A Nature Year at Boston Nature Center Wildlife Sanctuary: Winter (3 Months)

Immerse yourself in a winter of local natural history. With a skilled Mass Audubon naturalist as your guide, experience the cycle of the seasons at Boston Nature Center Wildlife Sanctuary. Gain extensive natural history knowledge, form community with like-minded, curious adults, and receive the many benefits of spending time outdoors. Throughout the winter, we'll explore birding at Squantum Point Park, wildlife tracking and winter tree identification. We will meet the 2nd Saturday of each month, December 2025 through February 2026. Subject to change in timing or topic, depending on what nature provides.<ul><li>December 13, 8:00am-10:00am: Winter Birding (Squantum Point Park)</li><li>January 10, 10:00am-12:00pm: Wildlife Tracking</li><li>February 14, 10:00am-12:00pm: Winter Tree ID</li></ul>

Mass Audubon's Boston Nature Center

Family Winter Birding

During the cold winter months, Boston becomes home to a remarkable variety of birds that either migrate here or brave the season alongside us. Explore the winter landscape and discover the diverse avian life that thrives here, from cheerful cardinals and dark-eyed juncos to sparrows, robins, and even majestic hawks and owls. Learn to identify these winter residents and understand their behaviors, habitats, and survival strategies in the colder season. Whether you're new to birdwatching or looking to sharpen your identification skills, you'll build confidence in spotting and recognizing the species that make Boston their winter home. We provide all equipment, including binoculars and field guides, so you can focus entirely on observing and connecting with the natural world around you. Registration is required. <a href="https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/boston-nature-center/101231-family-winter-birding#">Register!</a>

Nature and Wellness: Winter Series

This three-part experiential series invites participants to deepen their connection with the natural world while developing practical skills in botanical wellness and creative expression. Set against the backdrop of Boston's vibrant outdoor spaces, including the Boston Food Forest, and Clark-Cooper Community Garden, each program combines hands-on learning with the therapeutic benefits of nature immersion. January 22 - Winter Wild Edibles and Tea: A cozy winter walk at the Boston Nature Center where participants forage seasonal herbs and berries to make a warm, comforting tea while enjoying nature and good company. February 26 - Foraging and Crafting Natural Immune Remedies: Craft your own fire cider using wild edibles foraged from BNC trails while learning to identify winter medicinal plants and exploring the rich cultural history of herbal medicine across different communities. March 26 - Forest Mindfulness Walk and Yoga: Experience the forest through mindful movement and sensory awareness, beginning with grounding yoga and progressing to contemplative exploration of the BNC's diverse habitats, where you'll discover the unique characteristics of each ecosystem through present-moment observation. This program is free to DotRX members - please register by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bnc@massaudubon.org">bnc@massaudubon.org</a> Registration is required. <a href="https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/boston-nature-center/101187-nature-and-wellness-winter-series#">Register!</a>

Winter Tree Identification

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure into the fascinating world of branches, bark, and buds at the BNC! Explore the natural and cultural stories held within these towering giants and discover how they've shaped the landscape, and us, over time. As you wander through the sanctuary, uncover surprising facts about the trees you pass every day. What tales are etched in their rings? How do their textures, shapes, and growth patterns reveal their place in the ecosystem? By the end, you'll head home with simple tools and tips to help you recognize and connect with the trees in your own neighborhood. Whether you're a budding naturalist or simply curious, this experience is designed to spark a deeper appreciation for the remarkable trees that enrich our lives. This program is free if you are a member of Dot Rx. Please email&nbsp;bnc@massaudubon.org&nbsp;to register. Registration is required. <a href="https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/boston-nature-center/100170-winter-tree-identification#">Register!</a>

Cambridge Neighborhood Bird Walk

Learn the fundamentals of birding in an approachable program designed to help you identify and appreciate the feathered neighbors all around you. You'll explore how to use field guides and apps effectively, get comfortable with binoculars, and understand the key characteristics that help distinguish one species from another. The outing begins at Pavement Coffeehouse in Harvard Square where you can get a hot drink to keep you warm on the walk. Become familiar with common urban birds, develop your ear for birding, and learn to recognize the calls and songs that often reveal a bird's presence before you ever see it. The experience includes a guided walk where you'll put your new skills into practice, plus a discussion about bird-friendly coffee and how your everyday choices can support avian habitats. This program is free for DotRX members. Please email <a href="mailto:bnc@massaudubon.org">bnc@massaudubon.org</a> to register. Registration is required. <a href="https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/boston-nature-center/100962-cambridge-neighborhood-bird-walk#">Register!</a>

The Secret Life of Urban Owls

Discover the world of owls and how these nocturnal hunters contribute to healthy ecosystems, investigate owl pellets to uncover their favorite meals. This program offers a fun and fascinating look at some of the forest's most mysterious residents. 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. Registration is required. <a href="https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/boston-nature-center/100713-the-secret-life-of-urban-owls#">Register!</a>

Winter Wild Edibles and Tea

Imagine curling up with a steaming cup of tea and swapping stories with a friend, pure comfort on a chilly winter day. This outing at the Boston Nature Center brings that feeling to life with a walk through the quiet winter trails in search of wild edibles like fragrant white pine needles and bright, tangy rose hips. As the landscape reveals its seasonal treasures, gather ingredients for a freshly brewed herbal tea back at the center. It's a chance to learn a bit about winter foraging, savor the simple pleasures of the season, and enjoy the warmth of good company. Come ready to wander, taste, and unwind in nature's winter calm. This program is free if you are a member of Dot Rx. Please email&nbsp;bnc@massaudubon.org&nbsp;to register. Registration is required. <a href="https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/boston-nature-center/100138-winter-wild-edibles-and-tea#">Register!</a>

