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All programs are free and open to the public. An adult must accompany children. Inclement weather cancels outdoor programs. For more information call 413-863-3221 or visit: https://www.mass.gov/locations/great-falls-discovery-center; or email janel.nockleby@mass.gov. The Great Falls Discovery Center is located at 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA 01376. Wheelchair accessible. ADA/Reasonable Accommodation: Cell: 617-645-0358, Email: Moneesha.dasgupta2@mass.gov.
Visitor Center Hours: Open 6 Days a Week
- Tuesdays, 10 am-4 p.m.
- Wednesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
- Open Monday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Explore the natural, cultural, and industrial history of the Connecticut River Watershed with our dynamic exhibit dioramas. Adjacent to the Canalside Rail Trail, the center also includes the Great Hall exhibit gallery, restrooms, and drinking water.
Great Hall Exhibit: Home
Ongoing, December 7 – January 30
From forest floor to canopy, Will Close’s exhibition of original watercolor and mixed media paintings invites viewers to rediscover the beauty and complexity of the natural world that surrounds us. Accompanied by thoughtful text and quotes from experts and longtime New Englanders alike, each piece reveals the hidden stories, characters, and connections that shape the living landscape we all call home. For all ages.
Outdoor StoryWalk® — Thanks to the Animals
Ongoing, November 7—January 4
Enjoy a story, fresh air and exercise! Join us on the Discovery Center’s grounds for a free self-guided StoryWalk® featuring Thanks to the Animals, by Allen Sockabasin. For young readers ages 6—8 and anyone grateful for wildlife and storytelling. Follow the path to book pages posted along the route.
Indoor StoryWalks®
Ongoing, December 26–January 11 — Under the Snow
Explore the lives of active and resting winter wildlife, in the book, Under the Snow, by Melissa Stewart. For ages 3 and up, accompanied by an adult. Meet at the welcome desk.
Ongoing, January 14 – 31 — Tracks in the Snow
Explore the lives of active and resting winter wildlife in the book Tracks in the Snow by Wong Herbert Yee. For ages 3 and up, accompanied by an adult. Meet at the welcome desk.
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Story Walk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson. This StoryWalk® is provided by Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Interpretive Services.
School Vacation Week: Mammal Adaptation Investigation Station
Ongoing, December 26 –January 4
Come learn about local mammals and their unique winter adaptations. Every animal has special adaptations that enable them to survive in their winter habitats. Explore through touchable artifacts (pelts, replica skulls, and replica tracks), and habitat diorama scavenger hunts. All ages.
First Day Hike
Thursday, January 1, 1–3 p.m.
Enjoy a leisurely three-mile stroll down the Canalside Rail Trail and get the New Year started off on a Great Falls note! This family friendly hike follows a gentle route and provides an opportunity to discover the abundant natural, historical, and cultural features that make the Great Falls Discovery Center and Canalside Rail Trail such an amazing State Park! Be prepared for cold weather: dress in layers and wear winter boots. Dogs are welcome on-leash. Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center. Meet in the Great Hall. Hike begins at 1:15 p.m.
Kidleidoscope Story Hour
Fridays, 1/2: Bear; 1/9: Winter Birds; 1/16: Possums; 1/23: Groundhogs; 1/30: Owls, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
Learn more about our wildlife neighbors in the Connecticut River Watershed. Program includes a story, activities, and crafts. Activities are indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Siblings and friends welcome. Meet in the Great Hall.
Art Naturally: Gel-Printing Snowflakes
Saturday, January 3, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Discover nature through story, poetry and art in our series of free art programs. Get inspired by the story of Vermont’s Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley. Build your own blizzard with paper snowflakes through instruction and gel-printing techniques. For adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up accompanied by an adult. All materials provided. Meet in the Great Hall at 10:30 a.m. for complete instructions.
Sunday Matinee Documentary Series: Werner Herzog’s Fireball from Sandbox Films
Sunday, January 4, 2–3:45 p.m. (snow date January 17)
Join us for the start of our free winter Sunday matinee documentary series from Sandbox Films beginning with Werner Herzog’s Fireball. Since before we existed, meteors have haunted our planet. Over billions of years, extraterrestrial bombardments have reshaped the very nature of our planet, causing species to perish or flourish — and perhaps even seeding the initial building blocks for life on Earth. Today we can still hear the echo of these meteor impacts, ringing through culture, mythology, and scientific research. Fireball takes viewers into the mystery at the heart of these fallen stones, exploring their origins and their impacts on civilization. Sandbox Films is an Oscar-nominated production studio that illuminates the art and beauty of scientific inquiry: humankind’s weird, messy, brilliant way of navigating the world. Free hot chocolate! For adults and teens aged 14 and up. Meet in the Great Hall.
