Upcoming Events, Walks and Programs

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

January Exhibit of the Month

Wildlife in Winter

top by the Visitor Center during regular hours and see our new monthly exhibit. While many of the Refuge’s wildlife hibernate or migrate for the winter, some species tough it out in the cold and snowy environment. Come take a look at which species and what signs you should keep an eye out for while you are cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.

January Movie of the Month

Nature: Magic of the Snowy Owl

A team of filmmakers provides an intimate look at the snowy owl. Snowy owls are built for the challenge of surviving the dark and cold Artic winter, their every sense honed to take on their frozen world. Once the brief Arctic summer approaches, they embark upon the challenge of raising young in one of the harshest environments on the planet. (Runtime: 60 minutes).

Monday, January 1, 9:00 AM

First Day Hike

Welcome in the New Year with an easy, guided hike at ARNWR! This guided hike will begin outside of the Visitor Center and feature a 2.5 mile loop around Puffer Pond. Be prepared for cold weather: dress in layers and wear winter-ready footwear. If conditions permit, feel free to bring snowshoes and hiking poles. For attendees with limited mobility, a portion of this walk will be on the sidewalk so please join us and do what you are most comfortable completing. Sleet or heavy snow cancels; call/text/email Cynthia Pratt at (508) 215-8651 or cpratt@worcester.edu the weekend before for trail condition updates/questions. Registration is not required and all ages are welcome.

Tuesday, January 16, 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Thursday, January 18, 6:30 - 8:30 PM

Basic Freshwater Fly Tying Course

Looking to boost your skills as an angler? Join us for a free Basic Freshwater Fly Tying course at the Assabet River NWR Visitor Center from 6:30-8:30PM on Tuesday January 16th and Thursday January 18th. The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Angler Education Program will provide all the tools/materials for this 2-day course for beginners. The 2-session course will provide an introduction to the basic equipment, how to use it, and present the opportunity to try tying some simple/effective patterns. Participants must be at least 15 years old and pre-registration is required, so direct questions/RSVPs to Jim Lagacy at jim.lagacy@state.ma.us or 508-389-6309.

By Appointment

Refuge Explorers

Calling all explorers: come join us for a monthly adventure! See nature come alive as we discover our surroundings and learn about the refuge from the pages of books to the forests and wetlands.

Refuge Explorers is a hands-on program for 6-10 year olds focused on getting kids outside and engaged in nature. Dress for the weather (rain or shine) and an adventure!

Family friendly, siblings welcome. Programs are by appointment, please contact Ranger Jared (jared_green@fws.gov or 978-579-4028) to book your group’s Refuge Explorers program or for more information.

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.