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Calendar of Events

Spring/Summer Children's Program Schedule
calendar event - Children's Program; calendar event - Family Program; calendar event - Special Event
Registration for BayVentures and Once Upon an Estuary Programs begins in May.
Call (603) 778-0015 to register or for more information.
May 5th and 6th calendar event
Great Bay Alive! - The Children's Section at Art of Great Bay: Budding young artists are encouraged to submit artworks to the new Great Bay Alive! section. The Great Bay Discovery Center will be featuring artworks of any medium (except photography) done by children the weekend of the Art of Great Bay fundraiser. Submissions should depict some aspect of Great Bay, such as marsh grasses, waterfowl, fish, or horseshoe crabs. Please email Sheila Roberge if you have any questions or call the Discovery Center at (603) 778-0015. The poster for the event is now available electronically pdf file; please feel free to print this off and share with colleagues, friends and family! *Children's submissions due April 27th!*
May 5 calendar event
Discover the Wonder of Vernal Pools: Vernal pools provide critical habitat for amphibians, fairy shrimp, aquatic insects, and other macroinvertebrates. Learn more about these temporary bodies of water at a free workshop presented by the Exeter-Squamscott River Local Advisory Committee (ESRLAC) and the Newfields Conservation Commission at the Newfields Town Hall, 65 Main Street, Newfields, NH. 10:00 am - 12:00 pm; rain or shine; please dress for the weather. For more information, please call teh ESRLAC at 778-0885 or visit www.exeterriver.org.
June 9 calendar event
Horseshoe Crab Spawning Extravaganza - Special Family Program for Ages 5+: Join the Discovery Center and the Gulf of Maine Marine Educators Association to learn about the secret lives of horseshoe crabs and to witness their annual spawning ritual on the shores of Great Bay. 3:00 - 5:00 pm (join us after on the shore to witness the annual spawning ritual); kids 5-18 FREE, adults $10 (GOMMEA AND GREAT BAY STEWARDS ACTIVE MEMBERS FREE*); space is limited to 50. Please call (603) 778-0015 to register.
June 28 calendar event
BayVentures - Let's G.O.!: Do your kids prefer to play inside where the electrical outlets are? How about writing "Get Outside" for your kids on your summer calendar? As part of a national initiative, let our naturalists provide the opportunity for well supervised but unstructured play around the Discovery Center. Sign up for one Let's G.O.! program or all four sessions; select Thursdays, 1:00-2:30 PM. $5 per child; ages 7-11.
July 5 calendar event
BayVentures - Let's G.O.!: Do your kids prefer to play inside where there are electrical outlets? How about writing "Get Outside" for your kids on your summer calendar? As part of a national initiative, let our naturalists provide the opportunity for well supervised but unstructured play around the Discovery Center. Sign up for one Let's G.O.! program or all four sessions; select Thursdays, 1:00-2:30 PM. $5 per child; ages 7-11.
July 11 or 13 calendar event
BayVentures - Life Under a Log: What creatures scurry when you turn over a log on the forest floor? How are they helping to renew the soil for new trees to grow? We will take a peek under our video microscope at samples of "log life" and make a craft to take home. Sign up for Wed. or Fri.; 9:45-noon. $7 GBS members; $10 non-members*; ages 7-11.
July 12 calendar event
Once Upon an Estuary - A Log's Life: Join us for A Log's Life, by Wendy Pfeffer, and learn what critters call a log home. Play games, join in activities, and make a craft to take home! 9:45 - 11:00 am. $2/child; ages 3-6 (accompanied by an adult).
July 18 or 20 calendar event
BayVentures - Dragonhunters 101: We all see them zigzagging around our yards on warm summer evenings. They don't breathe fire or guard a pile of gold, but have you ever stopped to watch what a dragonfly is doing? We will search for dragonflies that live around Great Bay and make a "winged" craft to take home. Sign up for Wed. or Fri.; 9:45-noon. $7 GBS members; $10 non-members*; ages 7-11.
