Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Birds
2024-05-03 10:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
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. For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult, siblings and friends welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.

Nice & Easy Walk
2024-05-03 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-05-10 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-05-17 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-05-31 13:00 - 14:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for seniors, but open to all. Enjoy 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.

Find us at the Farmer’s Market!* Seed Scenes
2024-05-04 10:30 - 13:00 | Peskeompskut Park, Avenue A between 6th and 7th Streets, Turners Falls, 01376
It’s planting time! Be creative and experience the beauty and colors of seeds while making scenes in dough! Join Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center volunteer, Dawn Marvin Ward, and DCR staff at the Great Falls Farmers market on opening day (between 6th and 7th streets along
Avenue A at Peskompskut Park). For all ages.The Great Falls Farmers Market is located between 6th and 7th Streets along Avenue A at Peskeompskut Park. Part of our Food, Farms, and Factories project.
* Food, Farms, & Factories –
In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit www.greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

StoryWalk® — Ruby’s Birds
2024-05-09 - 2024-06-25 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Ongoing, May 9—June 25
Enjoy a story, fresh air and exercise! Join us on the Center’s grounds for a free self-guided StoryWalk® featuring the children’s picture book Ruby’s Birds by Mya Thompson, for readers ages 3-7 and everyone who celebrates birds. Follow the path to book pages posted along the route.
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Story Walk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson. This StoryWalk® is provided by Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Interpretive Services.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Fish
2024-05-10 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Make Your own Meadow*
2024-05-11 11:00 - 13:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Learn how to create your own pollinator-friendly meadow with landscape designers Tom Sullivan and Peter Wackernagle, and then take a short walk to see pollinator gardens in downtown Turners Falls. In collaboration with Exploded View and our 2024 Food, Farms, and Factories project. For ages 12 and up. Meet in the Great Hall.
* Food, Farms, & Factories –
In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit www.greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Wild and Cultivated Edible Plants: A Show ’n Tell *
2024-05-19 14:00 - 16:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Many invasive plants, like garlic mustard and goutweed, are tasty and nutritious additions to our diet. Author/illustrator Blanche Derby brings samples of her wild and cultivated plant friends for this indoor presentation in the Great Hall. In collaboration with Exploded View and our 2024Food, Farms, and Factories project. For ages 12 and up. Meet in the Great Hall.
Food, Farms, and Factories
*In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Nice & Easy Walk - Sea Lamprey*
2024-05-24 13:00 - 14:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for seniors, but open to all. Enjoy 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. Today’s topic is Sea Lamprey, as part of our Food, Farms, and Factories project.
* Food, Farms, & Factories –
In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit www.greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Art Naturally Series: Felted Fish*
2024-05-25 10:30 - 12:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Discover nature and culture through story, poetry, and art in our series of free Art Naturally programs. Using words and images, instruction and techniques you create an art piece inspired by the natural world to take home. Learn how the shad’s shape helps it swim upstream. Make a wet-felted underwater scene. For adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up (accompanied by an adult). All art materials provided. Meet in the Great Hall.
* Food, Farms, & Factories –
In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit www.greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Find us at the Farmers Market: Soils and Soil pH Testing*
2024-06-01 10:30 - 13:00 | Peskeompskut Park, Avenue A between 6th and 7th Streets, Turners Falls, 01376
As part of our Food, Farms, and Factories project, join DCR staff, the Friends of the Center, and Western MA Master Gardeners to learn about soils and soil testing, including family-friendly activities. The Great Falls Farmers Market is located between 6th and 7th streets along Avenue A at Peskeompskut Park. Bring your soil to be tested for free by following these directions:
Testing Your Soil’s pH
What is pH?
• pH is a measure of the acidity of the soil.
• The pH scale runs from 1 to 14 where: pH< 7 is acidic, pH = 7 neutral, pH > 7 is basic
Why do I need to test my soil’s pH?
• Nutrients and acidity can change with time and use.
• Acidity controls the availability of nutrients and beneficial organisms.
• Plants have different pH requirements:
Blueberries and rhododendron need acidic soil, pH 4.5 to 5.5.
Vegetables grow best in pH 6.0 to 7.0.
• Lime or sulfur may be needed to correct pH imbalance.
Where can I have my soil tested?
• pH only: Master Gardener table at local farmers markets and fairs ($2.00/ donation).
See website for days and times: http://wmmga.org
• Full Soil Analysis: UMass Soil Testing Laboratory.
For details go to: http://soiltest.umass.edu
When is the best time to test?
• At least 6-8 weeks after a lime, sulfur, or fertilizer application.
• Best: Fall, Second best: Early Spring.
• Any time when starting new planting area.
What do I need to collect a soil sample?
• Trowel, shovel or sampling tube
• Bucket
• Coarse sieve or screen
• Drying tray or plate
• Zip-lock bag
How do I collect samples?
• Define your sample area. If sampling multiple areas, keep samples separated by area.
• Remove a thin slice or plug of soil from surface to proper depth.
Sample depths: 3”-4” Lawn, 6”-8” flower/vegetable garden, 10”-12” trees/shrubs
• Collect 4 -6 samples for small area, 8-12 for large.
• Mix single area’s samples together in bucket.
• Scoop 1 cup mixed soil and spread on a clean plate/tray to dry.
• Sift to remove debris and place in a labeled zip-lock bag.
• Note approximate size and type of area (vegetable, flower, lawn, shrub) on bag.
• Avoid sampling when very wet.

