Friends of The Great Falls Discovery Center

It’s Weird Duck Season: Waterfowl of the Connecticut River
2026-09-12 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Join Chad Witko, ornithologist and founder of Birding University, for an engaging introduction to North America’s waterfowl. As fall migration reaches the Connecticut River Valley, discover how to identify ducks, geese, and swans, explore their remarkable migrations, and learn why the Connecticut River is such an important stopover and wintering habitat throughout their annual cycle. Meet in the Great Hall. All ages.

DinoMap Live: Great Falls Discovery Center
2026-09-13 10:30 - 12:30
Join Tumble Science Podcast for a live tour stop on NEPM’s DinoMap! Meet a scientist for a Q&A, take a guided tour showing some of the amazing rocky outcrops around the Discovery Center, and get your passport book stamped along the way. Free fun for the whole family!

Nice and Easy Walk
2026-09-17 10:00 - 11:00
Easy-paced, 1- to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for older adults, but open to all. Enjoy some natural and local history along the way. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the main entrance.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Snakes
2026-09-18 10:30 - 11:30
Learn more about our wildlife neighbors in the Connecticut River Watershed. Program includes a story, activities, and crafts. Activities are indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. Siblings and friends are welcome. Meet in the Great Hall. For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult.

9/18: Snakes
9/25: River Otters

30th Anniversary Source to Sea Cleanup
2026-09-19 10:00 - 12:00
Hard work, real fun, true impact: the annual fall trash cleanup of the Connecticut River and its tributaries. Join DCR staff to clean up the Canalside Rail Trail. To register, visit sourcetoseacleanup.org/event/dcr-canalside-rail-trail-cleanup-group/, or contact DCR staff at (413) 863-3221 for more information. Meet at the main entrance. For ages 8 and up.

Art Naturally: Leaf Prints for Leaf Peepers
2026-09-20 10:30 - 12:00
Discover nature through story, poetry and art in our series of free art programs. With instruction and technique, you create an art piece to take home inspired by autumn using paint, paper, gel and even leaves for adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up. Free. All art materials provided. Meet in the Great Hall at 10:30 a.m. for complete instructions.

Nice and Easy Walk
2026-09-24 10:00 - 11:00
Easy-paced, 1- to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for older adults, but open to all. Enjoy some natural and local history along the way. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the main entrance. Note that there is no walk on September 3.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - River Otters
2026-09-25 10:30 - 11:30
Learn more about our wildlife neighbors in the Connecticut River Watershed. Program includes a story, activities, and crafts. Activities are indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. Siblings and friends are welcome. Meet in the Great Hall. For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult.

Find Us at the Farmers Market!
2026-09-26 10:30 - 13:00
Join DCR staff for family activities at the Great Falls Farmers Market, located between 6th and 7th streets along Avenue A at Peskeompskut Park. For all ages.

Montague Community Fair at Unity Park
2026-09-26 14:00 - 17:00
Discover us at Unity Park (at 56 First Street)! Celebrate “Good Neighbor Day” with an afternoon of free family activities and learn about local community organizations. Join DCR staff at the fair to learn all about our animal neighbors at our activity table with crafting. The fair has light refreshments, music, and fun activities for all ages, in collaboration with Montague Public Libraries.