July 19 calendar event
Once Upon an Estuary - George and the Dragonfly: Join us for George and the Dragonfly, by Andy Blackford, and learn about dragons we can find around Great Bay--dragonflies, that is! Play games, join in activities, and make a craft to take home. 9:45 - 11:00 am. $2/child; ages 3-6 (accompanied by an adult).
July 19 calendar event
BayVentures - Let's G.O.!: Do your kids prefer to play inside where there are electrical outlets? How about writing "Get Outside" for your kids on your summer calendar? As part of a national initiative, let our naturalists provide the opportunity for well supervised but unstructured play around the Discovery Center. Sign up for one Let's G.O.! program or all four sessions; select Thursdays, 1:00-2:30 PM. $5 per child; ages 7-11.
July 25 AND/OR 27 calendar event
BayVentures - Wonders at the Waterfront: Join us for one or both of the days this week to discover the thrill of mucking around at low tide on Wed. and a high tide adventure on Fri. Try your hand at digging for a clam or seining for juvenile fish. Also make a craft to take home. Both days will be a blast! Sign up for Wed. AND/OR Fri.; 9:45-noon. $7 GBS members; $10 non-members* per session; ages 7-11.
July 26 calendar event
Once Upon an Estuary - I Went to the Bay: Join us for I Went to the Bay, by Ruth Miller, and explore the waterfront at Great Bay. Play games, join in activities, and make a craft to take home! 9:45 - 11:00 am. $2/child; ages 3-6 (accompanied by an adult).
August 1 calendar event
Why Do Animals Do That? - Special Family Program: Why do animals throw up when they're not sick? Why gnaw on wood if you don't eat it? You will learn the answers to these questions and understand the advantages to the animals that practice these behaviors. Presented by the Squam Lakes Science Center, with help by some of their live animals; 6:30 PM. Suggested donation: $2/person; $10/family.
August 1 AND/OR 3 calendar event
BayVentures - Wonders at the Waterfront: A repeat of the previous week, but opposite days. Join us for one or both of the days this week to discover the thrill of mucking around at low tide on Fri. and a high tide adventure on Wed. Try your hand at digging for a clam or seining for juvenile fish. Also make a craft to take home. Both days will be a blast! Sign up for Wed. AND/OR Fri.; 9:45-noon. $7 GBS members; $10 non-members* per session; ages 7-11.
August 2 calendar event
Once Upon an Estuary - What Do You Do with a Tail Like This?: Join us for What Do You Do with a Tail Like This?, by Steve Jenkins, and learn about different adaptations that animals have. Play games, join in activities, and make a craft to take home! 9:45 - 11:00 am. $2/child; ages 3-6 (accompanied by an adult).
August 8 or 10 calendar event
BayVentures - Wormology: Why are worms wonderful? Worms are great composters, soil recyclers, and food for many other animals. We will travel through a worm tunnel, look at the Discovery Center's worm composting bin, and make a craft to take home. Sign up for Wed. or Fri.; 9:45-noon. $7 GBS members; $10 non-members*; ages 7-11.
August 9 calendar event
Once Upon an Estuary - Diary of a Worm: Join us for Diary of a Worm, by Doreen Cronin, and learn about how important worms are. Play games, join in activities, and make a craft to take home! 9:45 - 11:00 am. $2/child; ages 3-6 (accompanied by an adult).
August 15 or 17 calendar event
BayVentures - Old Macdonald had a Flounder?: Fish, shellfish, and seaweed can be farmed, too! Aquaculture plays an important part in certain foods that we eat. We will taste test several products from the sea and make fish print t-shirts to take home. Sign up for Wed. or Fri.; 9:45-noon. $7 GBS members; $10 non-members*; ages 7-11.
