Winter lectures at the Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary are given each Saturday at 1:30pm. These one-hour talks are designed to capture your attention and pique your interest in the natural world. Class size is limited to 50. Reservations are required so we can provide printed materials to each person. Please call 413-267-9654 for reservations and information.

January 23^rd Garden Challenges

Growing plants under maple trees, in sandy soils, seasonal wet spots or rocky outcrops can be a challenge. Learn techniques to deal with these difficult situations and see plant selections that will grow well in each location.

January 30^th Moonlight Snowshoe Hike at Lunden Miller Pond. 7 PM at Peaked Mountain

From Rt. 32: Take Bliss St. to Lower Hampden Road and turn left onto Butler Road. This is a joint program with the Peaked Mountain Property Committee. Join us on the Wolf Moon at the Lunden-Miller Forest Tract at 7pm in the evening – this is great opportunity to listen for owls. It will be a walk if there is not enough snow. To rent snowshoes, call 413 -532 -1660 or try your local EMS.

February 6^th Greener Communities

In July of 2008, Governor Patrick signed into law landmark legislation that will transform Massachusetts into the greenest state in the country. Part of that law created the Green Communities Division whose main function is to help all municipalities become an "official" Green Community. Jim Barry is the Western Mass Regional Coordinator and will speak on what towns can do to become green.

There are over 30,000 species of beetles in the U.S. and Canada and almost 300,000 world-wide! There are also over 250,000 species of flowering plants world-wide. It is no surprise that beetles are important pollinators of our plants. Come learn more about this unique relationship and fun facts about the Era of Beetles and Flowering Plants.

February 27^th Backyard Birding and Beyond

Today’s lecture will focus on birds that can be observed in your own backyard and beyond. We will discuss feeding, housing, identification, songs & calls and ways to make your habitat more bird-friendly.

Spring is right around the corner! Today’s talk will focus on a variety of native shrubs for use in the home landscape that are both aesthetically pleasing and excellent for wildlife.

One thing that grows quite well in New England is trees. Massachusetts is pursuing the most rigorous standards set forth by the Forest Stewardship Council to promote ecologically beneficial, socially responsible, economically viable forest management practices. Doug Hutcheson, Green Certification Private Lands Service Forester, will explain what green certification is and how you, as a consumer, can purchase green wood products.

Take a virtual walk around the Flynt Quarry Lands and discover the history of this property and Flynt Quarry. Learn about the quarrying, where Monson Granite went, and what the land looks like today almost 100 years after operations ceased. Numerous trails are found on this 165 acre property nestled in the heart of Monson.