Field Ecology for Older Homeschoolers: Hummingbird Monitoring & Gardening: 1 to 3 p.m. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, Goodnow Road, Princeton. Fee: $9 child members, $13 child nonmembers. In this hands-on program, children will team up with a sanctuary staff member to observe, record and help develop a plan for managing its ecological communities for certain species. In the process, they’ll learn about the sanctuary’s plants and animals, use real scientific tools and evaluate possible management choices and outcomes. Wachusett Meadow’s active ecological management plan is critical to its ability to maintain and enhance natural communities, inventory biological diversity and evaluate changes over time. Open to children ages 13 to 18. All classes will be outdoors (except in extreme weather) and will require physical activity. For more information and to register, call 978-464-2712.
Yoga at the Sanctuary: 10 to 11 a.m. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, Goodnow Road, Princeton. Fee: $12 adult members, $15 adult nonmembers. In this outdoor yoga class, connect with your breath, body, mind and nature with Wachusett Meadow as your backdrop. This class is appropriate for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners, as several options/modifications will be given for each pose (asana). Leader: Jen Songer, certified yoga Instructor. For more information and to register, call 978-464-2712.
Sunday Volunteer Days: 1 to 4 p.m. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, Goodnow Road, Princeton. Free. Learn about nature as you assist with a variety of property, maintenance and ecological management projects, including gardening, buildings and grounds work, trail clearing, wildlife monitoring and animal care. Projects are primarily outside, but inside projects are sometimes needed. Carpentry skills welcome. Nature lovers appreciated. For all ages, but children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, contact the sanctuary at 978-464-2712.
Tuesday Volunteer Days: 9 a.m. to noon. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, Goodnow Road, Princeton. Free. Learn about nature as you assist with a variety of property, maintenance and ecological management projects, including gardening, buildings and grounds work, trail clearing, wildlife monitoring and animal care. Independent seasonal projects are also available. Projects are primarily outside, but inside projects are sometimes needed. Ability to work without supervision required. For ages 16 and up. Come once, or every week, and become part of our growing group of volunteers. For more information, contact Cindy Dunn at 978-464-2712, ext. 8707. For more information and to register, call 978-464-2712.
Nature Walks for Adults — Insects: 10:30 a.m. to noon. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, Goodnow Road, Princeton. Free for members, $4 for adult nonmembers. Enjoy Wachusett Meadow’s beautiful trails during these guided, relaxed-pace walks. Our teacher-naturalist guide will help you spot and learn more about a variety of wildlife that live in Central Massachusetts. Leader: John Ryan, teacher naturalist. Participants are invited to bring a bag lunch and picnic with us after the hike (indoor and outdoor space is available). For more information and to register, call 978-464-2712.
Moonlight Hike & Campfire for Families: 7 to 9:30 p.m. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, Goodnow Road, Princeton. Fee $8 adult members, $10 adult nonmembers, $5 child members, $6 child nonmembers. The beautiful landcapes and trails at Wachusett Meadow are magical by moonlight. Go on a guided meadow walk among lightning bugs, listen for owls and coyotes and look for active beavers on Wildlife Pond. After we hike, we’ll enjoy s’mores around the campfire. Bring insect repellant and a flashlight, if you have one. Open to families with children ages 7 and older. For more information and to register, call 978-464-2712.
Saturday, July 28
Shinrin-Yoku Forest Breathing Guided Sanctuary Walk: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, Goodnow Road, Princeton. Fee: $3.50 adult members, $4.50 adult nonmembers. Learn to connect with the natural world in a healing, calming, grounding and replenishing way through a guided walk with Dr. Roxanne Daleo, a renowned health educator specializing in relaxation and stress reduction. Look to the wisdom of nature for effective ways to relax and reinvigorate yourself. Leave with conscious methods to relive the relaxed experience when you are away from nature or feeling anxious, lonely or depressed. Slow down and breathe in the “medicine” of nature. For more information and to register, call 978-464-2712.