When

On Saturday, July 2nd, you can take a free, one-hour quarry tour at Halibut Point State Park, Cape Ann, Massachusetts. The park which is another coastal gem on Massachusetts’s North Shore is an easy ride from the Newburyport area. If you haven’t been there, it is well worth exploring.

Join us at the visitors center for this comprehensive granite experience! View the film, “The Uncut Block,” tour the Babson Farm Quarry and learn about derricks and deadmen, and watch the fascinating granite splitting demonstration, all within view of the Atlantic Ocean. This program is appropriate for children.

Halibut Point itself is made of sheets of 440 million year-old granite that now descend from rocky headland to the tidal pools below.

As a result of the shallow soil, constant exposure to onshore winds, and a history of frequent fires, the vegetation includes few trees. Catbriar, bayberry, blueberry, arrowwood, shadbush, and an assortment of wildflowers grow among the ledges.

Each winter, many species of seabirds, including loons, grebes, ducks and an occasional puffin, feed in the rich offshore waters.

Beginning in the 1840s, granite was quarried from this area, first on a small scale and primarily along the coast, and then on a much larger scale when the Rockport Granite Company acquired the Babson Farm quarry and expanded its operation.

Shortly after the Cape Ann granite industry collapsed in 1929, 17 acres on the eastern side of the quarry were purchased and given to the Trustees of Reservations. The remainder of the area sat unused until late in World War II when a fire control tower (now the park’s Visitors Center) was constructed to provide aiming information for the massive coastal defense guns that guarded Boston and Portsmouth Harbors.

Halibut Point is a uniquely beautiful coastal seascape. Looking seaward on a clear day, the view stretches from Crane Beach in Ipswich to Mount Agamenticus in Maine and the Isles of Shoals off the coast of New Hampshire.

All programs at the park are free and open to the public. The daily parking fee is $2.00 per vehicle.

For more information, please call the park at (978) 546-2997.

Related posts:

1. Quarry Tour, Halibut Point State Park, Cape Ann, Rockport, Saturday, July 9th When: Saturday, July 9th 2011, from 10:00 am to 11:00...
2. History Tour of Mosley Family Estate, Maudslay State Park Newburyport, Saturday, July 16th When: Saturday, July 16th 2011, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm...
3. History Tour of Mosley Family Estate, Maudslay State Park Newburyport, Saturday, July 23rd When: Saturday, July 23rd 2011, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm...

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WEDNESDAY MORNING BIRDING ON CAPE ANN

The Mass Audubon Society’s Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport is offering a special Wednesday Morning Birding field trip around Cape Ann on February 16th from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Join Joppa Flats Sanctuary Director Bill Gette and USFWS veteran David Weaver for this special birding field trip around Cape Ann which is appropriate for all birding levels.

This very popular program provides an excellent opportunity to explore one of the most productive birding areas in the country. To date, over 310 species of birds have been observed on these Wednesday field trips.

Where To Meet: Meet in Gloucester at the Friendly’s restaurant at the first traffic circle on Route 128.

Registration not required. Please wear appropriate clothes and bring binoculars, spotting scopes, and snacks or lunch.

Fee: Adults $12.00 (members)/ $15.00(non-members)

Please wear appropriate clothes and bring binoculars, and/or spotting scopes.

Related posts:

1. Wednesday Morning Birding, Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport, November 16th When: Wednesday, November 16th 2011, from 9:30 am to 12:30...
2. Wednesday Morning Birding, Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport, February 22nd 2012 When: Wednesday, February 22nd 2012, from 9:30 am to 12:30...
3. Wednesday Morning Birding, Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport, May 16th, 2012 When: Wednesday, May 16th 2012, from 9:30 am to 12:30...

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WEDNESDAY MORNING BIRDING ON CAPE ANN

The Mass Audubon Society’s Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport is offering a special Wednesday Morning Birding field trip around Cape Ann on Wednesday, January 19th from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Join Joppa Flats Sanctuary Director Bill Gette and USFWS veteran David Weaver for this special birding field trip around Cape Ann which is appropriate for all birding levels.

This very popular program provides an excellent opportunity to explore one of the most productive birding areas in the country. To date, over 310 species of birds have been observed on these Wednesday field trips.

Where To Meet: Meet in Gloucester at the Friendly’s restaurant at the first traffic circle on Route 128.

Registration not required. Please wear appropriate clothes and bring binoculars, spotting scopes, and snacks or lunch.

Fee: Adults $12.00 (members)/ $15.00(non-members)

Please wear appropriate clothes and bring binoculars, and/or spotting scopes.

