Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary
Naturalist Programs
Naturalist Programs are available to groups of adults, children, or those in between.
Minimum group size is 5, maximum size depends upon the program.
Classes are approximately 1.5-2 hours in length, take place outdoors, and are hands-on learning experiences. Proper dress & footwear are required.
To schedule a program, please call Staff Naturalist Jennifer Ohop at (413) 267-9654.
There is no charge for any of the classes offered at the Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary
Pond Ecology…………………………………….Offered in June, July and August
Ponds
are an integral part of the New England landscape. These natural areas are very diverse
and serve as habitat to a variety of wildlife characters. From the microscopic copepods to
the great blue heron, all are equally important strands in the web of life. This program
is designed to teach participants about the ecosystem of a pond, to learn about the
animals and plants that inhabit these watery places, and how they function in their
environment.
Wear waterproof boots or old shoes; nets & buckets will be provided.
Stream Ecology…………………………………………….………..June, July & August
Life in moving water can present its difficulties, but numerous animals and plants have been very successful in occupying this niche. This program explores diversity of life that can be found along a stream corridor and introduces creatures that have adapted to living in this fast moving place called a stream.
Wear waterproof boots or old shoes; nets & buckets will be provided.
Vernal Pool Ecology……………………………….………….April, May and early June
Salamanders
and wood frogs are dependent on vernal pools for survival, returning to these temporary
woodland ponds each spring to breed. Upon their arrival, they join fairy shrimp and a
score of other aquatic creatures that possess unique adaptations for life in the water.
This class will introduce the ecosystem in and around a vernal pool through hands
activities.
Vernal Pools are a very important but often overlooked part of the ecosystem. These habitats can be protected in Massachusetts through certification. For more information, visit www.vernalpool.org or request a vernal pool resources folder from NWS. Classes focusing on certification are available, please specify when making your reservation.
Wear waterproof boots or old shoes; nets & buckets will be provided.
Natural History Hikes……………………………………………Available Year Round
Explore the rolling woodlands of the Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary on foot. Learn the secrets of a beaver swamp, discover animal tracks & sign, and admire the beauty and mysteries of the natural world that surrounds us.
Animal Tracking………………………………………..……December through March Through interpretation of tracks and sign, much insight can be gained on the habits of wild creatures. The goal of this class is to introduce the idea of tracking, to identify some common tracks, and to develop an understanding of how some of our resident wildlife species, such as beaver, coyote, deer and turkey, interact with the habitat in which they live. Please dress warm and wear winter boots, this class requires walking through snow and is held entirely outdoors.
Birds of Tupper Hill……………………………………………..Spring through Fall
Each
year, over 100 different species of birds can be observed at the Norcross Wildlife
Sanctuary. This program will teach identification of easily recognized species and foster
a love and appreciation of birds through sight, song and call. Bring binoculars if you
have them.
Habitat Hike……………………………………………………..Spring, Summer & Fall
The walking trails of the Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary take one through a variety of different habitats: cedar swamp, pine barrens, deciduous woodland, red-maple swamp, conifer grove, stream corridor, kettle pond, vernal pool and meadow. Participants will learn about the structure of the forest at each of these locations, the identification of indicator species, and obtain an understanding about the soil, light and water requirements that makes each of these habitats unique.
Odonate Field Study………………………………………………………July & August
Dragonflies
and Damselflies, the flashy, dazzling winged predators, collectively make up the order of
insects known as the Odonates. As larvae, they are aquatic predators with amazing
adaptations for their watery homes. Participants will learn how to tell dragons from
damsels, how to use a net, and how to handle odes. If you have them, bring binoculars and
a net.
Scout Badges………………………………………………….Spring, Summer and Fall
Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, Webelos, Brownies, Girl Scouts, Cadets
If your scout troop is working on a pin (Naturalist, Forester) or a badge (Wildlife Conservation) that involves natural history, we would love to help you earn it through exploration of the habitats along the trails at the Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary. Leaders should provide a list of requirements to be met before the program.
Guided Motor Tours are offered in autumn. Adults only, please.