Nice and Easy Walks
Thursdays, January 8, 15, 22, & 29, 1–2 p.m.
Easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for older adults, but open to all. Enjoy natural and local history along the way. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the main entrance.
Second Friday Winter Local History Talk: Keeping It Cool — Ice Harvesting
Friday, January 9, 4–5 p.m.
How much is a block of ice worth? It depends on the weather! Learn about the ice harvesting empire that started in Massachusetts. See the tools used by local ice harvesters, making it easier to preserve staples like milk, meat and fish. For ages 10 and up. Downtown Turners Falls’ monthly First Friday event is changing this month only to the second Friday. Meet in the Great Hall.
Local Children’s Author Visit: Prudence Marsh
Saturday, January 10, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (snow date: January 24)
Local author Prudence Marsh reads from her newest children’s book, “A Place for Poe.” The book, part of the “Pippa and Friends” series, follows the adventures of Pippa the squirrel and her forest friends. For children ages 3-10 accompanied by an adult. Sponsored by the Montague Public Libraries. Free.
Winter Local History Talk: The Strathmore aka Keith Paper Mill
Saturday, January 10, 2–3 p.m.
The Strathmore (a.k.a. Keith Paper) mill was the phoenix of Connecticut River mills. Few other mills could rally themselves and the town to come back from the brink. Join DCR staff for photos, maps, and stories that showcase the determination, labor, and paper that kept the Strathmore mill in business for 122 years. For ages 10 and up. Meet in the Great Hall.
Sunday Matinee Documentary Series: Nocturnes from Sandbox Films
Sunday, January 11, 2–3:30 p.m. (snow date: January 18)
Our free winter Sunday matinee documentary series from Sandbox Films continues with Nocturnes. In the dense forests of the Eastern Himalayas, moths are whispering something to us. In the dark of night, two curious observers shine a light on this secret universe. Together, they are on an expedition to decode these nocturnal creatures in a remote ecological “hot spot” on the border of India and Bhutan. The result is a deeply immersive film that transports audiences to a rarely seen place and urges us all to look more closely at the hidden interconnections of the natural world. Sandbox Films is an Oscar-nominated production studio that illuminates the art and beauty of scientific inquiry: humankind’s weird, messy, brilliant way of navigating the world. Free hot chocolate! Meet in the Great Hall. All ages.
Artist Reception and Nature Journal Demonstration
Saturday, January 24, 2–4 p.m.
From forest floor to canopy, Will Close’s exhibition, Home, of original watercolor and mixed media paintings invites viewers to rediscover the beauty and complexity of the natural world that surrounds us. Join artist Will Close for an artist reception and for a demonstration on nature journaling. Free hot chocolate and cookies! For all ages.
A French / Breton Jam Session
Sunday, January 25, 2:30–4:30 p.m.
An informal group of musicians gathers to play the enchanting traditional dance music from France and Brittany, commonly known as bal folk. This is not a performance but rather a coming together of musically minded friends. The event is free and open to the public to come and go at will. For all ages.
Great Hall Guest Speaker: The Secret World of Freshwater Mussels
Saturday, January 31, 2–3 p.m.
The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) - Young Professionals Committee presents a talk by Freshwater Malacologist, Virginia Martell, on the vital roles that freshwater mussels play in our aquatic ecosystems, including water filtration and nutrient cycling. The talk includes discussion of Massachusetts’ populations of mussels that are at risk, the evaluation process for environmental permits, the fundamentals of freshwater mussel biology and ecology and their connection to Massachusetts’ environmental permitting requirements. Virginia Martell specializes in freshwater mussel restoration efforts targeting state and federally endangered species. For free registration visit: maccweb.org or call the center to learn more. For adults and youth 12 and up. Meet in the Great Hall.
Great Falls Discovery Center
Department of Conservation & Recreation
2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA 01376
Janel.nockleby@mass.gov (413) 863-3221 she/her
My Office Hours: Wednesdays through Sundays
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