Conservación Panamá: Rural Bird Guide Training
2023-10-08 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Conservación Panamá, a non-profit organization from Greenfield, has brought a livable wage to the rural poor of Panama. Where ecosystems and their services are lost due to farming methods, Conservación Panamá has a solution. Learn how these accomplishments directly relate to birds in New England and how successful this program has been. Q & A follows a multimedia presentation. Meet in the Great Hall.

Migration Week: Bird Walks with Zeke - Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation
2023-10-12 06:00 - 17:00 | Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation, 300 Sugarloaf Street, Deerfield, MA, 01373, United States
Sign up for a one-hour program at either: 6:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., or 4:00 p.m.
Many birds you see during fall migration are flying south to Panama! Join ornithologist Zeke Jakub of Conservación Panamá for one or more FREE hour-long birdwatching adventures. These walks introduce you to these fabulous migratory birds along the Connecticut River. Learn about conservation research and actions, and what you can do. For ages 14 and up. Bring binoculars and a bird field guide if you have them, dress for the weather, and wear sturdy shoes. Space is limited, register at: 413-863-3221.

Thursday, October 12, Mt. Sugarloaf State Reservation— Meet at the top of Mount Sugarloaf in South Deerfield (300 Sugarloaf St.) at the observation tower. Park at the bottom and hike up, or drive to the top and park for free (let DCR staff know you are here for the birding program). The park road opens at 9:00 a.m.

Migration Week: Bird Walks with Zeke - Canalside Rail Trail in East Deerfield
2023-10-13 06:00 - 17:00 | Canalside Rail Trail East Deerfield end, McClelland Farm Road - 42.57310199486327, -72.5754147484542, Deerfield, MA, 01342, United States
Sign up for a one-hour program at either: 6:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., or 4:00 p.m.
Many birds you see during fall migration are flying south to Panama! Join ornithologist Zeke Jakub of Conservación Panamá for one or more FREE hour-long birdwatching adventures. These walks introduce you to these fabulous migratory birds along the Connecticut River. Learn about conservation research and actions, and what you can do. For ages 14 and up. Bring binoculars and a bird field guide if you have them, dress for the weather, and wear sturdy shoes. Space is limited, register at: 413-863-3221.

Friday, October 13, Canalside Rail Trail— Meet at the parking lot in East Deerfield off McClelland Farm Road.

Nice & Easy Walk
2023-10-13 13:00 - 14:00, 2023-10-20 13:00 - 14:00, 2023-10-27 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 and bring water. Meet outside the main entrance.

Great Falls Coffeehouse Presents: JCA Klezmer Band
2023-10-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Join us for the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center’s concert series featuring local talent. Enjoy traditional Eastern European Jewish folk music with the JCA Klezmer Band. Refreshments available. Sliding scale suggested donations, all in support of educational programming at the Center. Meet in the Great Hall.

Migration Week: Bird Walks with Zeke - Migratory Way
2023-10-14 06:00 - 17:00 | Migratory Way at intersection of G and 15th Streets, Migratory Way, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Sign up for a one-hour program at either: 6:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., or 4:00 p.m.
Many birds you see during fall migration are flying south to Panama! Join ornithologist Zeke Jakub of Conservación Panamá for one or more FREE hour-long birdwatching adventures. These walks introduce you to these fabulous migratory birds along the Connecticut River. Learn about conservation research and actions, and what you can do. For ages 14 and up. Bring binoculars and a bird field guide if you have them, dress for the weather, and wear sturdy shoes. Space is limited, register at: 413-863-3221.

Saturday, October 14, Migratory Way— Park in the lot at the intersection of G and 15th Streets in Turners Falls, at the gate to Migratory Way.

7th Annual Migrations Festival
2023-10-14 13:00 - 17:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Saturday, October 14, 1:00—5:00 p.m.
The FREE Migrations Festival celebrates the human and natural diversity of the upper Connecticut River Valley and the Americas. Colorful artworks, from the GuateMaya Art and Culture Connection, in the Migrations exhibit depict scenes integral to village life, Mayan culture, and the history of Lake Atitlan in Guatemala. Come early for traditional food and then enjoy entertainment by MarkaMusic starting at 2:30 p.m. and Musica Franklin at 4:30 p.m. Activities include a raffle of artworks from Guatemala, an exhibit of Katrina skulls, a children’s book give-away, art activities, and a scavenger hunt. View a Day of the Dead Altar built by local families, with support from Montague Catholic Social Ministries. Activities will be in the Great Hall and in the nearby courtyard. Sponsored by DCR, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Montague Cultural Council, Montague Catholic Social Ministries, RiverCulture, and the GuateMaya Art and Culture Connection.