Related posts:

1. Wednesday Morning Birding, Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport, October 19th When: Wednesday, October19th 2011, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm...
2. Wednesday Morning Birding, Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport, January 4th 2012 When: Wednesday, January 4th 2012, from 9:30 am to 12:30...
3. Wednesday Morning Birding, Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport, January 25th 2012 When: Wednesday, January 25th 2012, from 9:30 am to 12:30...

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Late fall and winter are the best times of the year to bird along the rocky coast of Cape Ann. Both migrant and wintering seabirds can be observed at Halibut and Andrews points and in the shelter of the cape’s many coves

Join Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats Education Centerexploring Cape Ann to find sea ducks, loons, grebes, and gulls on Saturday, December 4th on an all day field trip from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. The field trip will be led by Dave Larsen, Mass Audubon’s Joppa Flats Education Center Coordinator.

During this field trip, you’ll visit Halibut, Andrews, and Eastern points as well as Brace Cove, Niles Pond, and the Gloucester Harbor area. Target species will include the red-throated loon, red-necked grebe, harlequin duck, black guillemot (and maybe other alcids), and three species of scoters.

This all day field trips is for adults.

Fee: Adults $35.00 for members. $45.00 for non-members.

Location: Meet at the Fisherman’s Statue on Western Avenue in Gloucester, MA.

Registration: Registration is required. You can register by calling 978-462-9998 or drop in the Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport.

Wear warm clothing and sturdy walking shoes. Bring binoculars, snacks, and a lunch.

Related posts:

1. Seabirds Of Cape Ann, Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport, Saturday, December 3rd When: Saturday, December 3rd, 2011, from 9:00 am to 3:30...
2. Winter Birds And Raptors, An Outdoor Exploration For Adults, Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport, Saturday, December 10th When: Saturday, December 10th 2011, from 9:30 am to 12:30...
3. Wednesday Morning Birding, Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport, December 7th When: Wednesday, December 7th 2011, from 9:30 am to 12:30...

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FALL BIRDING ON CAPE ANN

On Saturday, November 6th, you can spend the day birding the rocky coast of Cape Ann to see migrant seabirds with Joppa Flats SanctuaryDirector Bill Gette.

The fall is a wonderful time of year to observe birds along the rocky coast of Cape Ann. Large numbers of migrant seabirds pass by Halibut and Andrews points and seek shelter in the cape’s many coves.

During this all day field trip, we will visit Halibut, Andrews, and Eastern points; Brace Cove, Niles Pond, and the Gloucester Harbor area.

Birds You May See: Target species will include the red-throated loon, red-necked grebe, harlequin duck, black guillemot, and three species of scoters. In previous years, we have seen razorbills migrating southward along the outer cape at this time of year.

Fee: $45 for non-members. $35 for members.

Instructions and Directions: Meet at the Fisherman’s Statue on Western Avenue in Gloucester.

Wear warm clothing and sturdy walking shoes. Bring binoculars, snacks, and a lunch.

Registration: You must register to attend this event. To register, please call the Mass Audubon Joppa Flats Education Center at 978-462-9998.

Related posts:

1. Wednesday Evening Birding, Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport, May 16th, 2012 When: Wednesday, May 16th 2012, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm...
2. Wednesday Morning Birding, Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport, November 16th When: Wednesday, November 16th 2011, from 9:30 am to 12:30...
3. Wednesday Morning Birding, Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport, May 16th, 2012 When: Wednesday, May 16th 2012, from 9:30 am to 12:30...

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When

On Sunday, August 22nd, you can take a free, one-hour tour exploring the military history of Halibut Point State Park, Cape Ann, Massachusetts. The park which is another coastal gem on Massachusetts’s North Shore is an easy ride from the Newburyport area. If you haven’t been there, it is well worth exploring.

The tour includes Includes a climb to upper-levels of the park’s World War Two artillery fire control tower.

Halibut Point itself is made of sheets of 440 million year-old granite that now descend from rocky headland to the tidal pools below. As a result of the shallow soil, constant exposure to onshore winds, and a history of frequent fires, the vegetation includes few trees. Catbriar, bayberry, blueberry, arrowwood, shadbush, and an assortment of wildflowers grow among the ledges.

Each winter, many species of seabirds, including loons, grebes, ducks and an occasional puffin, feed in the rich offshore waters.

Beginning in the 1840s, granite was quarried from this area, first on a small scale and primarily along the coast, and then on a much larger scale when the Rockport Granite Company acquired the Babson Farm quarry and expanded its operation.

Shortly after the Cape Ann granite industry collapsed in 1929, 17 acres on the eastern side of the quarry were purchased and given to the Trustees of Reservations. The remainder of the area sat unused until late in World War II when a fire control tower (now the park’s Visitors Center) was constructed to provide aiming information for the massive coastal defense guns that guarded Boston and Portsmouth Harbors.

