FROM THE PRESIDENT Happy Campers
Summer means many things to many people, but for generations of campers it means exploring nature at one of our many camps. For me, there's nothing more fulfilling than hearing joyful shouts of
discovery, which takes me back to a time when I was
a camper.
Mass Audubon has 17 wonderful day camps across the state (including the newest one at Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport) and Wildwood, our overnight camp in Rindge, New Hampshire. And even though our camps are about to start, it's not too late to register for a session.
— Laura Johnson, Mass Audubon President
Learn more about our camps and sign up for one today >>
PROGRAM NOTES Top 5 Ways to Attract Butterflies
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©Richard Johnson |
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Sure, butterflies can be found in meadows on summer days, but these exuberant insects can also be seen in your own backyard — if you play your cards right!
What does it take to bring the flutter closer to home? Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary’s Conservation Coordinator Martha Gach shares the top 5 ways to attract butterflies.
Five ways to attract butterflies to your backyard (and programs and tools 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 Ashumet Holly Wildlife Sanctuary in East Falmouth. Of all of those with correct guesses, Tom of Coventry, CT, was chosen at random to be the lucky winner of a pocket field guide.
Ready to guess another Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuary? The sanctuary shown above is near one of the Commonwealth’s mountains and owes its diverse landscape to glacial effects, its history as a working farm, and, most recently, beavers. Longtime visitors may notice that the view from this platform has changed as beavers have occupied and abandoned this wetland.
Email your guess by July 15 and you could win a pocket field guide >>
BIRD BRIEF Summer's Sweetest Bird
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A female ruby-throated hummingbird ©Will Sweet
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Few things are more exciting than watching a hummingbird sipping nectar.
Worldwide, there are many types of hummingbirds, but the ruby-throated is the only one that calls the eastern part of North America home (how's that for an easy-to-ID bird?). And while some bird species are seeing declines in numbers, this tiny gem's numbers are increasing. Pop quiz: How many times per second does a hummingbird beat its wings?
Get the answer, along with other interesting facts (including a simple nectar recipe), and report hummingbird sightings >>
EVENT Free Discovery Days Are Back!
Looking for a great way to get outside and explore different parts of the state? Come to one of our six free Discovery Days taking place this summer and fall.
On tap: nature walks, animals, crafts, scavenger hunts, and more. The best part? Everyone gets in free, so bring your friends and family!
The first Discovery Day takes place this weekend at North River Wildlife Sanctuary in Marshfield >>
GET INVOLVED Help Our Gardens Grow
Several of our wildlife sanctuaries — from Attleboro to the Vineyard — have wonderful gardens that could use a little extra TLC.
While some sites are looking for volunteers with gardening experience, others welcome beginners who are eager to learn more about gardening.
Find out where to volunteer >>
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