Rising grade

Sanctuary

Take the family on an educational journey to the Joppa Flats Education Center. Situated next to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and overlooking the beautiful Merrimack River, the center offers a variety of activities for all ages. Kids can explore the local habitats, such as salt marshes, mudflats, rivers, bays and coastal waters, through guided tours, art exhibits, drop-in programs, marine touch tanks and interpretive displays. 

Experience nature up close and personal with the whole family at the Joppa Flats Education Center. Located near the entrance to Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, the center boasts spectacular views of the Merrimack River. From guided tours to art exhibits, marine touch tanks to drop-in programs, and interpretive displays, there are plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained. Explore the local wildlife-rich habitats such as salt marshes, mudflats, rivers, bays and coastal waters.

STEM/STEAM

Nature

Inexpensive

As one of the most important migration stopovers on the "Atlantic Flyway," Joppa Flats hosts a wide variety of birds year-round. Join us on an upcoming birding program or go birding on your own. Whichever you choose, bring the checklist of birds you might see at the sanctuary!



Go Birding at Joppa Flats

Through field studies and classroom explorations, Mass Audubon school programs provide hands-on, inquiry-based experiences with science content and practices. Our educators enhance students’ scientific understanding of species and habitats; ecological concepts such as food webs, cycles, systems, adaptation, and evolution; climate change; and interrelationships between people and nature. 

Mass Audubon North Shore offers a wide variety of in-person and virtual programs to Pre-K–Grade 12 students across the North Shore and beyond. Under the guidance of our education staff and field teachers, students investigate, explore, and marvel at the wonders of the natural world while enriching their knowledge of life and earth sciences. Our programs cultivate an appreciation for and an understanding of the environment and human interrelationships with the natural world, developing thoughtful, conservation-minded citizens for the future.

Programs for Schools at Joppa Flats

Joppa Flats offers programs for all levels of Girl and Boy Scouts. Our scout programs cover a wide range of themes including, but not limited to, ocean science, birding, water conservation, and more. Our staff work with troop leaders, combining curiosity and field work to obtain new knowledge and increased awareness. Scout programs can be designed to be project-based if required. Field trips can be 1.5-2 hours in length and that time is spent outdoors exploring or observing nature, learning about interconnectedness, relationships, and stewardship. Teacher naturalists will work with the troop leader to design a program to fulfill the requirements of a specific badge. Programs are available weekday afternoons and on limited weekends.



Scout Programs

Coed

Kids

Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats Education Center

best volunteers and staff! Their passion for imparting knowledge about the natural world is amazing. We have long been admirers!

Che P

Fantastically interesting educational programs for children, adults, and families about the region's environments, plants, and animals! Highly advised.

Debbie O

Education and environmental protection are vitally important to people. Bravo for their excellent programs!

PJ W

It would be worth the trek merely to view the lone known location of the rare Northern Hemisphere penguins!

Axe B

Excellent facility with a marine touch tank nearby! Check out their wonderful and knowledgeable team and both their free and paid programs.