Join historian and expert ice harvester, Dennis Picard, for an interactive program on the New England ice harvest. Learn about the ice trade operating at Ice Fort Cove during Thoreau’s stay at Walden. 11:00am at the Visitor Center: lecture by Dennis Picard; 12:30pm: if conditions permit, watch an ice harvesting demonstration off of Main Beach. If ice is not safe, then join a mile-long guided walk to Ice Fort Cove. Regular parking fees apply. $8 MA PLATES, $15 Non-MA PLATES
Come join us as we read kids picture books based on the life of Henry David Thoreau and various nature themes. Appropriate for children of all ages accompanied by an adult. This program will meet at the Walden Pond State Reservation Visitor Center, and if weather permits, we will move to the replica house where the wood stove will keep us warm as we read.
Join a Park Interpreter for readings from the works of Henry David Thoreau. We will take turns reading from various passages, followed by a discussion. This program is most appropriate for teens and adults, but no prior literary knowledge is necessary. This program will meet at the Walden Pond State Reservation Visitor Center, if weather permits, we will move to the replica and gather around the wood stove, keeping warm.
Meet a Park Interpreter at the Walden Pond State Reservation Visitor Center where we will start out our moderate one-hour guided ramble on one of Walden’s many paths. Learn about Henry David Thoreau, his stay at Walden Pond, his literary efforts, and his legacies. Appropriate for children 8+ accompanied by and adult. Wear winter boots and appropriate warm clothing. Bring walking sticks if you have them. Call 978-405-2082 with any questions.
Drop by the Thoreau house replica near the Walden Pond State Reservation main parking lot to discover from a Park Interpreter how and why Henry David Thoreau lived a “deliberate life” in Walden for two years, two months, and two days. We will have the wood stove going to keep us warm as we regale you with tales about Henry’s life and the importance of the social and environmental legacies he left behind. This program is appropriate for the whole family.
While Henry David Thoreau was living at Walden Pond, Frederic Tudor, the “Ice King of New England,” brought workers to the pond, harvesting tons of ice and stacking it in a giant pile at Ice Fort Cove. Come hear about this fascinating chapter in New England’s history. We will meet at the Visitor Center. If the trails permit, we will walk out to ice-fort cove and back (a 1.7-mile easy hike). Dress for the weather , ages 5+. Call 978-405-2082.
Walden Pond State Reservation will host Tom Ricardi of the Massachusetts Birds of Prey Rehab Facility in Conway, Massachusetts, for an interactive presentation featuring live birds of prey at the Walden Pond State Reservation Visitor Center at 915 Walden Street in Concord, Massachusetts. Among the raptors featured may be a Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Red-tailed Hawk, Harris Hawk, Kestrel, Screech Owl, & Great Horned Owl.
A retired Fish and Wildlife game warden and licensed wildlife rehabilitator, Ricardi cares for injured birds and operates a successful captive-breeding program. The event is free and open to the public. All children must be accompanied by a supervising adult. Regular parking fees apply ($8 MA plate, $15 out-of-state plate).
Join renowned tracking specialist Nick Wisniewski, founder of Walnut Hill Tracking and Nature Center, at the Walden Pond Visitor Center. Wear warm winter clothing, hats, gloves or mittens, thick warm socks, and winter boots. The program is best suited for adults and older children. In the event of extreme inclement weather suck as bitter cold wind or rain or sleet, the program will be held in the Visitor Center. For questions, call 978-405-2082.
Let’s Travel Back in Time at Walden Pond!
Register for one or more sessions in the series! Call 978-369-3254 or email us at walden.pond@state.ma.us. Children ages 7-12 can become naturalists as they travel back in time. They will join park interpretive staff as we conduct hands-on experiments and activities to learn about plants and animals as Henry David Thoreau did. All Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Session #1–Monday, August 7, 9am-10:30am– Who was Henry David Thoreau? Meet Henry (as portrayed by Richard Smith) and become a nature detective while roaming Walden Woods.
Session #2–Tuesday, August 8, 9am-10:30am-Pieces of the Past! Learn to use 1800 era tools. Meet and greet a Mounted State Trooper horse patrol protecting Walden Pond.
Session#3–Wednesday, August 9, 9am-10:30am–What Lies Beneath: Walden “Ponding” Adventure-activities examining past and present pond inhabitantss with aquatic biologists
Session#4–Thursday, August 10, 9am-10:30am–Ice in August-hands-on experiments explaining glacial formation of Walden Pond and the 19th Century ice trade.
Registrants earn the Junior Ranger Activity Guide. Attend two sessions to earn a Junior Ranger Certificate. Attend three sessions to earn a Junior Ranger badge. 4 sessions, earn a chevron.
Regular parking fees apply.
Walden Pond State Reservation 