 10 AM – 6 PM
Visit http://www.stonezoo.org/
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CONTEST: Win A Jeff Corwin Experience DVD

Bay State Parent magazine has teemed up with Genius Products to giveaway copies of the soon-to-be released DVD The Jeff Corwin Experience Season 2, which is available to the public on May 20.

In the DVD families, can join wildlife biologist and Jeff Corwin on a globe-spanning quest and ‘experience’ the world’s most interesting and diverse animals and locations. In a vivid adventure beginning in Florida and California and branching out to Guyana, Australia and Tanzania, The Jeff Corwin Experience Season 2 from Animal Planet is both hilarious and educational as its charismatic host ventures up cliffs and through caves to find nature’s most treasured and even most dangerous wildlife from Bighorn Sheep and Giant Anteaters, to Flying Foxes and the Tasmanian Devil.

To enter, visit http://www.baystateparent.com/common/entry_form.html and fill out the survey form. Please pull down OTHER In the pull down bar and in additional comments write JEFF CORWIN.

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The contest is open Massachusetts residents only. DVDs will be mailed to winner, upon verification. Winners' names will also be posted on this blog.

The deadline to enter is July 25.

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Blackstone Valley Families Wanted

Blackstone Valley Area families can enjoy a picture-perfect summer this year by inviting a Fresh Air child into your home! Close to 5,000 New York City children visit volunteer host families every summer through The Fund’s Friendly Town program in communities from Virginia to Maine and into Massachusetts. Hosting a child does not take much – just a little room in your heart and your home – but the experience creates friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
“It’s always a special moment when we see our Fresh Air child’s face light up when he experiences something for the first time,” says one host parent.
Residents in and around the Blackstone Valley area can help light up the face of a Fresh Air child this summer by hosting through The Fresh Air Fund.
Bay State Parent magazine did a feature article on the program in its June 2006 issue. To read the article visit: http://www.baystateparent.com/news/2006/0601/Articles/006.html
Since 1877, New York City children growing up in low-income neighborhoods have been able to experience simple summer pleasures in rural and suburban communities. By welcoming visitors into their homes during the summer, host families give Fresh Air children an opportunity to escape the sometimes dangerous, hot and crowded city streets. Fresh Air host families can choose the gender and approximate age of their visitor, but first-time Fresh Air children are between the ages of six and 12. Many families find their hosting experiences so rewarding that more than 65 percent of all children are reinvited to stay with host families, year after year.

For more information on hosting a Fresh Air child, please contact Elaine Melinski at 508-278-3652 or The Fresh Air Fund at 800-367-0003. Also visit The Fund’s Web site at www.freshair.org.

Saturday, May 17 is Park Serve Day -- Consider Volunteering as a Family

This year's event features more than 50 parks, from the Berkshires to Cape Cod, giving you a wide range of volunteer opportunities to choose from.
Last year, more than 1,300 volunteers participated in Park Serve Day by planting a total of 580 trees and flowers, removing 48.6 tons of trash, and providing invaluable assistance on building maintenance and trail projects.
This year, the state is hoping to break that record with the help of families, like you.
During this statewide day of volunteer service, families will work together to get parks and beaches across Massachusetts ready for summer by cleaning coastlines, clearing trails, planting flowers, painting picnic tables, and more.
Check your calendar and sign up to volunteer. Parks looking for families and children volunteers of all ages include: Ashulwillticook Rail Trail, Georgetown Rowley State Forest, Great Brook Farm State Park, Halibut Point State Park, Hammond Pond, Harold Parker State Forest, Houghton's Pond/Blue Hills Reservation, Massasoit State Park, Maudslay State Park, Nashua River Rail Trail, Otter River State Forest, Robinson State Park, Stony Brook Reservation, Wachusett Reservoir, & Wompatuck State Park.
To find more information on participating state parks, visit http://parkserv.env.state.ma.us/parks.aspx.
To pre-register for an event, visit http://parkserv.env.state.ma.us/volunteer.aspx.
For groups of 6 or more, please call 617-626-4980 or e-mail serve@state.ma.us to make specific arrangements

Friday, may 2: Family Fun at the Farm

On Friday May 2, Mass Audubon will celebrate all its spring births at Drumlin Farm. From the squealing piglets and peeping chicks to the leaping lambs, the farm is abuzz with all things spring. New this year are the calves, born just a few weeks ago. And it’s not just about the animals, come learn about veggie babies and insect babies too! The event will feature a passport for collecting stamps at our many learning stations and a surprise treat to decorate and eat.

The farm will close to all visitors at 3:30 p.m. and re-open at 4 p.m. for the special Bringing Up Baby event, which runs until 6 p.m.
Pre-registration is suggested but not required.Please call 781-259-2206 to register.
Admission is $10 for members and $12 for non-members. Children under 3 are admitted free.

Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, Mass Audubon’s only working educational farm, practices sustainable farming that supports native habitat. As a leader in environmental education, the sanctuary strives to build awareness of the interdependence among people, land, and wildlife. Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary is located at 208 South Great Road (Rt. 117) in Lincoln. To learn more about our programs, call 781.259.2200 or visit http://www.massaudubon.org/drumlinfarm.

