Upcoming Events, Walks and Programs

Note that most of our Monthly Meetings are recorded. Links to recordings hosted by SudburyTV can be found on the Archive page.

Sunday, January 8, 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Nature Walk: A Sense of Place at Great Meadows NWR

Join naturalist Cherrie Corey for her continuing exploration of the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge landscape. The interplay of snow and wind, ice and sunlight, and the wandering signs left by wild ramblers continuously reshapes the winter landscape. We’ll explore the ephemeral beauty of frozen forms and the long rays of changing light along the trail. The warm glow of the setting sun will complete the afternoon. Bundle up, wear appropriate footgear, and grab those hand and toe warmer packets.

For each walk, a $5/person voluntary donation is requested. No pre-registration required. Meet in the parking lot, Great Meadows NWR in Concord (Monsen Rd, off Rte. 62, driveway on left where road curves right). Questions? see sense-of-place-concord.blogspot, email cherrie.corey@verizon.net or call 978-760-1933. Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Assabet River NWR, Musketaquid Arts and Environment Program, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Sunday, January 22, 1:00 PM

Kids Explorative Hike

Will there be snow on the ground? How does snow form? What kinds of creatures can we find? What signs of life will there be? There is always something cool to learn! Dress for the weather. Please meet inside the Visitor Center.

Wednesday, January 25, 7:00 PM

Monthly Meeting with talk The Natural and Unnatural History of the Assabet, Sudbury, and Concord Rivers

Dave Griffin tells the story of the Assabet, Sudbury, and Concord Rivers that for the most part, flow silently through our towns. Beginning with the glaciers scouring the landscape through the taming and industrialization of the last 300 years, Dave will share this story with unique visualizations and a smattering of photography.

Dave Griffin is first and foremost a storyteller who uses images, video, sound, and words to connect the viewer with the land, water, and animals that surround us and enrich our lives. He owns and operates Confluence Visuals, a video and new media production company. Dave has been a board member for OARS since 2001, and currently serves as its President. A long-time resident of Maynard, he is President of the Board of Trustees for the Maynard Historical Society, a member of the Maynard Historical Commission, a Corporator for Emerson Hospital where he serves on the Patient and Family Advisory Council, and a member of the North American Nature Photographers Association. Avid kayakers, you’ll find Dave and his wife Betsy on a nearby river or lake - with camera in hand.

The Friends' monthly meetings are usually held on the last Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm at the Assabet River NWR Visitor Center at 680 Hudson Road, Sudbury (Google Map). A short business meeting and refuge update is followed by our featured speaker.

Friday, January 27, 10:30 AM

Refuge Fledgling Hour — Nature-themed Program Series for Kids

Join Refuge staff for the first Refuge Fledgling Hour, a nature-themed program series that includes crafts, stories, and games or songs that relate to a different topic each month. Programs will be held the 4th Friday of every month 10:30am – 11:30am for 2 to 5 year olds; siblings welcome. Held at the Visitor Center.

Saturday, February 4, 11:00AM
Sunday, Februrary 5, 2:00 PM
Saturday, February 11, 11:00 AM
Sunday February 12, 2:00 PM
Saturday, February 18, 11:00 AM
Sunday February 19, 2:00 PM
Saturday, February 25, 11:00 AM
Sunday February 26, 2:00 PM

Tours of the Visitor Center

Take a guided tour of the Visitor Center building and exhibits and learn about our programs. Bring a friend or family that might never have been to the refuge or inside the Visitor Center.

Saturday, February 4, Noon
Sunday February 5, Noon
Saturday, February 11, Noon
Sunday February 12, Noon
Saturday, February 18, Noon
Sunday February 19, Noon

Weekend Lunch at the Visitor Center

Learn about the National Wildlife Refuge through watching “America’s Wildest Places” series, in which a video tour of different refuges around the nation are shown. You can stay for the whole showing or come in and watch a few clips. Hot beverages will be provided. Different refuges around the country will be highlighted in each session.