Nature and Wellness: Foraging and Crafting Natural Immune Remedies

Step into the world of traditional herbal wisdom and discover how winter landscapes offer powerful natural medicine for strengthening immunity during the coldest months. You'll craft your own batch of fire cider, a potent vinegar-based tonic renowned for its immune-boosting properties, incorporating wild edibles foraged directly from the BNC trails. As you explore the winter landscape, you'll learn to identify medicinal plants that thrive in the cold and understand their therapeutic applications for supporting your body's natural defenses. You'll leave with your own handcrafted fire cider, the ability to identify and harvest winter medicinal plants, and a deeper knowledge of natural remedies that have sustained communities for generations. 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. Registration is required. <a href="https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/boston-nature-center/101202-nature-and-wellness-foraging-and-crafting-natural-immune-remedies#">Register!</a>

Community Dinner at the Boston Nature Center (Free)

Gather at the Boston Nature Center for an evening of community connection over a shared meal. We'll reflect on this year's accomplishments and discuss exciting restoration work happening in our neighborhood, including a potential project right here at the sanctuary. This free event welcomes anyone interested in environmental conservation, whether you're a longtime supporter or just curious to learn more. Meet Mass Audubon's Director of Ecological Restoration, Alex Hackman, who will share inspiring stories from restoration projects across Massachusetts and introduce exciting next steps for the restoration of the Boston Nature Center's wetland. Discover how you can get involved through volunteering, advocacy, or community collaboration to help protect and restore the natural spaces that make our neighborhood special. Registration is required. <a href="https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/boston-nature-center/101274-community-dinner#">Register!</a>

Winter Wellness Walk

Experience the Boston Nature Center in a new way this winter with an afternoon that blends gentle yoga, mindful walking, and seasonal nature exploration. You'll begin with soothing stretches designed to awaken your body and calm your mind, then venture outdoors to observe the wildlife and trees that make winter such a unique and underappreciated season. This program offers a chance to slow down, reconnect with nature, and leave feeling refreshed and grounded. Whether you're new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, you'll find a welcoming space to explore the intersection of movement and the natural world. This program is free for DotRX members. Please email&nbsp;bnc@massaudubon.org&nbsp;to register. Registration is required. <a href="https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/boston-nature-center/100174-winter-wellness-walk#">Register!</a>

Winter Animal Tracking

Step into the role of nature investigator as you explore the Boston Nature Center's winter landscape, searching for the tracks, scratches, and signs left behind by animals navigating the snowy terrain. Each clue reveals a story: where animals traveled, what they were doing, and how they're surviving the season's challenges. Through guided exploration, you'll develop skills in reading and interpreting wildlife signs, learning to identify which creatures remain active in winter and the remarkable adaptations that help them thrive in harsh conditions. From footprints in fresh snow to telltale marks on trees, you'll see the landscape transform into a living storybook. This program is free if you are a member of Dot Rx. Please email&nbsp;bnc@massaudubon.org&nbsp;to register. Registration is required. <a href="https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/boston-nature-center/100173-winter-animal-tracking#">Register!</a>

Art and Nature: Watercolors

Discover the quiet beauty of winter through art and outdoor exploration. The season's stark landscapes offer perfect inspiration for experimenting with color, line, and shadow—from the deep blues of afternoon light to the dramatic contrasts of bare branches against snow. We'll begin with a trail walk to observe the natural world around us, noticing textures, patterns, and the unique palette of winter. Afterward, you'll have dedicated time to paint your observations and impressions in a relaxed, creative atmosphere. This program welcomes all skill levels—whether you've been painting for years or have never picked up a brush. All materials are provided, so simply bring your curiosity and willingness to see the winter landscape with fresh eyes. This program is free if you are a member of Dot Rx. Please email&nbsp;bnc@massaudubon.org&nbsp;to register. Registration is required. <a href="https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/boston-nature-center/100750-art-and-nature-watercolors#">Register!</a>

Art and Nature: Solstice Style

Celebrate the magic of the solstice through art and nature! Budding artists will explore the trails and draw inspiration from the changing light, colors, and textures of the season. Hands-on projects will reflect the natural world's shifts during this special time of year, sparking creativity, observation, and a deeper connection to the rhythms of nature. This program is free for Dot Rx Members. Please email&nbsp;bnc@massaudubon.org&nbsp;to register

Winter Birds and Bird Feeders

Discover the remarkable birds that brave New England's winter right here at BNC! While others migrate south, these hardy survivors have fascinating strategies for thriving in the cold.As we explore the sanctuary trails together, you'll spot and identify the feathered residents who call this place home year-round. You'll learn which feeders work best, what foods different species prefer, and the ideal timing for setting out winter provisions. Want to make a real difference? We'll explore community science projects that help protect bird populations—and show you how your observations can contribute to conservation efforts. The adventure culminates with creating your own bird feeder using natural materials you can take home. Soon you'll be attracting chickadees, nuthatches, and woodpeckers to your own backyard! Bundle up and come see winter through a bird's eye view—you'll never look at the season the same way again. Registration is required. <a href="https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/boston-nature-center/100721-winter-birds-and-bird-feeders#">Register!</a>

Nature and Wellness: Making Candles with Local Plants

Winter offers the perfect opportunity to harvest evergreen boughs, berries, and bark from around the nature center. Head out on the trails to forage for local plants, then transform your gathered materials into fragrant candles that capture the essence of the season. Bring the crisp, piney scents of winter inside your home!

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

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

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

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.

Where

hazen.emersonbnc

Experiences