Mass Audubon works to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife. Together with more than 100,000 members, we care for 33,000 acres of conservation land, provide educational programs for 200,000 children and adults annually, and advocate for sound environmental policies at local, state, and federal levels. Mass Audubon’s mission and actions have expanded since our beginning in 1896 when our founders set out to stop the slaughter of birds for use on women’s fashions. Today we are the largest conservation organization in New England. Our statewide network of 45 wildlife sanctuaries welcomes visitors of all ages and serves as the base for our conservation, education, and advocacy work. To support these important efforts, call 800-AUDUBON (283-8266) or visit www.massaudubon.org.

WEEKEND PICK: Earth Day Saturday at Garden in the Woods

Celebrate Earth Day Saturday, April 26 with New England Wild Flower Society and Garden in the Woods from 1- a.m. to 4 p.m.
This FREE event for families features a fresh breath of spring at Garden in the Woods, with guided tours every half hour of the magnificent Garden filled with emerging spring wildflowers and ferns. Go on the “Signs of Spring” Scavenger Hunt for all ages. Purchase native plants, gifts and books. Membership helps to protect the environment and members receive discounts and unlimited free admission to Garden in the Woods.
Meet MOTHER NATURE and learn to juggle as she does from 10 to 10:30 a.m.
From 11 a.m. to noon, enjoy a LIVE animal show from Jungle Encounters and meet an African fox, ringtail cat, hedgehog, chinchilla, and a Patagonian cavy.
Attend “Animal Adventures” from 1 to 2 p.m. to meet a giant anaconda and a 6-foot long monitor lizard.
From 3 to 4 p.m., don’t miss the exciting Rain Forest Reptile Show, which includes a monitor lizard, 7-foot boa constrictor, red-foot tortoise, and 3-foot alligator.
New this year ─ Visit the “Green Way” and learn how to make sustainable choices with recycling games for all ages. Meet some amazing recycling worms who help the environment. Encounter organizations at the Green Way exhibits committed to good environmental practices. Have your face painted and say “hello” to costumed creatures such as Ant Mini, Dani the Monarch Butterfly, and Dottie the Ladybug, welcoming everyone to a day of exciting family activities. They’ll introduce the upcoming BIG BUGS exhibit and web-of-life extravaganza opening July 12, featuring live “BEETLES” music at the opening, and 13 GIANT bugs throughout the show.

Admission and programs are FREE.
Seats for live animal shows are on a first-come basis, one performance per family; rain or shine. Sign up early to ensure admission to a specific show.
New England Wild Flower Society’s Garden in the Woods, 180 Hemenway Road, Framingham. For additional information visit www.newenglandWILD.org.

Earth Day Celebration in Topsfield on Sunday, April 27

Continue the celebration of Earth Day and connect with nature this Sunday, April 27 at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield. There will be ongoing activities from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. including:
* Join one of the sanctuary docents at a vernal pool to look for frogs, salamanders, and their eggs.
* Observe nesting bluebirds and tree swallows through our spotting scope, and talk with our docent to learn how you can attract these beautiful birds to your yard.
* Guided Nature Walks: These walks are FREE to members and and to nonmembers with regular admission - and last about 60 minutes.)
* 11 a.m. Observation Tower at Bunker Meadows: Take a walk to the observation tower at Bunker Meadows to look for waterfowl, herons, egrets, and more wetland wildlife.
* 1 p.m. Rockery Pond: Walk here to discover beaver lodges and dams!

For more information visit www.massaudubon.org/ipswichriver

Celebrate Earth Day at the Boston Children's Museum on Tuesday

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY AT BOSTON CHILDREN’S MUSEUM tomorrow, Tuesday, April 22. Festivities kick off Green at Home Fairs sponsored by National Grid
Join us as we celebrate Earth Day 2008, the first Green at Home Fair at Boston Children’s Museum.
Families will have a chance to explore animal habitats, learn about water quality testing, decorate reusable bags, and learn how to pack a waste-free lunch. Visitors will also be able to hear stories about the environment and tree planting. Jim Hunt, Chief of Environment and Energy for the City of Boston, will attend.
BONUS: Each family that visits the museum on Earth Day will receive a tree as they leave, along with information about proper tree care. Boston Children’s Museum will be giving away 1,500 trees in all.
Sponsored by National Grid, Green at Home is a series of “green fairs” that educate visitors about the ways they can decrease their impact on the environment. Earth Day event supporters include Ameriprise Financial, The Arbor Day Foundation, and IzzitGreen.

About Boston Children’s Museum Boston: Children’s Museum exists to help children understand and enjoy the world in which they live. It is a private, non-profit, educational institution that is recognized internationally as a research and development center and pacesetter for children's exhibitions, educational programs and curriculum. Boston Children’s Museum incorporates two strategies - engaging families and building communities - to impact five outcome areas for children: Creative Kids, Curious Kids, Global Kids, Green Kids and Healthy Kids. More information about Boston Children’s Museum can be found http://www.BostonChildrensMuseum.org.