Saturday, February 11, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Saturday Summit

Do you spend time at the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge? Are you a hiker, biker, boater, hunter, walker who might use or has used our refuge? Do you volunteer at the refuge? We would like to hear from you.

The Friends of the Assabet River NWR are planning a “Saturday Summit” to gather information about the refuge. Who comes here? Why do they come? How often? What programs have they attended? What type of programs would they like to see? Are you a member of the Friends, why did you join? Why should others join?

Please bring a friend and join us for some much needed discussion about the future of our refuge. We will meet on Saturday February 11th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will provide some light refreshments. We need to hear your opinions and suggestions. Please join us!

If you are not available to attend, please take a few minutes to send us a note or fill out our survey (click here). If you do plan on intending, we encourage you to fill out the survey and bring it with you. Thanks!

Sunday, February 12, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Nature Walk: A Sense of Place at Great Meadows NWR

Join naturalist Cherrie Corey for her continuing exploration of the Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge landscape. This winter has been empty of snow but full of surprises. The open water pools and large numbers of over-wintering coot have attracted daily visits from a bald eagle and rarely seen raptors. Whether it's wildlife encounters or snow and ice fascinations, we'll reset our seasonal clock with a last wintery walk before heading into spring. Our foray will finish with a long gaze toward the setting sun.

For each walk, a $5/person voluntary donation is requested. No pre-registration required. Meet in the parking lot, Great Meadows NWR in Concord (Monsen Rd, off Rte. 62, driveway on left where road curves right). Questions? see sense-of-place-concord.blogspot, email cherrie.corey@verizon.net or call 978-760-1933. Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Assabet River NWR, Musketaquid Arts and Environment Program, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Tuesday, February 21, 11:00 AM - Noon
Wednesday, February 22, 11:00 AM - Noon

Identifying Trees in Winter

Using the skills of observation and bark identification we will explore the trees of the refuge and identify the common and not so common species found at the refuge. Held at the Visitor Center

Tuesday, February 21, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Wednesday, February 22, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Seeds in Winter

We will search out evidence of this past year’s crop of seeds from the plants on the refuge. Held at the Visitor Center

Thursday, February 23, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Volunteer Appreciation Lunch

Come join refuge staff as we thank our volunteers and welcome in new volunteers. Light refreshments will be served — both old and new volunteers are welcome! Held at the Visitor Center

Friday, February 24, 10:30 AM

Refuge Fledgling Hour — Nature-themed Program Series for Kids

Join Refuge staff for Refuge Fledgling Hour, a nature-themed program series that includes crafts, stories, and games or songs that relate to a different topic each month. Programs will be held the 4th Friday of every month 10:30am – 11:30am for 2 to 5 year olds; siblings welcome. Held at the Visitor Center.

Friday, February 24, Noon - 4:00 PM

Crafts and Activities Afternoon

Our multipurpose room will be transformed into a fun, activity-filled room to help kids learn about hibernation and the refuge. Bring your kids in to come and learn something new from refuge staff and volunteers. Held at the Visitor Center.

Wednesday, February 29, 7:00 PM

Monthly Meeting with a Legislative Evening led by State Senator Jamie Eldridge

Join us on leap day for a discussion with State Senator Eldridge of issues that concern the Assabet River NWR and neighboring open spaces. Of special concern is the act relative to land taking regulations (SB 1854), to be heard by the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture on July 21st. This legislation would severely impact the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act, one of the most important and effective environmental laws in the state.

If you are a FARNWR member, an abutter of the Refuge, live in the local community, or interested in other NWRs in the area and have a question or a shared issue please bring them to the forum.

Senator Jamie Eldridge represents Middlesex and Worcester District in the Massachusetts State Senate. www.jamieeldridge.com

The Friends' monthly meetings are usually held on the last Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm at the Assabet River NWR Visitor Center at 680 Hudson Road, Sudbury (Google Map). A short business meeting and refuge update is followed by our featured speaker.

Outdoors This Week

The Friends posts our events to Outdoors This Week, a weekly listing of outdoor activities located west of Boston sponsored by local environmental organizations. Click here to subscribe.