TOPSFIELD - This weekend, you can get a glimpse of local wildlife like you've never seen it before. And you can do it by exploring acres and acres of terrain or by simply viewing a photography display.
Massachusetts Audubon's Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary is offering two very different looks at the Topsfield property on Sunday. Take the Big Woods Hike, a family walk with a naturalist guide that covers some serious ground. Or check out "Sanctuary Places and Wildlife," an exhibit of sanctuary photography by volunteers Kevin Fitzpatrick and Alex Kumar.
Take a hike
Nature enthusiasts of all ages are welcome on the Big Woods Hike, which offers a look at close to half of the sanctuary.
"It's to get people out to the furthest part of the sanctuary," says sanctuary director Carol Decker. "There's that walk in the woods and there's that walk in the woods with a naturalist."
Sunday's hike takes visitors beyond the sanctuary's main barn and into the woods and fields of the 2,300-acre property. The 3- to 4-mile hike will feature some tree identification, including a look at a red pine grove that Decker says is rare for the area; red pines are typically found in Maine and northern New Hampshire.
Hikers will also be watching out for the wildlife that's in season, including beavers, wood ducks and deer. Decker says that it's the season when bucks are shedding the velvet coating from their antlers by rubbing it off on the trees.
Following the hike, visitors will stop by the sanctuary's barn, where hot beverages and soup will be available. There, they can also view Kumar and Fitzpatrick's photography exhibit, spotlighting shots of wildlife on the property.
Photos from the wild
Kumar, a senior at North Andover High School, came up with the idea to display the photos. The 18-year-old, who picked up photography as a hobby about three years ago, started volunteering at the sanctuary in April 2005, documenting different plants and wildlife. He wanted to take his work to the next level and shoot some photos as well.
"It's just fun, it gives you a rush," Kumar said of nature photography, especially when it involves animals. "You never know what you're gonna find."
For the exhibit, he will collaborate with his mentor, Fitzpatrick, a fellow sanctuary volunteer and professional nature photographer. "Sanctuary Places and Wildlife" will be Kumar's first show.
Hikers and others who stop by will view matted shots of the property's marshes, white-tailed deer, heron, bluebirds, butterflies, and more. All proceeds from the sale of the photos will go to the sanctuary, Kumar says, in return for the help and guidance he has received there.
If You Go
What: Big Woods Hike and "Sanctuary Places and Wildlife" photography exhibit
When: Sunday, noon to 3:30 p.m. Hikes leave at noon, 12:15, 12:30, 12:45, 1, 1:15, and 1:30 p.m.
Where: Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary, 87 Perkins Row, Topsfield
How: Cost is $7, $6 children. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Advance registration is required. Call 978-887-9264.
