Cuttyhunk Seal Cruises – March 2 and/or March 30
 Join the Lloyd Center for the Environment on March 2 and/or March 30 for a Cuttyhunk Seal Cruise.
Buzzards Bay is an important stopover location for overwintering marine wildlife, most notably seals of the Northeast region. A small sandbar called “Gull Island” is situated along the Elizabeth Island chain between Cuttyhunk and Penikese where seals haul-out at low tide. Harbor, grey, and harp seals may be present, and Lloyd Center staff will provide commentary about these fascinating creatures. Views of wintering waterbirds on the boat ride out and at Gull Island can also be expected.
 After seal viewing, the boat docks at Cuttyhunk for lunchtime and an opportunity to set foot on the island. At this point, participants are free to venture through town to the lookout, gaining a feel for the unique landscape and enjoying a panoramic view of surrounding waters. Beachcombers may join our staff member on a nature walk along the shore. In addition to learning about some unique marine wildlife, attendees will hopefully leave with a new appreciation for Buzzards Bay.
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Adventure for your children and teens this summer!
 Join the Lloyd Center for an exciting summer outdoors! Animal collection, habitat investigations, and fishing are just a few of the activities offered through the 2019 Summer Programs.
In its 38th season, the Lloyd Center’s Summer Programs are designed to give motivated students an opportunity to explore different aspects of environmental science.
Coastal Studies: Wetland Wonders (3rd – 5th grades), Tidal Surge: The Ocean and Climate Change (4th – 6th grades), Forest Explorers (3rd – 5th grades), and Marine Biology (6th – 8th grades)
 and Young Naturalist Summer Programs for children ages 5 – 7: Under the Sea, In the Sky, Forest Frenzy, Ponds & Streams, and Eureka Fridays!
All sessions include field study, laboratory work, and fun!
Scholarships are available.
Please contact Ashley Gesner, Education/Outreach Specialist, for more information at 774-628-9241 or summer@lloydcenter.org.
READ MORE about Coastal Studies
READ MORE about Young Naturalist Summer Programs
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Flexi the Flounder and Lydia the Limulus at Alfred J. Gomes School in New Bedford, MA by Katie Houseman, Lloyd Center Educator/Naturalist
 Each February, while most schools are on February vacation, students at Alfred J. Gomes School in New Bedford, MA enjoy a variety of hands-on activities with their peers and teachers. Lloyd Center staff visited Gomes fifth graders this week to show and educate about two incredible ocean animals – the flounder and the horseshoe crab. Using models and pictures, students virtually dissected each animal to learn all about their amazing adaptations which help these and other sea creatures survive in their ocean habitat.
 Using Flexi the Flounder, a larger than life model of a Winter flounder, fifth graders learn how these bony fish can camouflage using pigment-changing chromatophores. Students looked at actual photos to try to find the flounder hiding in the image. Students discovered how these fish have special eyes which migrate to one side as they develop, giving them their flat fish status.
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Lloyd Center Finds Life on Snow-less Landscape for February Winter Walks by Jamie Bogart, Lloyd Center Research Associate
 In the early morning hours of February 3, while many were getting sleep in preparation for the Patriots Super Bowl matchup, a handful of folks were out on the prowl in search of night owls that might be present, and are most active at this insane 3:30am hour. Between this time and sunrise, human activity and wind conditions are both low, and some species become more active toward dawn. This time of year, owls are also highly territorial and vocal as the nesting season looms.
 Cloud cover, which reduces moonlight that sometimes subdues owls, no breeze, and seasonable cold made for perfect owling conditions. Lack of snow cover also made for easier walking and quieter feet, a plus for an outing where participants try to remain quiet as to not disturb the owls. One required noise however is the owl call, with taped calls played for Screech, Barred, and Great Horned Owls, the three most commonly encountered “Typical Owls” (Family Strigidae), in hopes of hearing a reply.
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Upcoming events
Click HERE for more details and to pre-register. Pre-registration is required for most events.
Cuttyhunk Seal Cruise
Saturday, March 2, 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Nature Discoveries
Saturday, March 16, 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Full Moon Owl Prowl
Wednesday, March 20, 6:45 pm – 8:45 pm
Early Spring Woodcock Walk
Tuesday, March 26, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Cuttyhunk Seal Cruise
Saturday, March 30, 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Spring Evening Wildlife Walk
Monday, April 1, 6:00 pm -7:30 pm
Outer Cape Birding and Whale Watching Hike
Saturday, April 6, 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
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Lloyd Center has a new online Wish List
Check out our Wish List on Amazon.com. Help if you can!
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Hardscrabble Nature Preserve Visitor Hours
The Lloyd Center's Visitor Center is open from 10:00am to 4:00pm, Tuesday through Saturday and on Sundays, June - September, free of charge.
Trails are open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week.
Lloyd Center for the Environment
430 Potomska Road in Dartmouth MA 02748
508-990-0505 www.lloydcenter.org
The Lloyd Center’s Visitor Center is temporarily closed as the first phase of renovations and an addition to the main building begin. The driveway up to the main building will also be closed to the public, as well as a small portion of the Chaypee Woods Trail.
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