MINNA ANTHONTY COMMON NATURE CENTER
INSIDE WELLESLEY ISLAND STATE PARK
-day use fee to enter State Park July & August

The Nature Center contains over 9 miles of hiking trails, a 4000 foot museum, seasonal butterfly house, dock. Museum is open daily from 8:30 am - 4 pm.  Museum has educational displays, live animals, restrooms, picnic tables nearby

Rick West and His Birds of Prey,   July 26, & Friday,  Aug 22.  Rick is back with his birds.
An exciting time for animal lovers
  
Spider Returns! Kid's Fishing Programs:  Write these dates down! (All programs from 2pm - 4pm)  July 5, August 30, September 20, October 4. *Meet at museum. Professional fisherman and Fishing Guidebook Author Spider Rybaak returns to lead his informative and fun fishing programs at the nature center.  Kids under the age of 16 get chance to learn some great fishing techniques and proper fishing practices.  

Basic GPS and Geocaching Class: 2 pm on Thursdays: from July  3 - August  21.  Learn about the GPS unit you got for a present.  We'll also talk geocaching.

Mother Nature visits Nature Center:   Wednesday  mornings at 10 am  July  2  -  August 20.  Bring your family and young kids.  There will be story telling and activities revolving around a weekly theme.

Morning Bird Walks:   Promptly at 8:30 am Thursdays from July  3 - August 14.  Search for birds along nature center trails.  Approximately 45 minutes long with distance of 1/2 - 1 1/2 miles. No Dogs.

Tourism Council Visits Nature Center:  1:00 on the following Wednesdays: July  2 , July 16,  July 23.  Learn about the area attractions, ask questions, see a presentation of attractions.
  
Meet the Nature Center Animals:  1:00 pm Tuesdays: July 1, 15, 29,  Wednesdays: August 6, 13.  Come and learn about the animals in our care.  Talk may include live snakes, turtles, salamanders, frogs and fish.

River Rat Rhythm Steel Drum Band  will perform  during Caribbean Day  July 25th from 1  to 3:30 pm.  Listen to steel drums, Caribbean music, play some Caribbean games, Great time for all !

 Art Shows :  Visit the Museum throughout the summer for a variety of Artists showing their talents.

Children's Make a Model Boat program:  July 11th , 18th , August 8th, 9th . All Programs at 1 pm.  Pre-Register at Reception desk or 482-2479.

Summer Basket Making Classes     Fridays: July 4, 11, 18, 25, August 1, 8, 15.   From 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  Make a small handmade basket.  Pre-registration required. Fee - $15.00, Ages 14 and up.

Lynn Morgan, Storyteller:    July 8, 22,  31, August 5  all at 1:00 pm.  Nobody tells a story like Lynn.  She's traveled extensively learning storytelling techniques and has acquired a great repertoire of stores.  For all ages!
 
Olde Thyme Faire     Saturday, July 5  11 am - 2 pm.  Join us in some old fashioned fun.  Games, music.  A chance for everyone to enjoy themselves.  Small fee for some activities.

Bug Day!  :  Saturday,  July 19  12pm - 3 pm.  Join Staff and Professional Entomologist Carolyn Klass in a fun exploration about insects.  Activities for both adults and children.  Learn something and have fun!!!!

Meet the Aliens!    July 3 & 17,  August  1 & 28.  All Programs start at 10:00  am.  Come and learn about non-native plants and their impact on the environment and our culture.  Master Gardener Jim Titus will be the leader.

Let's Talk Gardens!   July 3 & 17,  August  1 & 28.  All Programs start at 1:00  pm.
Learn about gardening from Master Gardener Jim Titus.

Celebrate the Earth! :  Saturday August 9, 12 pm to 3 pm.  Join us for a summer Earth Day Celebration.  Games, Activities, Green Product information and special guest musician Tom Sieling.

Watertown Zoo Visits : Saturday August 16, 1 pm.  It is always a delight to have the zoo come to visit the nature center.  Come and find out what exciting creatures they have brought with them!
 
Butterfly House:   Open daily throughout the summer months.  Check at museum for specific day's opening and  closing times.  Butterfly House contains native, naturalized and garden flowers that attract butterflies as well as representatives of native butterflies and caterpillars.  Closed during inclement weather.  Free admission.

36 foot Voyageur Canoe Program:  Offered Monday - Friday from 9:00 am -11:00  am.   July through mid-August.  Fee, pre-registration is required in person. Weather Dependent.  Call for info. 482-2479.

Other areas of Interest: The 4000 square foot museum is open 8:30 am - 4:00 pm Sunday - Saturday.  There is a dock located in Eel Bay with a small number of spaces for day use docking.  There are over 8 miles of hiking trails, including a 1/8 mile persons with Disabilities trail, scenic views, interpretive signs, a glacial pothole display, & a seasonal butterfly house open in July & August (hours at museum).

30th Autumn Festival Saturday, October 11     10:00 am - 4:00 pm Child Admission :$1.00 or food donation for food pantry.   Adult admission: $2.00 Join us for our 29th annual  Autumn Festival for great family fun!  Lots to keep kids busy! Make a  scarecrow, visit farm animals, bird of prey, or get your face painted, and play games.  Everyone can browse among crafts for sale, enjoy music by WOODS TEA COMPANY, plus Rick Markert and Jack Caughey on dulcimer & guitar.  Food & drinks for sale.

4th Annual Geocache Gathering Saturday,  October 19,  9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. After the success of the last three years, we have started a tradition!  Learn about using a GPS, and the game/adventure of Geocaching.  We will have time to look for local caches, temporary caches, and a chance for novices to learn from the more experienced .

 For an up to date listing or for more information, call the Nature Center  482-2479