Seventy-five years ago, Mass Audubon acquired the first parcels of what would become Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, and this summer and fall, we're celebrating in style, with talks, walks, and a community picnic.
75th Anniversary Talk: Colonial Settlement through 1951
Thursday, September 17, 2026, 7:00-8:15 pm
Long before Mass Audubon arrived, this land had centuries of stories to tell. This talk—part of a six-event series celebrating the sanctuary's 75th anniversary—takes you through 350 years of history at Ipswich River, from the first European settlers of the early 1600s through the era of "gentleman farmer" Thomas Proctor, who shaped much of what visitors love about the sanctuary today, including the Rockery and the arboretum.
Through slides and storytelling, you'll meet the Bradstreet and Averill families, follow the rhythms of 1800s agricultural life, and come away with a richer understanding of the layered history beneath your feet every time you walk these trails.
75th Anniversary Walk: A Twilight Walk Guided by Poetry
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 4:00-6:00 pm
If the river, the meadow, the sugar shack, or the Red-tail Hawk could speak, what might they say? Find out during a twilight walk, part of the sanctuary’s 75th anniversary celebration. As you travel along the trail, you will be greeted by poets in the landscape, each offering an original persona poem inspired by their visits here.
This immersive experience invites reflection and connection, and volunteer guides will accompany you, offering ecological and historical context between readings. A reception will follow in the barn to continue the conversation, view the work of the poets, and celebrate the sanctuary’s stewardship and stories.
The Perkins Picnic: Celebrating 75 Years of Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Saturday, October 3, 2026, 3:00-6:00 pm
The Perkins Picnic is a community gathering for everyone who loves this place: bring your own picnic dinner, spread out a blanket, and enjoy an evening of live music, lawn games, cake, and drinks.
Displays and remarks will share highlights from the sanctuary's rich history, and a Memory Tree gives guests the chance to share their own favorite memories of the wildlife sanctuary. It's a party, a reunion, and a love letter to 75 years of protecting Massachusetts' nature here in Topsfield.
75th Anniversary Talk: Connect with Abenaki Storytelling Traditions
Sunday, October 11, 2026, 2:00-4:00 pm
Thousands of years before Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary was established, this land was home to the Indigenous peoples of the Northeast. Storyteller Anne Jennison brings their living traditions into the present through captivating performances of Abenaki, Wabanaki, and other Northeast Woodlands Native American stories—weaving together humor, drama, and moments of wonder that draw listeners into a shared connection with the natural and human world around them.
75th Anniversary Talk: The Land and Water Speak
Saturday, October 24, 2026, 2:00-4:00 pm
Spend an afternoon with Larry Spotted Crow Mann for a cultural presentation woven from traditional drumming, storytelling, history, and contemporary Indigenous perspectives. Through song and conversation, you'll explore the deep Indigenous history of the North Shore and the lasting relationships among the land, rivers, and the Native peoples who have called this region home for thousands of years.
75th Anniversary Talk: The Growing Legacy of Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
Thursday, November 5, 2026, 7:00-8:30 pm
Take a look back at 75 years of Ipswich River through images, video, and stories from the archives. Sanctuary Director Carole McCauley shares plans, reports, and anecdotes that reveal how this landscape and watershed have been shaped over time.
You'll see highlights from major ecological management projects, building and grounds improvements, the growth of public programs and summer camp, and the volunteers who helped build a thriving community here. You'll also look ahead, imagining what the future holds for this beloved place.
75th Anniversary Walk: A Stroll through the Sanctuary's Story
Saturday, November 7, 2026, 2:00-4:00 pm
Walk the trails of Ipswich River to see how Mass Audubon's stewardship continues to shape the land and watershed. As you pass beaver deceivers, waterfowl ponds, and grasslands challenged by invasive plants, the sanctuary's long history of ecological care comes into view in tangible ways.
The walk is both a look back at decades of conservation work and an invitation to consider how ongoing care will guide what comes next.
With Gratitude
Special thanks to New England Biolabs Foundation, Essex Heritage, and the Hamilton-Wenham Cultural Council for their support of our anniversary celebrations.
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