All listed programs at Myles Standish State Forest are free and open to the public. Take water, wear sunscreen/bug spray, dress in layers and wear good footwear. An adult must accompany children. Rain cancels the events. For more information, call 508-866-2526. The headquarters is located at 194 Cranberry Road, South Carver. For a trail map, including parking lots, visit www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/southeast/mssf.htm.
Cast Away and Go Fishing: 9-11 a.m. June 21. Park interpreters provide a hands-on fishing demonstration and instruction. This program is for ages 6 and older. Parents must accompany children, and a Massachusetts fishing license is not required. Bring your fishing pole and bait or borrow one of the limited supply. The group will meet at the Fearing Pond Day Use Area. There is no fee for parking if you are attending the fishing clinic. All cars must leave the parking lot at the end of the program.
Cranberries Cannonballs: 4-5:30 p.m. June 23 and 29. Join in for a hike around the Rocky Pond Cranberry Bog. Discussion and exploration of the history of the bog, including glaciation, Federal Furnace, cranberry agriculture and the natural history of the park. Meet at the Rock Pond Cranberry Bog Parking Lot on Bare Hill Road near Rocky Pond.
Night Hike: 8-9:15 p.m. 22 and 29. Join in on a guided walk through the night woods to listen to and discover how nocturnal birds and animals use their senses to survive at night. This is a moonlight thrill for all ages. No flashlights allowed on this walk. Bring your insect repellent. Meet at the Interpretive Center next to the headquarters.
Pine Barrens, a Forest at Risk: 9-10:30 a.m. June 30. Myles Standish State Forest is home to one of the planet’s largest remaining Pine Barrens. This large forest consists of pitch pine and scrub oak woodlands and plentiful ponds that are home to many species. Join this hike through the Pine Barrens and learn about kettle holes, frost pockets and more. Bring water and bug spray and wear good hiking shoes. Meet at Parking Lot 2 on Upper College Pond Road.
Off the Beaten Path Hike: 9-11 a.m. June 17, 24. Hike through MSSF. Travel along different trails and cover about three to four miles. Join for one hike or the whole series. Take along water and a snack. For adults and older children who can hike three or four miles of moderately difficult trails. June 17: Meet at the Fire Tower Parking Lot (Lot #6). June 24: Meet at the East Entrance Parking Lot (Lot #4).
Swamp Tromp: 2-3 p.m. June 17 and 24. Find out what animals are living in the area. Participants will use their detective skills to observe footprints, nibbled twigs and scat as they take a walk through the forest and along a wetland. For all ages. Meet at the Interpretive Center next to headquarters.
Insect Safari: 2-3 p.m. June 18 and 27. You don’t need to travel the world to discover and observe a tremendous diversity of insect life. Our fields, wetlands, and forests hold a treasure trove of insects. Explore Myles Standish State Forest’s varied habitats in search of all manner of insects. Participants will observe them and in some cases net them for closer study and then release. For all ages. Meet at the Interpretive Center next to Headquarters.
Bike Tour: 10-11:30 a.m. June 19 and 26. Participants will go on a leisurely and informative bike ride, following the bike trail within the forest. Learn about the history of MSSF and the work the Civilian Conservation Corps did there. Learn about the natural history and stop at some spots with good photo opportunities. Program is for adults and children 10-plus; younger children in carriers, with a helmet, are welcome. All participants must have their own bike and wear a bike helmet (no exceptions) and take water. Meet at Interpretive Center next to headquarters.
Signs of Spring: 2-3 p.m. June 20. Take a walk looking for the signs of spring. Will you hear songbirds singing and maybe find a newly constructed nest? Or perhaps come across some spring wildflowers on the forest floor? Participants will take a nice ramble through the woods and see what signs of spring they come across. For all ages. Meet at the Interpretive Center next to headquarters.
What Lives in a Pond? 2-3 p.m., June 25. Learn about the animals that live in the ponds of Myles Standish State Forest. Be prepared to get wet with water shoes – no flip-flops or sandals please. For all ages. Meet at the Interpretive Center next to headquarters.