Mass Audubon Broad Meadow Brook

Spend your morning with us tomorrow, June 6, for the Volunteer Stream Cleanup and help make a visible difference for people and wildlife.

In recognition of World Environment Day today, it's the perfect time to take action locally. Join the effort to free the stream from trash and debris, improving water quality, restoring habitat, and creating a healthier environment for everyone.

We’ll provide gloves and supplies—all you need to bring is your time and willingness to help.

Sign up today: https://volunteer.massaudubon.org/need/detail/?need_id=1265753

A young Great Blue Heron was recently spotted waiting patiently in the wetlands along Sprague Trail at Broad Meadow Brook.

Once rare in the Northeast due to hunting and pollution, these striking wading birds have made a remarkable comeback over the past few decades. Today, you can spot them at ponds, lakes, and rivers of all sizes—even in surprisingly urban places.

Learn more about these majestic birds here: https://www.massaudubon.org/nature-wildlife/birds/great-blue-herons

📸: Betty Jenewin

Calling all PreK–12 educators!

Join Mass Audubon and Harvard Forest on Friday, July 24 for a free, immersive day of climate learning in the forest. Spend the day outdoors diving into hands-on activities, sharing ideas with fellow educators, and exploring new ways to bring climate conversations into your classroom or programs.

You’ll head home with fresh ideas, practical tools, and a renewed sense of connection to both nature and your teaching community.

Don’t miss out—reserve your spot today: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/mass-audubon-education/102444-recharge!-a-day-of-climate-learning-in-the-forest

Two opportunities to get involved with stream restoration at Broad Meadow Brook this week!

Join us tomorrow, June 3, for a Stream Restoration Community Conversation. Learn about the Stream Restoration Project being developed by Mass Audubon, the City of Worcester, Massachusetts , and the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration, hear the latest updates, and share your thoughts. Your ideas and feedback will help shape the future of this important work.

Then, roll up your sleeves on Saturday, June 6 from 9:30 am to noon for a Volunteer Stream Cleanup. Help remove trash and debris from the stream while making a direct impact on local habitat. Gloves, grabbers, and bags are provided—just wear waterproof boots if you have them and dress for the weather.

Be part of the process—from planning to hands-on action. Join the conversation, lend a hand, and help us restore this important ecosystem.

Sign up for the Stream Restoration Conversation here: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/broad-meadow-brook/102451-stream-restoration-community-conversation

And lend a hand with cleanup efforts here: https://volunteer.massaudubon.org/need/detail/?need_id=1265753

📸: Donald Perkins

Welcome, June!

Download, print, and screen read Mass Audubon’s latest guide to the natural world here: massaudubon.org/almanac

June has arrived! We're looking forward to the summer solstice, flickering fireflies, Luna Moths and more. What are you excited to see?

Download, print, and screen read here: massaudubon.org/almanac

Happy Pride Month! Nature is for everyone. No matter who you are or how you identify, the natural world welcomes you with open arms. 🌈🌳

This Pride Month, be you by getting outdoors, celebrating with your friends and family, and joining one of Mass Audubon’s Pride programs across the state.

Learn more about the festivities: massaudubon.org/pride

Please note: The Nature Center will be closed today, May 28, but trails will remain open from dawn to dusk.

Want to get involved and make a real difference for your local environment? Join us at Broad Meadow Brook for a Volunteer Stream Cleanup on Saturday, June 6 from 9:30 am–noon.

Roll up your sleeves and help remove trash and debris from the stream to make an immediate impact on water quality and wildlife habitat and get an up close look at the ecosystem that you're helping to protect.

Plan to walk in or alongside the stream—waterproof boots or waders are recommended if you have them. Bring sunscreen and dress for the weather, and we’ll provide gloves, grabbers, trash bags, plus water and snacks.

This opportunity is open to ages 10+ (volunteers 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian).

Volunteer spaces are limited. RSVP here: https://volunteer.massaudubon.org/need/detail/?need_id=1265753

That face you make when everyone else is like, “there it is!”… and you still can’t find the bird.

Can you relate? What’s the one bird you always seem to miss?

📸: Betty Jenewin🐦

Last weekend, in celebration of Mass Audubon's Birdapalooza weekend, we set out on a unique city birding adventure—Birding by Bus—to discover what birds we could find in Worcester’s urban spaces.

Starting at Broad Meadow Brook, we hopped on the Worcester Regional Transit Authority fare-free bus and made our way through the city, visiting Union Station, Rural Cemetery, Institute Park, and the Worcester Common. Along the way, we recorded 21 species, showcasing just how much wildlife can be found in the heart of the city.

Highlights included Chimney Swifts darting overhead, a Great Blue Heron along the water’s edge, a Bald Eagle soaring above us, and colorful Baltimore Orioles and Yellow Warblers.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this adventure—we loved exploring the city with you!
A special thank you to Karen Andersen Walsh, WRTA Travel Trainer, for her guidance and for helping make the day so accessible and enjoyable.

This trip was a great reminder that birds are everywhere—even in urban areas—and you don’t have to go far to experience nature. The WRTA Bus #5 even stops right in the Broad Meadow Brook parking lot, making it easy to plan your own visit.

Where have you been spotting birds around the city lately? 🐦