Learn about the Middlesex Canal, the greatest work of its kind in the United States until the Erie Canal. Kayakers can take out above the Billerica Falls Dam at the canal entrance/parking lot at 2 Old Elm St. and walk part of the canal that Henry Thoreau traveled between the Merrimack and Concord Rivers. For children, a Lego® canal playground, a watered model lock and a scavenger hunt. Find the pigeon, squeezable beaver, muskrat and three mice. Free, Middlesex Canal Museum, 71 Faulkner St.

Possibly the oldest inland monument in Massachusetts, the Two Brothers Rock are well known but difficult to find. Former Bedford Historical Society president Alethea Yates will lead a 15-minute walk to these two large boulders on the shore of the Concord River and then tell the story of the 1638 trip of the original “two brothers” — to this historic site. Mosquito repellent recommended. Meet at the trailhead on Dudley Rd, Bedford, near the intersection of Emery Rd.

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.

The New Bridge, as it was known for more than a century, was built over the Sudbury River at the south end of town in 1674. It went on to help drive the British out of Boston, help found Framingham, and play host to Henry David Thoreau. In 1955 it died as a bridge, but was reborn as a monument and one of the most photographed sites in Wayland or Framingham. Tom Sciacca, Wayland’s Representative to the River Stewardship Council, tells the story. Attend in person or via Zoom. Register: https://bit.ly/stonesbridge. Wayland Library, 5 Concord Rd.

Learn about the Middlesex Canal, the greatest work of its kind in the United States until the Erie Canal. Kayakers can take out above the Billerica Falls Dam at the canal entrance/parking lot at 2 Old Elm St. and walk part of the canal that Henry Thoreau traveled between the Merrimack and Concord Rivers. For children, a Lego® canal playground, a watered model lock and a scavenger hunt. Find the pigeon, squeezable beaver, muskrat and three mice. Free, Middlesex Canal Museum,
71 Faulkner St.

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.

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.

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.

Join the walking book club, Fowler Afoot, to read The Boatman: Henry David Thoreau's River Years by Robert Thorson. Enjoy a discussion of the book while strolling along the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail. Meet at Fowler Library and walk to the trail together. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we will meet inside. 1322 Main St.

Let’s learn about our rivers! Join us for hands-on experimentation during this 2-hour drop-in. Pick up your own copy of the River Ranger book and start earning your Junior River Ranger badge and certificate. Designed for kids 12 and under. Fowler Library, 1322 Main St.

This slide presentation will feature wildlife from Well Meadow, the pristine wetland off Fairhaven Bay on the Sudbury River. Well Meadow was a frequent destination for Henry David Thoreau. Ron McAdow’s trail camera monitors traffic on a beaver dam that crosses the swamp. We’ll see images and videos of the wide variety of animals that use this bridge: mink, otter, bobcat, and many other species. Thoreau kept an appreciative eye on Well Meadow vegetation—we’ll hear his observations about some of the plants that anchor this rich natural community. Sudbury Valley Trustees, 18 Wolbach Rd. Sudbury.

About the presenter: Ron McAdow is the author of The Concord, Sudbury, and Assabet Rivers and other books. He served for a decade as Executive Director of Sudbury Valley Trustees.

Join Rachel Wheeler and John Myers for a guided loop walk in the Concord Land Conservation Trust’s Wright Woods beginning at the Fairhaven Bay Overlook and exploring the trails along Well Meadow and the Sudbury River. This 300 acre woodland is located between Fairhaven Bay and Walden Pond. In addition to appreciating local flora and beaver activity, you will learn about the history of the property, the stone terraces and boathouse, and the family that loved and preserved these woods. The 2-hour walk will cover approximately 2 miles of moderate terrain. Pre-registration required.

Family Fishing & Festivities at Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. Join us for a fun-filled day of hands-on activities. Bring a picnic to enjoy overlooking the beautiful Sudbury River. Rain (some activities only) or shine at the Refuge Headquarters. 73 Weir Hill Rd. For Information call 978-444-4661.

Learn about the Middlesex Canal, the greatest work of its kind in the United States until the Erie Canal. Kayakers can take out above the Billerica Falls Dam at the canal entrance/parking lot at 2 Old Elm St. and walk part of the canal that Henry Thoreau traveled between the Merrimack and Concord Rivers. For children, a Lego® canal playground, a watered model lock and a scavenger hunt. Find the pigeon, squeezable beaver, muskrat and three mice. Free, Middlesex Canal Museum, 71 Faulkner St.