Halibut Point is a uniquely beautiful coastal seascape. Looking seaward on a clear day, the view stretches from Crane Beach in Ipswich to Mount Agamenticus in Maine and the Isles of Shoals off the coast of New Hampshire.

All programs at the park are free and open to the public. The daily parking fee is $2.00 per vehicle.

For more information, please call the park at (978) 546-2997.

Related posts:

1. Quarry Tour, Halibut Point State Park, Cape Ann, Rockport, Saturday, July 2nd When: Saturday, July 2nd 2011, from 10:00 am to 11:00...
2. Quarry Tour, Halibut Point State Park, Cape Ann, Rockport, Saturday, July 9th When: Saturday, July 9th 2011, from 10:00 am to 11:00...
3. History Tour of Mosley Family Estate, Maudslay State Park Newburyport, Saturday, July 16th When: Saturday, July 16th 2011, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm...

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When

On Sunday, August 22nd, you can take a free, one-hour tour exploring the military history of  Halibut Point State Park, Cape Ann, Massachusetts. The park which is another coastal gem on Massachusetts’s North Shore is an easy ride from the Newburyport area. If you haven’t been there, it is well worth exploring.

The tour includes Includes a climb to upper-levels of the park’s World War Two artillery fire control tower.

Halibut Point itself is made of sheets of 440 million year-old granite that now descend from rocky headland to the tidal pools below. As a result of the shallow soil, constant exposure to onshore winds, and a history of frequent fires, the vegetation includes few trees. Catbriar, bayberry, blueberry, arrowwood, shadbush, and an assortment of wildflowers grow among the ledges.

Each winter, many species of seabirds, including loons, grebes, ducks and an occasional puffin, feed in the rich offshore waters.

Beginning in the 1840s, granite was quarried from this area, first on a small scale and primarily along the coast, and then on a much larger scale when the Rockport Granite Company acquired the Babson Farm quarry and expanded its operation.

Shortly after the Cape Ann granite industry collapsed in 1929, 17 acres on the eastern side of the quarry were purchased and given to the Trustees of Reservations. The remainder of the area sat unused until late in World War II when a fire control tower (now the park’s Visitors Center) was constructed to provide aiming information for the massive coastal defense guns that guarded Boston and Portsmouth Harbors.

Halibut Point is a uniquely beautiful coastal seascape. Looking seaward on a clear day, the view stretches from Crane Beach in Ipswich to Mount Agamenticus in Maine and the Isles of Shoals off the coast of New Hampshire.

All programs at the park are free and open to the public. The daily parking fee is $2.00 per vehicle.

For more information, please call the park at (978) 546-2997.

Related posts:

1. Quarry Tour, Halibut Point State Park, Cape Ann, Rockport, Saturday, July 2nd When: Saturday, July 2nd 2011, from 10:00 am to 11:00...
2. Quarry Tour, Halibut Point State Park, Cape Ann, Rockport, Saturday, July 9th When: Saturday, July 9th 2011, from 10:00 am to 11:00...
3. History Tour of Mosley Family Estate, Maudslay State Park Newburyport, Saturday, July 16th When: Saturday, July 16th 2011, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm...

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When

On Saturday, August 21st, you can take a free, one-hour quarry tour at Halibut Point State Park, Cape Ann, Massachusetts. The park which is another coastal gem on Massachusetts’s North Shore is an easy ride from the Newburyport area. If you haven’t been there, it is well worth exploring.

The tour includes a film, granite-splitting demonstration, and a tour of the Babson Farm Quarry.

Halibut Point itself is made of sheets of 440 million year-old granite that now descend from rocky headland to the tidal pools below.

As a result of the shallow soil, constant exposure to onshore winds, and a history of frequent fires, the vegetation includes few trees. Catbriar, bayberry, blueberry, arrowwood, shadbush, and an assortment of wildflowers grow among the ledges.

Each winter, many species of seabirds, including loons, grebes, ducks and an occasional puffin, feed in the rich offshore waters.

Beginning in the 1840s, granite was quarried from this area, first on a small scale and primarily along the coast, and then on a much larger scale when the Rockport Granite Company acquired the Babson Farm quarry and expanded its operation.

Shortly after the Cape Ann granite industry collapsed in 1929, 17 acres on the eastern side of the quarry were purchased and given to the Trustees of Reservations. The remainder of the area sat unused until late in World War II when a fire control tower (now the park’s Visitors Center) was constructed to provide aiming information for the massive coastal defense guns that guarded Boston and Portsmouth Harbors.

