Sharing an appreciation of nature through birding, geology, astronomy, plants and more in the North Quabbin area.

The New England equestrian center of Athol is a 250-acremunicipal equestrian park located at 802 New Sherburn Road in Athol. There areseveral multi-use trails winding through the parks pine/hemlock/oak forest, avernal pond, meadow, and more. We’ll be walking the forested “Join Up Trail”which has been enhanced with the addition of Chrissy Dorn’s beautiful artworkin the form of 20 original native plant identification signs throughout thetrail. Although parts of the park may also be explored depending on theinterests of the group. Linda will share her love and knowledge of NaturalHistory of NEECA as you walk along the parks well maintained trails. Meet at1:30 PM at the spectator parking area. There are clear signs directing one intothe park and to that parking area. Bring insect spray and sun hat, and water ifyou like. To learn more about NEECA check on the website https://www.neeca.org ,

Sunday Open House A close look at Pond Life – Aquaticbiologist Cathy Szal and Katrina Walton Aquaticbiologist Cathy Szal and science teacher Katrina Walton will offer a hands-onexploration of pond life.  There will be a brief introduction to ponds anddifferent types of pond life.  They will bring in live aquaticinvertebrates, plankton samples and aquatic vegetation.  There will bemicroscope tables with both compound and dissecting scopes for visitors toobserve microscopic pond life and aquatic vegetation.  There will be pansof live aquatic invertebrates and magnifying glasses.  They will also havedrawing materials for nature journaling.