In This Issue
♦ 5 Reasons We Love Spring
♦ Where Are We Now?
♦ Bird-a-thon
♦ Turtle Crossing
♦ Work for Wildlife

Calling All Shutterbugs!
Our photo contest is back. Once again, we're seeking striking photographs that highlight people in nature and the beauty of Massachusetts wildlife and landscapes.

Enter your photos and see last year's winners >>

We ♥ Moms
What better way to show Mom how much you love her than to spend a day outdoors? Several of our wildlife sanctuaries have created fun programs that put Mom front and center, right where she should be.

Find a Mother's Day program near you >>

Stay Connected!

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See all of our publications and e-newsletters.

Become a Member
If you haven't already joined Mass Audubon, now's the time. We're currently offering a $29 individual or family one year membership for new members—that's half off the regular cost!

Join today and start your adventure >>

Camp is Coming
The school year is in the home stretch, which means it's time to make summer plans. We have spots in our 17 day camps and Wildwood, our overnight camp.

Find the right camp for you >>

Your Great Outdoors
We recently took to the airwaves and went online to encourage even more people to explore, escape, and play with Mass Audubon. Haven't heard or seen the advertisements yet?

Check out our spring ads and let us know what you think >>

Save the Date
Join us for free fun-filled events across the state. There will be special activities for all ages, including crafts, walks, talks, and more. First one up: North River in Marshfield on June 18.

Find out what's on tap  >>

Teaching Teachers
In partnership with the Museum Institute for Teaching Science, wildlife sanctuaries in three regions are offering a graduate level course for upper elementary and middle school educators in July.

Register for a course >>

Up for a Challenge?
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is on their way to energy independence. To get to closer to that goal, they need to raise $40,000. Fortunately, two generous organizations have offered to match donations dollar for dollar until April 30.

Support Wellfleet Bay's Green Energy Campaign >>

BIRD WATCH
Going Coastal

While the beach may conjure up images of sun and surf for some, our Coastal Waterbird Program team has a different vision: sand-loving birds.

Over the next few months, staff and volunteers will scour the coastline, working to protect threatened species such as piping plovers, American oystercatchers, and least terns as well as trying to safeguard these birds' vulnerable coastal habitat. Not easy work, and the Program's new director, Kathy Parsons, is ready to lead the charge.

Learn about what the CWP has already accomplished >>
Photo © Jim Fenton

PROGRAM NOTES
Top 5 Reasons We Love Spring

When it comes to appreciating the four seasons, each one has its advantages. But there’s something about spring—a bright spot at the end of a long, cold winter—that makes it all the more enjoyable.

And what's not to love about this time of year? For the sake of brevity, we picked the top 5 seasonal happenings that really get our hearts and minds going.

Five reasons to celebrate the season (and the programs and resources to learn more) >>

SNAPSHOT
Where in Mass Audubon Are We Now?

Congratulations to everyone who guessed that the last photo featured in Explorations was taken at Natick's Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary. Of those with correct guesses, Joan of Natick was chosen at random to be the winner of a pocket guide.

Ready to guess another Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuary?
The sanctuary shown above is home to a variety of rare plants and animals including the Franklinia tree and the spadefoot toad. It also has over 65 types of holly trees throughout the property.

E-mail your guess by May 15 and you could win a pocket guide >>
Photo © Connie Gregory

EVENT
Bird-a-thon 2011: The Original Tweet

Get your binoculars ready! Bird-a-thon, our annual fundraiser where teams of birders spend 24 hours competing to spot the most species in Massachusetts, will kick off at 6 p.m. on May 13.

In addition to taking home a coveted prize, our team members stay up late and wake up at the crack of dawn to help raise money for our wildlife sanctuaries and our research and conservation programs.

There are many ways to be a part of Bird-a-thon. Learn how you can get involved >>

LIVING WITH WILDLIFE
Why Did The Turtle Cross The Road?

To get to the other side. Seriously! In late spring and early summer, turtles—snapping, painted, box, and so on—brave oncoming traffic in search of nest sites. 

Of course, they were doing this long before there were roads. Evidence of turtles on earth dates back 200 million years. Unfortunately, busy streets are just one of the reasons seven of the 10 species found in Massachusetts are considered endangered.

Find out what you should (and shouldn't) do if you see a turtle on the move >>
Photo © National Park Service

GET INVOLVED
Work for Wildlife

Our statewide volunteer day is Saturday, April 30 and we need your help. Join us for a day of family fun as we spruce up our trails and gardens and dive into other spring cleaning projects. 

There are plenty of activities planned for all ages and abilities, whether you're looking for kid-friendly work like planting native wildflowers or more strenuous activities such as clearing brush.

See our list of participating wildlife sanctuaries and sign up online today >>