Insects in Winter

Insects are always around us, but most are only noticed when they annoy us. In the winter, these foundational and fascinating creatures become even more elusive. In this program, we will learn what insects are, why they are important, and where they go in winter. Walk the trails at the Boston Nature Center in search of active and overwintering insects, as well as the signs they leave behind. Join this leisurely nature walk to learn why there's so much more to insects than meets the eye. Led by native bee enthusiast, Kalimah Mustafa-Widberg (she/they). Kalimah has been sharing their love of bees by educating the public since 2014 when a bee research project sparked a passion that has lasted nearly a decade! While she truly loves all insects, she is especially interested in the foraging and nesting preferences of the at-risk bees native to Northeastern United States.

Mass Audubon's Boston Nature Center

Winter Ducks - Leverett to Jamaica Pond Loop

Let's find some gorgeous winter ducks! We will walk around Leverett Pond, down to Jamaica Pond and then make our way back to the starting point. It will cover about 2.2 miles in total. This program is free if you are a member of Dot Rx. Please email <a href="mailto:bnccamp@massaudubon.org">bnccamp@massaudubon.org</a> to register.

Clothing Swap and Fabric Upcycling Art

Bring in your unwanted clothes and discover new-to-you treasures! This is the perfect event for those who are looking for new clothes and/or who want to declutter their closets. You do not have to bring clothes to take clothes; feel free to take what you like. There will also be guided fabric art activities to choose from, so you can upcycle unwanted or unwearable clothing into art!

Winter Animal Homes

Get ready for an adventure as we explore the fascinating world of animals in winter! ? Join us for some fun as we uncover the secrets of where animals go when the temperatures drop and the cozy homes they create to stay warm. Participants will embark on an exhilarating nature walk, searching high and low for signs of animal homes hidden in the wild. Will you spot a squirrel's nest or a rabbit burrow? The thrill of discovery awaits! But the excitement doesn’t stop there! We’ll wrap up our adventure by unleashing our creativity as we build our very own animal homes using found and recycled materials. Imagine crafting a cozy den for a fox or a snug nest for a bird-what will you create? Join us for this program of exploration, creativity, and fun as we dive into the amazing lives of winter animals! This program is free if you are a member of Dot Rx. Please email <a href="mailto:bnccamp@massaudubon.org">bnccamp@massaudubon.org</a> to register.

Give a Hoot About Owls

We often hear owls more than we see them, but did you know that owls all make different sounds? Some hoot, while others screech. Join us as we walk the trails in search of owls and learn about their different sounds. Owls are nocturnal and so they are often overlooked, but they play an important role in healthy ecosystems. We'll investigate owl pellets to find out what they like to eat, and we’ll make a take-home owl craft. This program is free if you are a member of Dot Rx. Please email <a href="mailto:bnccamp@massaudubon.org">bnccamp@massaudubon.org</a> to register.

Fall Bird Walk at Squantum Point Park

We will explore the amazing Squantum Point Park in Quincy for fall migrants! Especially of interest will be warblers and other songbirds moving south and also waterbirds. This park also tends to get some special birds in September such as Dickcissel and Caspian Tern. Later in the fall, we will look for ducks and loons arriving from their northern breeding grounds. This small park is a top eBird hotspot for a reason! There are several habitats rolled into one, so the bird diversity is quite high for such a small area. This program is free if you are a member of Dot Rx. Please email <a href="mailto:bnc@massaudubon.org">bnc@massaudubon.org</a> to register.

Nature Notepad - Nature Journaling

Join us for a peaceful fall morning of nature journaling. Participants will go for a guided walk on our rabbit trail to find inspiration in nature and then spend time responding to provided prompts at the gazebo. Bring your own writing utensils and journal if you like, but they will also be supplied.

Turkey Time!

Turkeys are all around us, and that's good! Turkeys eat ticks, as well as lots of other animals and plants. Did you know that turkeys can fly and they sleep in trees at night? Let's look for the turkeys at the BNC and learn how they live in this bustling city. We will look at turkey feather up close and follow the turkey tracks across the sanctuary. This program is free if you are a member of Dot Rx. Please email&nbsp;bnccamp@massaudubon.org&nbsp;to register. Registration is required. <a href="https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/boston-nature-center/94077-turkey-time?404=true#">Register!</a>

The Nature of Oaks

Got trees? Join us for an Autumn nature walk dedicated entirely to the life and ecology of our native oaks. Though one of our mightiest and most recognizable trees, the true value of oaks goes largely unseen and therefore underappreciated. In this program, we will have a chance to share our love, knowledge, and memories of oaks with one another. This walk is inspired by "The Nature of Oaks" book -- written by the ecologist, entomologist, and New York Times bestselling author Doug Tallamy. This is an outdoor event. Please dress accordingly, wear comfortable shoes, bring water, bug spray, and anything else you may need to explore our wooded trails.

Fabric Painting in Nature

Spruce up your closet sustainably, and create a one-of-a-kind garment! In this program, we'll use fabric paint and natural materials to create beautiful and unique designs on clothing that we've fallen out-of-love with. Participants should bring any garments that they want to embellish. Paint and related supplies will be provided. We will take a walk on the BNC trails to find the natural objects we will use.

Nuts About Squirrels

Squirrels eat everything from acorns to tree bark, make two different homes depending on the season, and mostly communicate with other squirrels through the movement of their tails. Join us to navigate the forest, find food, and build nests as squirrels. As we enjoy the crisp fall air and the colorful leaves, we will be scampering around looking for squirrel food, building nests, and doing other squirrely activities. This program is free for DotRx members.

Backyard Birding at Sherrin Woods

Meet us in Hyde Park for an afternoon of exploration at Sherrin Woods, the second largest Urban Wild site in Boston. This is a wonderful time to observe and appreciate the birds that call Boston home. In this program we will learn how to identify birds by looking at wings, beaks, and feathers. We will also have the chance to go on a bird walk.

Fall Tree Identification

In this program, you will learn about the adaptations that help trees transition from the sun of summer to the snows of winter as well as identification techniques. Identification will focus primarily on leaves. Beginners welcome. This program is free if you are a member of Dot Rx. Please email&nbsp;bnccamp@massaudubon.org&nbsp;to register.

Bats and Bones

Get ready for Halloween by appreciating nature at the BNC! In this program you will learn about animal bones, and what makes each bone unique. We will also discuss some of the most beloved animals here at BNC: Bats. Come and join us to appreciate animals the spooky way: through art, activities, and exploring our trails! This is an outdoor event, so please dress accordingly.

Pumpkins and Pints: Flocktober

Join us for an afternoon of autumn-inspired fun and festivities! Embrace the spirit of the season at our outdoor event perfect for adults looking to unwind and celebrate fall. Sip on fall-inspired beers and wines, while you immerse yourself in a variety of autumn activities. Get creative with pumpkin decorating - try your hand at decoupage, painting, or carving. Express your artistic side with nature-inspired art projects and fall printmaking. For those feeling competitive, challenge friends to a round of cornhole or other lawn games. We'll also have board games available for some cozy indoor fun. Gather around for fun and spooky storytelling by a local storyteller. Let their tales transport you to the mysterious and enchanting world of autumn lore while satisfying your appetite with delicious seasonal treats. Take a moment to appreciate nature by walking the trails or observing birds in their natural habitat. Don your favorite cozy sweater and fully embrace the "Flocktober" spirit! Come experience the best of the season with fellow autumn enthusiasts. It's the perfect way to enjoy everything fall has to offer! Snacks, first drink, and pumpkins included in ticket price.

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S19: interest based

WBUR’s 75th birthday celebrations 💫

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.