Nice and Easy Walk
2023-04-21 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
An easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for seniors, but open to all ages. Join others seeking fresh air and exercise. A DCR Park Interpreter highlights natural and local history along the way. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather and sturdy boots. Meet outside the main entrance.

Park Serve Day: Give a Day, Make A Difference
2023-04-22 10:00 - 12:00 | MA
The Department of Conservation and Recreation invites you to Great Falls Discovery Center to lend a hand during this day of volunteer service to our state parks. For any special accommodations or needs you may have for the day, please call (413) 863-3221. Bring your own water and snack. Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dcr-park-serve-day-at-great-falls-discovery-center-tickets-588375766757?aff=ebdssbdestsearchEventbrite.com or visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dcr-park-serve-day to learn more. Meet at Main Entrance.

Arbor Day—Montague Celebrates Trees!
2023-04-28 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Friday, April 28
At 10:30 a.m., our story hour features the book, Who Lives in a Tree?, our ongoing outdoor story walk is We Planted a Tree, our 1 p.m. Nice & Easy Walk features trees, and the Carnegie Library has drop-in Arbor Day scavenger hunts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stay tuned for updates on Montague Tree Committee activities!

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Trees
2023-04-28 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 who share our home. Program includes a story, activities, and a craft. Activities are indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. Siblings and friends welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.

Nice and Easy Walk - Trees
2023-04-28 13:00 - 14:00 | MA

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Birds
2023-05-05 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Nice and Easy Walks
2023-05-05 13:00 - 14:00, 2023-05-12 13:00 - 14:00, 2023-05-19 13:00 - 14:00, 2023-05-26 13:00 - 14:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
An easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for seniors, but open to all ages. Join others seeking fresh air and exercise. A DCR Park Interpreter highlights natural and local history along the way. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather and sturdy footwear.

Great Hall Exhibit: Visions of the Connecticut River Valley
2023-05-07 - 2023-06-30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
This group show showcases work from regional artists featuring the nature of the Connecticut River, all in support of the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center. See reception and performance details for Sunday May 7 too!
If you want to buy any fill-in so artist might contact you:
(a percent of which will be donated to the Friends)
Click here to select art of interest to tell the artist

Puppet Parade! For Visions of the Connecticut River Valley
2023-05-07 13:30 - 14:00 | MA
1:30 p.m. Puppet parade starts at Peskeompskut Park
2:00—4:00 p.m., Reception in Great Hall
Join musicians, artists, and puppeteers in a celebration of the nature of the Connecticut River watershed. The fun begins at 1:30 p.m. at Peskeompskut Park where MuZen Theater puppeteers start a parade down Avenue A to Great Falls Discovery Center. Then, enjoy the group art show, Visions of the Connecticut River Valley in our Great Hall. The reception starts at 2 p.m. including performances by Stephen Katz, The Panthalasa Trio, and more, with storytelling and poetry interludes. Refreshments available for sliding scale donations —no one turned away. Refreshment and art sale proceeds benefit the artists and the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center.

Great Hall Reception and Fundraiser: Visions of the Connecticut River Valley
2023-05-07 14:00 - 16:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
1:30 p.m. Puppet parade starts at Peskeompskut Park
2:00—4:00 p.m., Reception in Great Hall
Join musicians, artists, and puppeteers in a celebration of the nature of the Connecticut River watershed. The fun begins at 1:30 p.m. at Peskeompskut Park where MuZen Theater puppeteers start a parade down Avenue A to Great Falls Discovery Center. Then, enjoy the group art show, Visions of the Connecticut River Valley in our Great Hall. The reception starts at 2 p.m. including performances by Stephen Katz, The Panthalasa Trio, and more, with storytelling and poetry interludes. Refreshments available for sliding scale donations —no one turned away. Refreshment and art sale proceeds benefit the artists and the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center.
If you want to buy any piece, fill-in so artist might contact you
Name *Email AddressPlease enter one or both of email and phone so the artist can contact youPhone NumberMessageIf you remember the artist or art piece, enter here - otherwise we will provide you with a checklist to select from0 / 120Send Message

Story Walk® – Ruby’s Birds
2023-05-11 - 2023-06-27 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
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.
Ongoing May 11—June 27

