Family Friendly February 2012 DCR Vacation Activities
From an Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs Department of Conservation & Recreation press release:
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will offer family-friendly activities for all ages across the Commonwealth during February school vacation week (2/18-2/26). Sail to Spectacle Island for a day of winter activities, snowshoe along the shoreline of the Wachusett Resevoir, find signs of tracks and scat on the South Shore, sled and slide at Elm Bank reservation, and much more. Enjoy guided experiences or create a park adventure on your own.
“Even in winter, DCR’s parks and forests are welcoming with all kinds of nature adventures,” said DCR Commissioner Edward M. Lambert, Jr. “I hope children of all ages, and their friends and families, will come out to learn about the great outdoors and enjoy the programs DCR has planned.”
Below is a sampling of February vacation week activities on DCR properties. All events are free unless otherwise noted. Be aware that seasonal weather and storms affect parks and trails. All events, programs, and activities are subject to change, so please call ahead to confirm. Visit www.mass.gov/dcr/events.htm for a complete list of events.
Quabbin Reservoir, 485 Ware Road, Belchertown MA Tuesday, Feb 21, 10:00am-12:00pm
Aquatic Critter Open House Join DCR Aquatic Biologist Paula Packard for a hands-on look at small, common water critters that live in Quabbin Reservoir. Please meet at the Visitor Center. For more information please call (413)323-7221.
Quabbin Reservoir, 485 Ware Road, Belchertown MA Thursday, Feb 23, 10:00am-11:00am
Quabbin Park History Detectives Hidden in the Quabbin Forest are clues to life in the four drowned towns. Join us as we search for signs of the past! Meet at the Webster Road trail in Quabbin Park. Please dress appropriately for the weather and for a forest hike. For more information and directions, please call (413)323-7221.
Holyoke Heritage State Park, 221 Appleton Street, Holyoke MA Tues-Sun, 10:00am-4:00pm
Visitor Center & Exhibits The park's Visitors' Center features exhibits about paper manufacturing and Holyoke's industrial history. The Children's Museum, the restored antique Holyoke Merry-Go-Round and the Volleyball Hall of Fame are also located within the park.
Quabbin Resevoir, 485 Ware Road (Rte. 9), Belchertown MA Open Daily, 8:30am-4:30pm
Visitor Center & Exhibits Enjoy displays about the history of the Quabbin Valley and how the reservoir was built. Learn about wildlife at the Quabbin and some of the research being done there. Visitors may request viewing one of several short videos about the area as well. For more information, please call 413-323-7221.
Public Skating
Ice skating is a great winter activity for people of all ages and abilities. Many ice skating rinks have skate rentals and snack concessions. Visit http://www.mass.gov/dcr/recreate/skating.htm for rinks and resources statewide.
Park Passport Program
Create Your Own Adventure! Get your Park Passport and start exploring your state parks! Collect all 76 stamps in your passport and experience the diverse natural, cultural and recreational resources that span DCR’s 450,000 acres. Visit http://www.mass.gov/dcr/passport/index.html for more information and downloads.
Healthy Heart Trails
Trails are the heart of our parks and DCR wants them to be the heart of a healthy lifestyle. Statewide, over 70 trails are designated as Healthy Heart Trails in the hope that Massachusetts residents will make them part of their regular exercise routine. Healthy Heart trails are identified by a green heart symbol, measure approximately 1.5 miles or less in length, and are easy to moderate in activity level. The program offers a great way to have fun and get exercise in a low cost way! Visit http://www.mass.gov/dcr/recreate/hht/index.htm for more information, trail listings and downloads.
###
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), an agency of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, oversees 450,000 acres of parks and forests, beaches, bike trails, watersheds, dams, and parkways. Led by Commissioner Edward M. Lambert Jr., the agency’s mission is to protect, promote, and enhance our common wealth of natural, cultural, and recreational resources. To learn more about DCR, our facilities, and our programs, please visit www.mass.gov/dcr. Contact us at mass.parks@state.ma.us.
