SEPT & OCT PROGRAMS Wachusett Mountain State Reservation Programs At a Glance Program Descriptions

WEDNESDAY THE FOREST BEFORE US OLD-GROWTH WALK • 11am—12pm: Tree I.D. Walk Can’t see the forest for the trees? We can Did you know that Wachusett Mountain is help! Join us as we talk about forest home to the only old-growth forest east of • 1pm-1:30pm: A Rocky Story growth from the last glacial period to the the Berkshires? On this walk you will see • 2pm-2:30pm: A Peak Back in Time present. A special feature is an overview examples of these ancient trees and will of the rare old growth forests of learn to identify their characteristics. THURSDAY Wachusett Mountain, with a wide variety Meet at the Visitor Center. This program • 2pm-2:30pm: Here Come the Hawks! of trees several hundred years old. involves a walk of about 3 miles, some of it

• 5pm-6:30pm: Walk-a-Lot Here on steep terrain. Appropriate for ages 10 This program takes place at the base of and above. FRIDAY the fire tower at the summit. In the event • 1pm—4pm: Old-Growth Forest Walk of inclement weather, the program takes TREE I.D. WALK place at the visitor center. Appropriate Join a park interpreter on a leisurely trail SATURDAY for ages 10 and above. walk at Mount Wachusett and learn how • 11am-11:30am: Here Come the Hawks! to identify common species of deciduous and coniferous trees. • 1pm—1:30pm: The Forest Before Us MOUNTAIN WILD! LIFE • 2pm—2:30pm: Mountain Wild! Life Did you know that our area is home to Meet at the Visitor Center. Suitable for over 50 species of mammals? Discover ages 10 and above. Approximately one- half mile over easy terrain. SUNDAY the fascinating lives of the “locals” as we talk about wildlife habitats, competition, • 11am-11:30am: Here Come the Hawks! and survival on Wachusett Mountain. HERE COME THE HAWKS • 1pm—1:30pm: The Forest Before Us We will show you skins, skulls, and Wachusett Mountain is one of the best • 2pm—2:30pm: Mountain Wild! Life tracks of some of animals, including places in the northeast to witness the fall deer, moose, bobcats, and bears. migration of hawks. Come learn the basics of hawk identification. This program takes place at the base of Meet at the Visitor Center. Suitable for the fire tower at the summit. In the event ages 5 and above. of inclement weather, the program takes place at the visitor center. Appropriate for ages 5 and above. WALK-A-LOT HERE This hiking program is one of our longest- running traditions. Each week we hike a A ROCKY STORY different route, exploring the mountain Believe it or not, Wachusett Mountain and learning about the flora and fauna. was once over 20,000 feet high! Meet at the Visitor Center. Suitable for Discover how the mountain was formed adults with average physical ability. over 300 million years ago, and how weathering and erosion affected the mountain over time. We will also talk about the effects of the last glacial period Programs are free and open to the that peaked approximately 25,000 years public. Reservations are not required. ago, when an ice sheet over a mile high An adult must accompany all children under the age of 15. covered our area. Reasonable accommodations available This is an indoor program at the visitor upon advance request. Please dress for center. Suitable for ages 8 and above. the outdoors with sturdy footwear, and bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. A PEAK BACK IN TIME Programs are subject to cancellation Come journey with us to Wachusett’s based on staff availability and weather conditions. past. We will learn about the Native American people who inhabited this Wheelchair accessible area, the fascinating summit houses that Designed for kids once stood on top of the mountain, the historic Civilian Conservation Corps era, Fun for the whole family and much more. Hiking This program takes place in the visitor Please follow all current COVID center. Appropriate for ages 8 and above. guidelines. Visit Mass.gov/COVID for

more guidance.

Share your adventures Department of Conservation and Recreation with us @massdcr Wachusett Mountain State Reservation 345 Mountain Road, Princeton, MA 01541 (978) 464-2987