Migratory Bird Walk with Mass Wildlife
2024-06-02 07:30 - 10:30 | Leyden Wildlife Management Area, Leyden, Massachusetts, United States
Enjoy a guided bird walk with MassWildlife experts during peak migratory bird nesting season. Birders of all experience are welcome. Participants should be prepared to walk ~2-miles at a comfortable group pace. Bring binoculars and water, dress for the weather, and wear closed-toed shoes good for walking on uneven ground. Hosted in partnership with the Massachusetts Forest Alliance. Limited spots available. Registration is required.
Location: Leyden Wildlife Management Area – exact meeting location will be emailed to you prior to the event
Have a question? Email Meghan Crawford at meghan.crawford@mass.gov

Nice & Easy Walk
2024-06-07 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-06-14 13:00 - 14:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for seniors, but open to all. Enjoy natural and local history highlights along the way. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water.
Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the main entrance.

Art Naturally Series: Solar Prints from the Garden*
2024-06-08 10:30 - 12:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Discover nature through story, poetry, and art in this series of free Art Naturally programs. Using words and images, instruction and techniques, you create an art piece inspired by the natural world to take home. Use the power of UV light (from the sun or a lamp) to create beautiful garden inspired prints on paper and cloth. For adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up, accompanied by an adult. All art materials provided. Rain or shine. Meet in the Great Hall.
Food, Farms, and Factories
*In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Downtown Foraging Walk*
2024-06-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Explore how people have coevolved with plants. Join herbalist Laura Torraco, owner of Sage Green Botanicals, for a plant walk guided by the senses. Discover plant ID tips, medicinal and material uses, and histories of plants that live around us. Part of our Food, Farms, and Factories series of programs with Exploded View. For ages 12 and up. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes. Meet at the main entrance.
Food, Farms, and Factories
*In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

17th Annual Free Family Fishing Day*
2024-06-15 10:00 - 14:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Join us for a day of FREE fishing fun at Barton Cove in Gill, MA, with additional activities at the Great Falls Discovery Center. Adults and children of all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Event is held rain or shine. Parking is free.
At Barton Cove Campground: Barton Cove Road in Gill

Free fishing from 10:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m. All ages welcome.
Fishing equipment provided – limited supplies available. Bring your own pole if you have one.
No MA fishing license needed.

At Great Falls Discovery Center: 2 Avenue A

Fly lure tying demonstrations.
Come see a guest fish from the USGS Conte Anadromous Fish Research Lab.
Fish printing – The art of Gyotaku, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm.
CATCH THE FISH BUS HERE! Free shuttle bus to and from Barton Cove, as needed, from 10:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m.