Migration Week: Bird Walks with Zeke - Barton Cove
2023-10-15 06:00 - 17:00 | Barton Cove Day Use Area, Barton Cove Road, Gill, MA, United States
Sign up for a one-hour program at either: 6:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., or 4:00 p.m.
Many birds you see during fall migration are flying south to Panama! Join ornithologist Zeke Jakub of Conservación Panamá for one or more FREE hour-long birdwatching adventures. These walks introduce you to these fabulous migratory birds along the Connecticut River. Learn about conservation research and actions, and what you can do. For ages 14 and up. Bring binoculars and a bird field guide if you have them, dress for the weather, and wear sturdy shoes. Space is limited, register at: 413-863-3221.

Sunday, October 15, Barton Cove— Meet at Barton Cove Camping and Day-Use Area, 82 French King Highway, Gill, about one mile east of the Discovery Center off Route 2. Park at the day-use area parking lot.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Squirrels
2023-10-20 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.

Falls Fest Update - Indoor activities only
2023-10-21 13:00 - 18:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Update: Outdoor activities for this year’s Falls Fest have been postponed to next autumn. However, we’ll still have indoor crafting activities at the Discovery Center at the Welcome Desk. Other venues around town may continue with indoor activities too!
The Original Plan: This year’s downtown Falls Festival celebrates our neighbors and local businesses with family activities, good food, and great music. In partnership with Montague Public Libraries, find family activities on Avenue A near the Discovery Center. Enjoy crafts, scavenger hunts, and an orienteering adventure. Join Ezekiel Jakub of Conservación Panamá to learn how to use a map and compass together to stay safe in the woods! From 2:00-3:00 p.m. on the grounds of the Center enjoy an “Awesome Art in Motion” dance performance with Great Falls Creative Movement (rain date for the dance performance is Saturday Oct. 28).

At Sword’s Point: Oral History project
2023-10-22 14:00 - 15:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Postponed to Sunday, October 22, 2-3:30 p.m. Did you or someone you know work in the local machine tool industry? Your stories can help enrich this research. If you are interested in sharing your memories please introduce yourself at the At Sword’s Point event or contact the presenter at tom.goldscheider@gmail.com.
Learn more about the project from Tom here.

At Sword’s Point: A History of Trade Unions in the Machine Tool Industry in Franklin County
2023-10-22 14:00 - 15:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Public historian Tom Goldscheider discusses Franklin County precision steel tool manufacturing, where it was a world leader for generations. Workers organized with a democratic trade union that was targeted in a national political campaign aimed against it. This led to a peaceful confrontation in Greenfield and surrounding towns that surprised onlookers near and far. Meet in the Great Hall.
Oral History project:
Did you or someone you know work in the local machine tool industry? Your stories can help enrich this research. If you are interested in sharing your memories please introduce yourself at the At Sword’s Point event or contact the presenter at tom.goldscheider@gmail.com.
Learn more about the project from Tom here.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Bats
2023-10-27 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

StoryWalk® Series - From Apple Trees to Cider, Please!
2023-10-28 - 2023-11-07 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Enjoy a story, and fresh air! Join us on the center’s grounds for a free self-guided StoryWalk® featuring children’s picture books. Follow the path to book pages posted along the route.
October 28—November 7: From Apple Trees to Cider, Please! by Felicia Sanzari Cherneskey. For young readers ages 4—8, and everyone who loves the harvest season. Enjoy the 2023 CiderDays Trail at ciderdays.org, November 4—5.
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson. This StoryWalk® is provided by Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Interpretive Services.

Art Naturally Series – Natural Inks
2023-10-28 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 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). Art materials provided.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Moose
2023-11-03 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Nice & Easy Walk
2023-11-03 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. Meet at the main entrance.

