Free Public Programs in December at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

Join Us for Free, Fun, Programs!

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
December, 2017

REGISTRATION & CAPACITY:
All refuge programs are FREE, but space may be limited. Preregistration is required for all programs, unless otherwise indicated. Please call (978) 465-5753. Please Note: If a program requires preregistration, your registration is not confirmed unless and until you receive a phone call or voice mail message from a member of the refuge staff.

Programs conducted in the auditorium are limited to 85 attendees. Seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Admission of additional attendees will stop when capacity has been reached.

Please note that outdoor programs may be cancelled if there is inclement weather and/or insufficient registration. Visit us on the web for more information: http://www.fws.gov/refuge/parker_river/ or call Refuge Headquarters. The refuge visitor center is located at 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, MA.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge - Behind the Scenes Tour!
Held on the following days: Sunday, December 3^rd @ 1:00 p.m.; Friday, December 8^th @ 9:30 a.m.; Saturday, December 9^th @ 9:30 a.m.; Sunday, December 10^th @ 1:00 p.m.; Friday, December 15^th @ 9:30 a.m.; Sunday, December 17^th @ 1:00 p.m.; Saturday, December 23^rd @ 9:30 a.m.; and Saturday, December 30^th @ 9:30 a.m.
Join a refuge ranger for a behind the scenes tour of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Tour will be conducted via refuge van, with several brief "drive by" stops along the way. The tour will present an "up close and personal" look at the refuge through the multiple lenses of the cultural history of Plum Island and the Great Marsh, native wildlife and their habitats, and the role of refuge management in the conservation of these precious natural resources. Participants may be driven along areas on the refuge otherwise closed to the public. This guided two hour program is most appropriate for older teens and adults. Binoculars and/or a camera are recommended, but not required. Meet the ranger in the lobby of the refuge visitor center 15 minutes prior to the program start time. Each session is limited to 14 participants; no more than 4 individuals per sign-up. Again, this is a vehicle - based tour, with limited stops on the refuge. Advance registration is required for this program, as enrollment is limited. Be advised that individual tours may be subject to cancellation. *Please note: Those who call and leave messages after hours, your registration is not confirmed until you receive a confirmation call from a refuge staff member. Please call (978) 465-5753 to register for this program.

Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Behind the Scenes Tour!
Held on the following days: Tuesday, December 5^th; Saturday, December 16^th; and Tuesday, December 19^th; all from 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Join a refuge ranger for a behind the scenes tour of Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge, located in Newington, NH. Participants will have an opportunity to visit areas of the refuge that are not normally open to the public. See a diversity of wildlife habitats while learning how the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is managing this very special landscape for conservation. Consider bringing along binoculars and a camera. The tour is limited to 9 participants; no more than 4 individuals per sign-up. This is a vehicle-based tour, with limited stops on the refuge. This guided program is most appropriate for older teens. and adults. Meet the ranger in the lobby of the Parker River NWR visitor center in Newburyport no later than 9:00 am OR in the Great Bay NWR parking lot in Newington, NH no later than 9:45 am. (Indicate location you prefer at time of registration.) Be advised that individual tours may be subject to cancellation. *Please note: Those who call and leave messages after hours, your registration is not confirmed until you receive a confirmation call from a refuge staff member. Please call (978) 465-5753 to register for this program. Preregistration required. For directions to the refuge, click on this link: http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Great_Bay/visit/plan_your_visit.html

Fun, Family Holiday Film Series
On these Sunday afternoons at 1:30 p.m.: December 3^rd, 10^th, and 17^th
Take a break from the holiday "hustle-bustle" on a Sunday afternoon to enjoy a FREE family movie on Parker River's big screen, featuring it's NEW state-of-the-art laser projector and surround sound system! Each of these Sunday afternoon films is a proven winter winner! All films will be screened in the visitor center auditorium. NO preregistration.

Frozen (Dec. 3rd): When their kingdom becomes trapped in perpetual winter, fearless Anna joins forces with mountaineer Kristoff and his reindeer sidekick to find Anna's sister, Snow Queen Elsa, and break her icy spell. Although their epic journey leads them to encounters with mystical trolls, a comedic snowman, harsh conditions, and magic at every turn, Anna and Kristoff bravely push onward in a race to save their kingdom from winter's cold grip. (Runtime: 1hr, 42 mins; rated PG).

Christmas in Yellowstone (Dec. 10^th): As snow falls and Christmas lights glow in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a holiday season of a different sort settles over the great winter world of Yellowstone. Breathtaking landscapes frame intimate scenes as the animal residents make their way through the most challenging season of the year. From the unique crystals of individual snowflakes to the grand sweep of Yellowstone's Hayden Valley, this is a Christmas like no other. (Runtime: 60 mins; rated G).

The Polar Express (Dec. 17^th): Sit back and enjoy this inspiring adventure based on the beloved children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. (Runtime: 1hr, 40 mins; rated G).

Smartphone Photography Fundamentals
Saturday, December 9^th, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Today's smartphone cameras are capable of producing photographs that are worthy of space on your living room wall.   But, as you know, nothing is ever quite that simple! There is some knowledge and skill involved in capturing great images. During this program, Ranger Poole will share tips and techniques that are guaranteed to improve your photos. Topics to be covered include camera settings, favorite apps (for both iPhone and Android), compositional considerations, and image editing. This program will take place in the visitor center auditorium. NO preregistration required.

Photographic Society of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
Next Meeting: Saturday, December 9^th @ 1:00 p.m.
The Photographic Society welcomes anyone who has an interest in nature, wildlife, and/or photography - whether you are a total novice or earn a living by taking pictures! The club meets every month, generally on the second Saturday afternoon. Club activities include special presentations, slide shows (of members' work), intra-club mentoring and training, photo shoots, on-line photo sharing, and involvement in the refuge's various photography-related programs, events, and outreach activities.   Venue capacity is limited to 85 attendees (first-come, first-served). Admission to this program is free and preregistration is NOT required.

FOCUS ON BIRDS: Special Behind the Scenes Tour of Parker River NWR
Monday, December 11^th, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
This special edition of the refuge?s Behind the Scenes (BTS) tour will be led by veteran birder, and refuge volunteer, Bill Gette. While the tour will follow the usual BTS route, the leader will place a special emphasis on the birds that are typically found on the refuge in late fall. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, if they have them. Tour is limited to 14 participants. Meet the tour leader in the refuge visitor center lobby 15 minutes before the program start time. This program is most appropriate for teens and adults. Preregistration required.

These Visitor Center Exhibits Change Monthly:

Artist of the Month Gallery: Each month a different photographer or artist displays their nature and/or wildlife-related fine art in the refuge visitor center auditorium.

Photographic Society Slide Show: Just inside the visitor center's front door is a large video monitor that displays the latest nature and wildlife-themed slide show that was produced by members of the refuge's very own photo club. A new slide show, set to music, and focusing on a unique theme, is produced each month.

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Date and Time

Friday Dec 15, 2017
12:00 AM - 12:00 AM EST

See program listing for dates and times of programs

Location

Parker River NWR
6 Plum Island Turnpike
Newburyport, MA 01950

Fees/Admission

FREE!

Website

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/parker_river/

Contact Information

978-465-5753
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