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Fish
2023-05-12 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Great Falls Coffeehouse Presents: Eloise & Co.
2023-05-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Friday, May 12, 7:00—9:00 p.m.
Join us spring, summer, and fall for the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center’s concert series featuring local talent. Enjoy Celtic, contra dance, and folk music from Eloise & Co in the Great Hall. Refreshments available. Sliding scale suggested donations, all in support of educational programming at the Center.
More at: Eloise & Co. to bring eclectic dance style to Coffee House

Art Naturally Series
2023-05-13 10:30 - 12:00 | MA
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. For adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up (accompanied by an adult). All materials are free. Meet in the Great Hall.
Additional details for May 13:
What do ferns and sea lamprey have in common? They are both living fossils. We’ll honor them by making beautiful gel plate fern prints on opening day of the 2023 Fish Ladder season.
Do you have a favorite poem, story, or song about ferns or other ancient things? If so, please bring it along. We’ll share a few favorites of our own.
Art technique: gel printing with acrylic paints. All materials provided.

Day of Remembrance
2023-05-20 13:00 - 15:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Commemorate the 347th Anniversary of the Great Falls Massacre, outdoors weather permitting, or in the Great Hall. Tribal members and non-Tribal public are welcome. Honored guests include members of the Chaubunagungamaug Band of Nipmuck Indians Council and the Elnu Abenaki. For more information visit: www.nolumbekaproject.org. Free and open to all. Co-sponsored by the Nolumbeka Project, River Valley Co-op, and DCR. Light refreshments available, including cookies donated by Stone Soup Cafe.

Nice & Easy Walk: Weekend Edition
2023-05-28 13:00 - 14:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
An easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for seniors, but open to all ages. Get some fresh air and exercise. A DCR Park Interpreter highlights natural and local history along the way. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather and sturdy boots. Meet at the Main Entrance.

Nice and Easy Walk
2023-06-02 13:00 - 14:00, 2023-06-09 13:00, 2023-06-14 10:00 - 11:00, 2023-06-28 10:00 - 11:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
An easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for seniors, but open to all ages. Join others seeking fresh air and exercise. A DCR Park Interpreter highlights natural and local history along the way. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather and sturdy footwear and bring water. We’re changing up the timing of our Nice & Easy Walks to the mornings to beat the summer heat. Meet outside the main entrance.

16th Annual Free Family Fishing Day
2023-06-04 10:00 - 14:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Our annual Family Fishing Day, at Barton Cove, with additional activities at the Great Falls Discovery Center. Join us for a day of FREE fishing fun. 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. to 2:00 p.m.
Fishing equipment provided – limited supplies. Bring your own pole if you have it.
No fishing license needed.

At Great Falls Discovery Center: 2 Avenue A

Fly lure tying demonstrations.
Come see a fish from the USGS Conte Anadromous Fish Research Lab
CATCH THE FISH BUS HERE! Free shuttle bus to and from Barton Cove as needed from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

At Turners Falls Fishway: 15 First Street

Fish printing – The art of Gyotaku, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm.

Great Falls Coffeehouse Presents: Farley String Band
2023-06-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Join us spring, summer, and fall for the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center’s concert series in the Great Hall featuring local talent. Enjoy traditional folk music, “old time” and Celtic fiddle tunes from the Farley String Band. Refreshments available. Sliding scale suggested donations, all in support of educational programming at the Center.

Nice and Easy Walk: Weekend Edition
2023-06-11 13:00 - 14:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

* Postponed - Raised Beds for Growing Vegetables
2023-06-11 15:00 - 16:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Our apologies, but this program is going to be rescheduled for a later date.
In partnership with Montague Public Libraries, Franklin County Master Gardeners presents a workshop on raised beds for growing your veggies.

Art Naturally Series
2023-06-17 10:30 - 12:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Saturday, June 17, 10:30 a.m.—12:00 p.m.
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. For adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up (accompanied by an adult). All materials are free. Meet in the Great Hall.
Additional Details:
Indigo is one of the oldest and most important of all natural dye-stuffs. Join us and guest artist Gail Callahan to experience the magic of indigo dyeing!
Do you have a favorite poem, story, or song about the color blue? If so, please bring it along. We’ll share a few favorites of our own.
Art technique: indigo dyeing.
All materials provided, but you can also bring a t-shirt, pillowcase or other small piece of fabric to add to the dyepot.

Fields & Forests—What do bees need?
2023-06-18 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 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.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour: Turtles
2023-06-30 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
