All programs are free and open to the public. An adult must accompany children. Reasonable accommodations available upon request. Please follow all current COVID guidelines: Mass.gov/COVID. Dress for the weather including possible ice on the ground. Programs are cancelled during inclement weather. For more information call (781) 656-1485 or email [email protected]
If you would like to receive regular emails about our current program schedule, please send an email message to [email protected].
An Oasis for Birds
7:30 am–8:30 am Saturdays, March 18, April 1, 15, May 6 and 20
Explore DCR’s Belle Isle Marsh and vicinity, known birding hotspots with a total yearly bird count of about 265 species. We will search for raptors and other specialty birds. Expect to move to different locations by car or on foot. Ages: Adults and kids 8+ with an adult chaperone. Dress for the weather including possible ice on the ground. Programs are cancelled during inclement weather. Co-sponsored by the Brookline Bird Club and the Friends of Belle Isle Marsh.
Meet at DCR’s Belle Isle Marsh Reservation parking lot, 1399 Bennington Street, East Boston.
Note that this program meets every month of the year on the 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month except when the Saturday is a state or national holiday.
Wildlife Tracking
9:00 am—10:00 am Saturday, March 11
We will explore the trails of the meadow searching for signs (tracks, scat and chews) left by wild creatures. Dress for the weather including possible ice on the ground. Programs are cancelled during inclement weather. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Belle Isle Marsh. Ages: Adults and kids 5 + with adult chaperone. Binoculars recommended. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Belle Isle Marsh.
Meet at DCR’s Belle Isle Marsh Reservation parking lot, 1399 Bennington Street, East Boston.
The Skydance of the Timberdoodle
7:00– 8:00 pm
Tuesday, March 21
Come witness a special live performance of one of the most remarkable courtship rituals in the natural world of the male American Woodcock, aka “Timberdoodle.” This odd-looking shorebird struts, sings and sky dances for his prospective mate in a performance that you won’t want to miss! If you have a flashlight, you may bring it for our short walk back after viewing. Dress for the weather including possible ice on the ground. Programs are cancelled during inclement weather. Ages: Adults and kids 8+ with adult chaperone. Binoculars recommended. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Belle Isle Marsh.
Meet at DCR’s Belle Isle Marsh Reservation parking lot, 1399 Bennington Street, East Boston.
8th Annual Fire and Ice Campfire Festival
4:00-6:00 pm
Saturday, March 25 (Rain Date April 1)
The MA Department of Conservation and Recreation, FMC Ice Sports and Harborkeepers are hosting the 8th annual community campfire and public skating event that will include roasting marshmallows, skating, and music. Please note that access to the ice of the skating arena is free if you bring your own skates. Skate rentals are subject to a $6.00 charge.
Dress for the weather including possible ice on the ground. Programs are cancelled during inclement weather. For more information, please contact [email protected]
Meet at: DCR’s Constitution Beach, Porrazzo Skating Rink-FMC Ice Sports, 199 Coleridge Street, East Boston.
Spring Nature Sensation
9:00 –10:00 am
Thursday, April 20
The salt marsh and meadow come to life every spring with new grasses, returning herons, egrets and swallows. You will learn about the creatures of the marsh and meadow and why these habitats are so important. Ages: Kids 8 + with adult chaperone. Binoculars are recommended. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Belle Isle Marsh.
Meet at DCR’s Belle Isle Marsh Reservation parking lot, 1399 Bennington Street, East Boston
Shorebird & Seabird Discovery Station
9:00-11:30 AM-Drop in
Wednesdays March 15 & 29, April 5, 12, 19 & 26
Listen to a short lesson (3-5 min) about the fascinating shorebirds and seabirds that make Revere Beach their home at this station. A spotting scope will be available for viewing birds but bring binoculars if you have them. Drop in anytime. Dress for the weather including possible ice on the ground. Programs are cancelled during inclement weather. Appropriate for Kids 8+ and adults. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Belle Isle Marsh.
Meet at: Revere Beach Reservation, under the tree and on the beach across from 21 Revere Beach Blvd., Revere, MA
Slow Birding
9:00 –10:30 am
Fridays March 24 and April 21
Discover how you can enliven and enrich your experience of birds through slow & careful birdwatching including observing the fine aesthetic details and behavior of birds. Birds we may observe include piping plover, manx shearwater, gulls and terns. During the last half hour of this program, you will have the option to leave early or to participate in guided mindfulness practices for the benefit of amplifying your peace, creativity and health. Be prepared for sitting, standing and walking short distances. Bring a chair, blanket or pillow to sit on. Binoculars recommended. Ages: Adults and kids 8+ with adult chaperone. Co-sponsored by the Brookline Bird Club and the Friends of Belle Isle Marsh.
Meet at: Revere Beach Reservation, on the beach across from 21 Revere Beach Blvd., Revere, MA
If you would like to receive regular emails about our current program schedule, please send a message to [email protected]
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), an agency of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, oversees nearly 500,000 acres of parks and forests, beaches, bike trails, watersheds, dams, and parkways. The agency’s mission is to protect, promote, and enhance our commonwealth of natural, cultural, and recreational resources. To learn more about DCR, our facilities, and our programs, please visit www.mass.gov/dcr.