August 16 calendar event
Once Upon an Estuary - Gus is a Fish: Join us for Gus is a Fish, by Claire Babin, and learn about different kinds of fish that call Great Bay home. Play games, join in activities, and make a craft to take home! 9:45 - 11:00 am. $2/child; ages 3-6 (accompanied by an adult).
August 16 calendar event
BayVentures - Let's G.O.!: Do your kids prefer to play inside where there are electrical outlets? How about writing "Get Outside" for your kids on your summer calendar? As part of a national initiative, let our naturalists provide the opportunity for well supervised but unstructured play around the Discovery Center. Sign up for one Let's G.O.! program or all four sessions; select Thursdays, 1:00-2:30 PM. $5 per child; ages 7-11.
August 22 or 24 calendar event
BayVentures - Lively Lobsters: Did you know that a lobster can live to be over 100 years old? Join us as we look into the life of a lobster and a lobsterman. We will hold a live lobster and get a chance to try out lobstering gear for the morning on our model lobster boat. Make a craft to take home, too. Sign up for Wed. or Fri.; 9:45-noon. $7 GBS members; $10 non-members*; ages 7-11.
August 23 calendar event
Once Upon an Estuary - The Amazing Journey of Lucky the Lobster Buoy: Join us for The Amazing Journey of Lucky the Lobster Buoy, by Karel Hayes, and learn about lobstermen and lobstering. Play games, join in activities, and make a craft to take home! 9:45 - 11:00 am. $2/child; ages 3-6 (accompanied by an adult).
Spring/Summer Adult Programs and Workshops- Great Bay Discovery Center/Hugh Gregg Coastal Conservation Center, call 778-0015 for more information or to pre-register.
calendar event - Adult Program; calendar event - Coastal Training Program Event; calendar event - Family Program;
calendar event - Special Event; calendar event - Volunteer Event; kayak - Kayak Trip
May 2 calendar event
Living on Great Bay - Our Challenges: Learn about the current threats to the health of Great Bay from nutrient loading at this lecture, the second in the Living on Great Bay series sponsored by the Green Sanctuary Project of the First UU Church of Exeter. Reserve your space at email@exeteruu.org. 7:00 - 8:30 PM; free admission; at the 1st Unitarian Universalist Church, 12 Elm Street, Exeter, NH 03833.
May 4 calendar event
Art of Great Bay - Opening Reception: Join us for the opening reception for the seventh annual Art of Great Bay show and sale. Continuing with last year's theme, the show will feature "Re-Imagined" art and fine crafts for purchase. Refreshments served; 6:30 - 8:30 pm. *Artist submissions due April 6th!*
May 5 & 6 calendar event
Art of Great Bay: Re-Imagined Art and Fine Crafts Show and Sale: Come peruse and purchase unique art and fine crafts made from repurposed or recycled materials. Local artists will showcase their work this weekend, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm in the Hugh Gregg Coastal Conservation Center. The poster for the event is now available electronically pdf file; please feel free to print this off and share with colleagues, friends and family! *Artist submissions due April 6th!*
May 5
Great Bay Discovery Center opens for the 2012 season! May through September: Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm; October: weekends only, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.
May 5 calendar event
Discover the Wonder of Vernal Pools: Vernal pools provide critical habitat for amphibians, fairy shrimp, aquatic insects, and other macroinvertebrates. Learn more about these temporary bodies of water at a free workshop presented by the Exeter-Squamscott River Local Advisory Committee (ESRLAC) and the Newfields Conservation Commission at the Newfields Town Hall, 65 Main Street, Newfields, NH. 10:00 am - 12:00 pm; rain or shine; please dress for the weather. For more information, please call teh ESRLAC at 778-0885 or visit www.exeterriver.org.
May 8 calendar event
Let's Talk About Water: The Governor's Water Sustainability Commission is partnering with NH Listens to convene public conversations about the future of our state's water. The goal of these conversations is to gather ideas, experiences, and recommendations froom a wide range of NH residents. Join us at the Hugh Gregg Center to engage in these conversations locally. Registration required; 6:00 - 9:00 PM; refreshments provided.