Halibut Point is a uniquely beautiful coastal seascape. Looking seaward on a clear day, the view stretches from Crane Beach in Ipswich to Mount Agamenticus in Maine and the Isles of Shoals off the coast of New Hampshire.

All programs at the park are free and open to the public. The daily parking fee is $2.00 per vehicle.

For more information, please call the park at (978) 546-2997.

Related posts:

1. Quarry Tour, Halibut Point State Park, Cape Ann, Rockport, Saturday, July 2nd When: Saturday, July 2nd 2011, from 10:00 am to 11:00...
2. Quarry Tour, Halibut Point State Park, Cape Ann, Rockport, Saturday, July 9th When: Saturday, July 9th 2011, from 10:00 am to 11:00...
3. History Tour of Mosley Family Estate, Maudslay State Park Newburyport, Saturday, July 16th When: Saturday, July 16th 2011, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm...

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When

On Saturday, August 14th, you can take a free, one-hour quarry tour at Halibut Point State Park, Cape Ann, Massachusetts. The park which is another coastal gem on Massachusetts’s North Shore is an easy ride from the Newburyport area. If you haven’t been there, it is well worth exploring.

The tour includes a film, granite-splitting demonstration, and a tour of the Babson Farm Quarry.

Halibut Point itself is made of sheets of 440 million year-old granite that now descend from rocky headland to the tidal pools below.

As a result of the shallow soil, constant exposure to onshore winds, and a history of frequent fires, the vegetation includes few trees. Catbriar, bayberry, blueberry, arrowwood, shadbush, and an assortment of wildflowers grow among the ledges.

Each winter, many species of seabirds, including loons, grebes, ducks and an occasional puffin, feed in the rich offshore waters.

Beginning in the 1840s, granite was quarried from this area, first on a small scale and primarily along the coast, and then on a much larger scale when the Rockport Granite Company acquired the Babson Farm quarry and expanded its operation.

Shortly after the Cape Ann granite industry collapsed in 1929, 17 acres on the eastern side of the quarry were purchased and given to the Trustees of Reservations. The remainder of the area sat unused until late in World War II when a fire control tower (now the park’s Visitors Center) was constructed to provide aiming information for the massive coastal defense guns that guarded Boston and Portsmouth Harbors.

Halibut Point is a uniquely beautiful coastal seascape. Looking seaward on a clear day, the view stretches from Crane Beach in Ipswich to Mount Agamenticus in Maine and the Isles of Shoals off the coast of New Hampshire.

All programs at the park are free and open to the public. The daily parking fee is $2.00 per vehicle.

For more information, please call the park at (978) 546-2997.

Related posts:

1. Quarry Tour, Halibut Point State Park, Cape Ann, Rockport, Saturday, July 2nd When: Saturday, July 2nd 2011, from 10:00 am to 11:00...
2. Quarry Tour, Halibut Point State Park, Cape Ann, Rockport, Saturday, July 9th When: Saturday, July 9th 2011, from 10:00 am to 11:00...
3. History Tour of Mosley Family Estate, Maudslay State Park Newburyport, Saturday, July 16th When: Saturday, July 16th 2011, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm...

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Want to see the five lighthouses of Cape Ann from the water and help support the Thacher Island Association?

On Friday, July 30th the association will be having its Annual Lighthouses of Cape Ann Cruise, leaving at 6:00 p.m. from Cape Ann Whale Watch in Gloucester aboard the Hurricane II.

Jeremy D’Entremont, lighthouse expert and author, will narrate the sunset cruise around Cape Ann to see the following five lighthouses. This is your chance to see the following lighthouses:

• Thacher Island’s Twin Lighthouses
• Annisquam Light
• Ten Pound Island Light
• Eastern Point Light.

Proceeds from the cruise benefit the Thacher Island Association, which is raising money for a new boat to bring visitors to and from the island.

Cash bar, sandwiches and snacks available or bring your own. (Note: No liquor may be brought on board)

The boat leaves promptly at 6:00 pm from the Cape Ann Whale Watch docks on Main St.in Gloucester.
and returns at 9:00 pm.

Cost: Donation is $30.00 per person.

Reservations: For reservations and more information, call 978-546-7697.

Related posts:

1. Seabirds and Whale Watching Trip, Onboard The Prince Of Whales, Joppa Flats Education Center and Newburyport Whale Watch, Saturday, July 23rd When: Saturday, July 23, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm Where:...
2. Harbor Seal Cruise Aboard The Yankee Clipper, Joppa Flats Education Center, Newburyport, Sunday, June 19th When: Sunday, June 19th 2010, from 8:45 am to 10:45 am...
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