Tea Rex party with Dinoman
2023-11-03 15:30 - 17:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Get ready for humongous, inflatable dinosaurs! The Montague Public Libraries invite you to a “Tea Rex” Party with special guest Dinoman! How do we know dinosaurs were here? What is a fossil? How are they made? Join us after school for a program that is fun and informative for all ages. No registration required. Kid-friendly refreshments will be served. Questions? Call the library at (413) 863-3214. Sponsored by the Friends of the Montague Public Libraries and in collaboration with the Great Falls Discovery Center. Meet in the Great Hall.

Traditional Chinese Papercutting - Children ages 5-12 and Families
2023-11-04 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Winter is coming! Squirrels and chipmunks are busy collecting acorns and hiding them. What birds migrate or stay? How do fish survive the winter? The Montague Public Libraries invite you to try Chinese papercutting with Zhonghe (Elena) Li. Learn the history of the art and basic techniques. Choose your favorite template, from the many animals that live in and along the Connecticut River, to make your own artwork. Elena is a Cambridge multi-media artist who specializes in traditional Chinese papercutting art and watercolors. She uses art to speak for the beauty of biodiversity and honors living in harmony with nature as one. Meet in the Great Hall.
10:30—11:30 a.m. Children ages 5-12 & families;
1:00—2:30 p.m. Teens & adults

Traditional Chinese Papercutting - Teens and Adults
2023-11-04 13:00 - 14:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Great Falls Coffeehouse Presents: Ragged Blue
2023-11-10 19:00 - 21:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Join us for the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center’s concert series featuring local talent. Enjoy traditional bluegrass-based music with a touch of Celtic, swing, and country with Ragged Blue. Refreshments available. Sliding scale suggested donations, all in support of educational programming at the Center. Meet in the Great Hall.

StoryWalk® Series - Thanks to the Animals
2023-11-11 - 2024-01-01 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Enjoy a story, and fresh air! Join us on the center’s grounds for a free self-guided StoryWalk® featuring the children’s picture books. Follow the path to book pages posted along the route.
November 11—January 1: Thanks to the Animals, by Allen Sockabasin. For young readers ages 6—8 and anyone grateful for wildlife and storytelling.
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson. This StoryWalk® is provided by Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Interpretive Services.

The Nolumbeka Project Presents: Full Beaver Moon Gathering
2023-11-18 13:00 - 15:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
The Nolumbeka Project presents the annual Full Beaver Moon Gathering. Enjoy a presentation by Christine DeLucia, author of Memory Lands. Free admission and all are welcome. For more information about the event visit nolumbekaproject.org. Meet in the Great Hall.

Kidleidoscope Story Hour - Bears
2023-11-24 10:30 - 11:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Go Green on Black Friday Walk (and Nice & Easy Walk)
2023-11-24 13:00 - 14:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Forget shopping—let’s connect with nature and local history! Join us for a leisurely walk along the Canalside Rail Trail. The walk is about 3 miles-long, on a level paved surface. Makes for an easy stroll for adults and children ages 8 and up. Be prepared for cold weather, dress in layers. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Walk begins at the front entrance to the Great Falls Discovery Center. Inclement weather or icy trail conditions cancels. Meet at the main entrance. This the same time as our regular weekly Friday Nice & Easy Walk, so we’ll do it all at once!

Great Hall Exhibit: Junior Duck Stamps
2023-12-06 - 2024-01-16 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
See the top Massachusetts youth entries for the 2023 Junior Duck Stamp competition! This state-wide art contest by students from Kindergarten to High School heightens awareness of the importance of preserving wetland habitats and the delights of wildlife. While you’re here, visit our duck investigation station in the Great Hall. Make your own duck stamp!

Nice and Easy Walks
2023-12-08 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. Join others seeking fresh air and exercise. Enjoy natural and local history highlights along the way. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Meet at the main entrance.

It’s a Wonderful Night in Turners Falls … for the Birds!
2023-12-08 15:00 - 20:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Meet in the Great Hall. Craft bird feeders for our winter friends as part of It’s a Wonderful Night in Turners Falls —a town-wide RiverCulture event on December 8. Which birds show up at your feeder? What do they eat? Bird feeder making continues on Saturday, 10:30 a.m.—1:30 p.m. For all ages. Free!
