**Behind the Scenes Refuge Tour of Parker River NWR, March 2017
Held on the following days: Sunday, March 5th @ 1:00 pm; Friday, March 10th @ 9:30 am; Saturday, March 11th @ 9:30 am; Sunday, March 12th @ 1:00 pm; Saturday, March 18th @ 9:30 am; Sunday, March 19th @ 1:00 pm; Friday, March 24th @ 9:30 am; Saturday, March 25th @ 9:30 am; and Sunday, March 26th @ 1:00 pm
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Join a refuge ranger for a behind the scenes tour of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Tour will be conducted via refuge van, with several brief “drive by” stops along the way. The tour will present an “up close and personal” look at the refuge through the multiple lenses of the cultural history of Plum Island and the Great Marsh, native wildlife and their habitats, and the role of refuge management in the conservation of these precious natural resources. Participants may be driven along areas on the refuge otherwise closed to the public.
This guided, two hour program is most appropriate for older teens and adults. Binoculars and/or a camera are recommended, but not required. Meet the ranger in the lobby of the Refuge visitor center 15 minutes prior to the program start time. Each session is limited to 14 participants; no more than 4 individuals per sign-up. Again, this is a vehicle – based tour, with limited stops on the Refuge. Preregistration is required for this program, as enrollment is limited. Be advised that individual tours may be subject to cancellation. *Please note: Those who call and leave messages after hours, your registration is not confirmed until you receive a confirmation call from a refuge staff member. Please call (978) 465-5753; to register for this program. **Please note: When snow and ice precludes access to the regular “behind the scenes” segments of the tour, the tour leader will, instead, include a loop to the northern tip of Plum Island.
Nelson Island Tour
Monday, March 13th @ 10:00 am & Sunday, March 19th @ 10:00 am
Explore another part of the refuge – this time, on the mainland. Join a ranger for a tour of a beautiful spot that few people visit: Nelson Island. If we’re lucky, we might catch a glimpse of a nesting osprey. Learn about the history of this little known refuge jewel. If weather and tide permits, we’ll take a very short walk along the marsh. (Muddy, wet areas are possible so rubber boots are recommended.) Consider bringing binoculars and/or a camera. *Please note: Those who call and leave messages after hours, your registration is not confirmed until you receive a confirmation call from a refuge staff member. Please call (978) 465-5753; to register for this program.
Monthly Book Club:
March’s Book Selection: The Snow Leopard, By Peter Matthiessen
Thursday, March 16th from 6:30 – 8:00 pm
The discussion group is limited to 15 participants and will take place at the refuge visitor center. Pre- registration IS required for the session. Please call our headquarters at (978) 465-5753 to register. *Note: Those who call and leave a message after hours, your registration is not confirmed until you receive a confirmation call from a Refuge staff member.
Special Film Presentation: A Sea Change
Thursday, March 23rd, from 2:00 – 4:00 pm.
Following the screening, a facilitated group discussion will take place. This program is part of Essex County Greenbelt’s winter lecture and film series “The State of Our Oceans.” This five part series explores the importance of different ocean ecosystems, the current health and stability challenges they face, and what can be done to protect and enhance these systems for future generations. Free admission. Preregistration is required. Contact andrew@ecga.org or call (978) 768-7241, ext. 22.
Beach Clean Up at Parker River NWR
Saturday, March 25th from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
This is a community effort to help clean up the refuge beach and raise awareness about beach litter. Anyone wanting to participate should show up at Lot 1 between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm. This event will be held rain or shine. Participants should wear warm clothes, sturdy shoes, and bring work or rubber gloves. Trash bags will be provided. Litter grabbers are available in limited quantities. Individuals, companies and clubs are encouraged to get together and volunteer their time for this worthy cause. For more information please call refuge staff member Jean Adams at (978) 465-5753 extension 208.