Food, Farms, and Factories
*In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.
https://greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Family-Fish-Day-2024-with-fade-out.mp4

Fields & Forests – What do Bees Need? *
2024-06-16 10:30 - 12:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Help us kick-off Pollinator Week! Make your own native bee habitat by “painting” with yarn, fleece, pre-felt shapes, and soapy water. Will your bees live in a tree trunk or holes in the ground? Will they build their nests with mud or leaves? Learn how important our native bees are, especially for growing food, and what they need to thrive. For ages 4 and up, including teens and adults. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Designed especially for families (including dads), but all are welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.
Food, Farms, and Factories
*In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Turtles
2024-06-21 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
For ages 3—6, accompanied by an adult. 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 welcome. Meet in the Great Hall. Special thanks to Montague Public Libraries for bringing books on each topic for you to check out!

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Eagles
2024-06-28 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Rots to Riches *
2024-07-02 15:30 - 16:30 | Carnegie Library, 201 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376
Designed for children and teens. A hands-on interactive 50-minute session about the wonders of compost, and the creatures that help turn old scraps into new plants. Hosted at the Carnegie Library at 201 Avenue A, as part of our Food, Farms, and Factories series. Led by a Hitchcock Center educator, kids and their grown-ups read an empowering story, learn the basic science of decomposition, play a “what’s compostable?” game and meet live insects and annelids from their collection.
* Food, Farms, & Factories: In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

StoryWalk® — Dear Treefrog
2024-07-04 - 2024-08-20 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
For families with children. Enjoy a story, fresh air and exercise! Join us on the center’s grounds for a free self-guided StoryWalk® featuring the children’s picture book Dear Treefrog by Joyce Sidman for readers ages 4-7 and everyone who celebrates frogs. Follow the path to book pages posted along the route. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Story Walk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson. This StoryWalk® is provided by Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Interpretive Services.

Postponed to Sept. 7th due to Thunderstorms- Find Us at the Farmers Market: All About Pollinators *
2024-07-06 10:30 - 13:00 | Peskeompskut Park, Avenue A between 6th and 7th Streets, Turners Falls, 01376
Postponed to Sept. 7th due to Thunderstorms-
As part of our Food, Farms, and Factories project, join DCR staff, the Friends of the Center, and Western Massachusetts Master Gardeners for family activities and information with a special focus on pollinators. The Great Falls Farmers Market is located between 6th and 7th streets along Avenue A at Peskeompskut Park.
* Food, Farms, & Factories: In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Art Naturally Series: Painting with Inks from the Garden *
2024-07-13 10:30 - 12:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Discover nature through story, poetry, and art in our series of free Art Naturally programs. Using words and images, instruction and techniques you create an art piece inspired by the natural world to take home. Learn how to make ink from cabbage and more! For adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up (accompanied by an adult). Art materials provided.
* Food, Farms, & Factories: In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Coyotes
2024-07-26 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. 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 welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.

Great Hall Exhibit: Local Birds in Colored Pencil
2024-08-01 - 2024-09-02 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Artist Mark Majeski takes photographs of birds and plants and arranges them into collages as a guide for his drawings. Using this process, he emphasizes the coloration and behavior of commonly seen Massachusetts birds.

Pocumtuck Homelands Festival: Fish Printing at Unity Park *
2024-08-03 10:00 - 17:00 | Unity Park, 56 First Street, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
A free two-day celebration at Unity Park in Turners Falls, sponsored by the Nolumbeka Project and RiverCulture. This festival is the perfect combination of live music, drumming, dancing, storytelling, native crafts and food. On Saturday August 3, 10 a.m.— 5 p.m., families may visit the Northfield Mountain and Great Falls Discovery Center tent to make your own vibrantly colored fish print to take home. All materials provided. For more information on the entire event visit nolumbekaproject.org/events. Unity Park is located at 56 First Street.
* Food, Farms, & Factories: In 2024, the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories, continuing conversations about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center, RiverCulture, the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Montague Public Libraries. Funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - River Otters
2024-08-16 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
