A colorful talk on what birds Henry saw versus today, presented by Peter Alden, author of the forward and scientific editor of the newly published “A Year of Birds”. Our grassland birds have become rare. A number of forest and marsh birds that used to nest here have vanished as breeders. Many southern species have come north due to a changing climate, bird feeders and a plethora of invasive plant fruits. Birds that were overhunted have come back big time. Henry never saw ravens, turkeys or turkey vultures let alone deer. What is the one bird Henry recorded often and is now extinct? Concord Public Library, 129 Main St.

Join Lincoln Conservation Director, Michele Grzenda, on a 2-hour birding stroll around Codman Estates, Farm Meadow and North Codman Conservation Area. Meet 25 bird species commonly found in our neighborhoods, wetlands, and forests, and learn various field identification techniques by sight and sound. Bring binoculars if you have them; long sleeve shirt and pants (for mosquitoes). bug spray, and water.  Pre-registration required.

Stories that celebrate our rivers! SuAsCo friends will show how you can care for our water. A river-themed craft will follow!
For children 5 and under. Fowler Library, 1322 Main St.

Join experienced guide Marlies Henderson for a 3-hour exploration of extant portions of the Middlesex Canal, from the Billerica Falls to River Neck Rd, Chemlsford, and back, reading passages from Henry David Thoreau’s Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers. High boots recommended. Pre-registration required.

Come to the riverbank by foot, or paddle, bring a picnic, and enjoy a day of entertainment at the historic Old Manse at 269 Monument St. Rain (some activities) or shine.

Enjoy this 3-hour easy flatwater paddle, with leader Marlies Henderson, from just below the Billerica Falls toward the Lowell Centenial dam, and back. Bring your own canoe/kayak and life jacket (required). Pre-registration required.

Join Lincoln Conservation Department Ranger Will Leona on a leisurely 2-hour sunset paddle along the scenic Sudbury River. See the river’s beautiful surroundings of nature and wildlife as the bustling daytime activity shifts to a quieter twilight setting. Learn about some of these animals and their differences in behavior such as diurnal, crepuscular, or nocturnal periods of activity. Sightings may include great blue herons, bald eagles, barred owls and racoons. Bring your own kayaks or canoes and life jacket (required), sunscreen and clothing/footwear that can get wet, bug spray and a snack and water. Pre-registration required.

Join the Framingham Conservation Commission for a 1.5-hour walk in grassy and wooded areas in the Cochituate Brook Reservation and along th Cochitual Rail Trail between Lake Cochituate and the Sudbury River. Meet at Reardon Park, across from 4 Maymont Dr. For more info, email .

Enjoy a 3.5 mile walk (~3 hours) through meadows and forests on trails paralleling the Concord River, starting at the Foss Farm conservation land and passing through Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge and the O’Rourke farm on the way to scenic Greenough Pond in the Greenough Conservation Land. Be prepared for wet conditions underfoot, bring drinking water and insect repellent. Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the walk. Dogs are not permitted in the Refuge. Meet at the Foss Farm parking lot, 0.3 mi west of the Concord River bridge on Rte. 225. For information, email Alan Ankers at .

Join the Framingham Conservation Commission for a 2-hour paddle up the Sudbury River through central Framingham to the Stearns Reservoir. Bring your own boat and life jacket (required) to the canoe launch at 5 Kellogg St. For more info, email .