May 16 calendar event
Living on Great Bay - The Solutions: Learn about the potential solutions to address the nutrient loading and pollution challenges facing Great Bay at this lecture, the third and final in the Living on Great Bay series sponsored by the Green Sanctuary Project of the First UU Church of Exeter. Reserve your space at email@exeteruu.org. 7:00 - 8:30 PM; free admission; at the 1st Unitarian Universalist Church, 12 Elm Street, Exeter, NH 03833.
June 9 calendar event
Horseshoe Crab Spawning Extravaganza - Special Family Program for Ages 5+: Join the Discovery Center and the Gulf of Maine Marine Educators Association to learn about the secret lives of horseshoe crabs and to witness their annual spawning ritual on the shores of Great Bay. 3:00 - 5:00 pm (join us after on the shore to witness the annual spawning ritual); kids 5-18 FREE, adults $10 (GOMMEA AND GREAT BAY STEWARDS ACTIVE MEMBERS FREE*); space is limited to 50. Please call (603) 778-0015 to register.
June 9 calendar event
Horseshoe Crab Spawning Extravaganza - How do Horseshoe Crabs Keep us Safe from Germs?: Join experts from the Gulf of Maine Marine Educators Association, the Great Bay Discovery Center, and internationally-renowned horseshoe crab expert, Ronald Berzofsky, Ph.D., to learn about the secret lives of these "living fossils". Discover why horseshoe crabs are so important in keeping humans free of disease. 7:00 - 8:30 pm (6:30 - 7:00 pm on the shore to witness the annual spawning ritual); $5 per adult at the door, no registration required (GOMMEA AND GREAT BAY STEWARDS ACTIVE MEMBERS FREE*); space is limited to 100.
June 27 calendar event
BayViews - Sea Glass: Join us for a presentation by Carole Lambert, author of Sea Glass Chronicles, on sea glass and on her new book. 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Free; no registration required; light refreshments served.
July 11 calendar event
BayViews - Historic Trees and Gardens: Join us for a presentation by Sherry Brandsema and Ann Pasteur, Strawberry Banke Docents, on historic NH trees and gardens. 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Free; no registration required; light refreshments served.
July 18 calendar event
BayViews - Dragonflies of NH: Join us for a presentation by Pam Hunt of NH Audubon Society on dragonflies in NH and what the research and census reveals about these critters. 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Free; no registration required; light refreshments served.
July 25 calendar event
BayViews - Rare and Common Birds in NH: Join us for a presentation by Steve Mirick, author and birder, on common and rare birds in this state. 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Free; no registration required; light refreshments served.
August 1 calendar event
Why Do Animals Do That? - Special Family Program: Why do animals throw up when they're not sick? Why gnaw on wood if you don't eat it? You will learn the answers to these questions and understand the advantages to the animals that practice these behaviors. Presented by the Squam Lakes Science Center, with help by some of their live animals; 6:30 PM. Suggested donation: $2/person; $10/family.
August 8 calendar event
BayViews - "Rack 'em Up": Join us for a presentation by Gerry Ward, senior curator at Boston Museum of Fine Arts, on how and why animal trophy decorations were in vogue in the late Victorian era. 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Free; no registration required; light refreshments served.
August 15 calendar event
BayViews - Sustainable Eating: Join us for a presentation by Joanne Burke, Ph.D., UNH professor and Director of UNH Dietetic Internship Program, on sustainable and nutritional food choices. 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Free; no registration required; light refreshments served.
August 22 calendar event
BayViews - TBD: Join us for a presentation TBD; details on presenter and topic coming soon. 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Free; no registration required; light refreshments served.

*Great Bay Stewards members receive discounts on most programs. Interested in learning about becoming a member of the Great Bay Stewards, the non-profit friends group of the Reserve? Please visit their website at www.greatbaystewards.org.

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Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
New Hampshire Fish and Game Department