A Nature Year at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

Immerse yourself in a full year of local natural history. With a skilled Mass Audubon naturalist as your guide, experience the cycle of the seasons at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield. Gain extensive natural history knowledge, form a community with like-minded, curious adults, and receive the many benefits of spending time outdoors.

Each month, you will focus on a special topic, natural community, or seasonal phenomenon. In winter, learn about wildlife tracking, owls, and trees in winter including maple sugaring. During spring, explore vernal pools, songbirds, and amphibians and reptiles. Spend the summer delving into the world fireflies, wetland wildflowers, and butterflies. Finally, in autumn, we'll explore mycology (mushrooms and other fungi), waterfowl, and wildlife winter survival.

We will usually start inside with an introduction and then head out for our adventure in the field which will be at least 90 minutes outside. We’ll travel mainly on trails and boardwalks, actively exploring and experiencing various habitats and sanctuary spots.

Subject to change in timing or topic, depending on what nature provides.

12 sessions, 2 hours each

Third Tuesday of each month, January - December 2026.

Usual time will be 10 am-noon, plus two evenings, in February and July.

• Tues, January 20, 10:00-noon: Wildlife Tracking
• Tues, February 17, 7pm-9pm: Owls
• Tues, March 17, 10:00-noon: Sugaring/Maples/Winter Twig ID
• Tues, April 21, 10:00-noon: Vernal Pools
• Tues, May 19, 10:00-noon: Songbirds
• Tues, June 16, 10:00-noon: Amphibians and Reptiles
• Tues, July 21, 7:30-9:30pm: Fireflies
• Tues, August 18, 10:00-noon: Wetland Wildflowers
• Tues, September 15, 10:00-noon: Butterflies
• Tues, October 20, 10:00-noon: Mycology (mushrooms and other fungi)
• Tues, November 17, 10:00-noon: Waterfowl
• Tues, December 15, 10:00-noon: Wildlife Winter Survival