August Events at Myles Standish State Forest

For more information call (508) 866-2526. For a trail map, including parking lots, visit the Department of Conservation and Recreation's Myles Standish page.

Animal Tracking Monday, Aug. 1, 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Let's find out what animals are living in the area. We will use our detective skills to observe footprints, nibbled twigs, and scat, as we take a walk through the forest and along a wetland. For all ages. Meet at the Interpretive Center next to Headquarters. 

Swamp Tromp Monday, Aug. 1, 2 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Get ready to get wet and muddy. Use our nets and buckets to explore the creatures that live in the ponds and wetlands of MSSF. Meet at the Interpretive Center next to Headquarters.

Kidleidoscope: Go Fish! Tuesday, Aug. 2, 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Calling all young naturalists! Come to Myles Standish State Forest this summer and experience nature tales and the wonders of nature. Participate in hands-on nature-related activities inspired by stories we will read together. This week, we’ll explore the watery world of fish. For children ages 3 – 6 with a parent or adult caregiver. Meet at the Interpretive Center next to Headquarters. 

Jr. Rangers: Fun & Safe Hiking Expeditions Wednesday, Aug. 3, 3 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. 

This program captures the imagination of young people through activities that grow future stewards of the environment. This week we’ll learn the basics of how to read a compass and a map. Then mark an actual trail and make a sturdy backpack from an old pair of pants and a little rope. Review the 10 top tips essentials to take along for a safe and fun hike. Sturdy hiking shoes required for this session. This free program is for children ages 8-12. Meet at the Interpretive Center. 

Off the Beaten Path Hike Thursday, Aug. 4, 9 a.m. -11 a.m. 

Join the Park Interpreter on a recreational hike each Thursday morning into a different part of Myles Standish State Forest. Each hike travels along different trails and is about 3 to 4 miles in length. Join us for one hike or come for the whole series. Please wear bug spray, sunscreen, and supportive shoes. Take along water and a snack. For adults and older children who can hike 3 to 4 miles of moderately difficult trails. Meet at Charge Pond Parking Lot #5.

Animal Tracking Thursday, Aug. 4, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Let's find out what animals are living in the area. We will use our detective skills to observe footprints, nibbled twigs, and scat, as we take a walk through the forest and along a wetland. For all ages. Meet at the Interpretive Center next to Headquarters. 

Family Bike Hike Saturday, Aug. 6, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Meet at the Interpretive Center for a leisurely and informative bike ride. We will follow the bike trail within the forest and learn about the history of MSSF and the work the Civilian Conservation Corps did here. We’ll also learn about the natural history and stop at some spots with good photo opportunities. Program is for adults and children 10+; younger children in carriers, with a helmet, are welcome. All participants must have their own bike, wear a bike helmet (no exceptions!), and take water. 

Pine Barrens: A Forest at Risk Saturday, Aug. 6, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Myles Standish State Forest is home to one of the Earth’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 us on this hike through the pine barrens and learn about kettle holes, frost pockets, and more. Take water, bug spray, and wear good hiking shoes. Meet at Parking Lot 2 on Upper College Pond Road. 

Night Hike Saturday, Aug. 6, 8 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.

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 and take your insect repellent. Meet at the Interpretive Center next to Headquarters. 

Cranberries & Cannonballs Sunday, Aug. 7, 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Join us for a hike around the Rocky Pond Cranberry Bog. We will discuss and explore the history of the bog, including cranberry agriculture and the natural history of the park. You’ll learn about Federal Furnace, glaciation, and the area’s wildlife. Meet at the Rock Pond Cranberry Bog Parking Lot on Bare Hill Road near Rocky Pond. 

Painting by the Pond Monday, Aug. 8, 10 a.m.– 11:15 a.m.

Express your feelings about nature through art. Spend some quiet time by the pond while creating an artistic souvenir to take home. Meet at the Interpretive Center next to Headquarters. 

Swamp Tromp Monday, Aug. 8, 2 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Get ready to get wet and muddy. Use our nets and buckets to explore the creatures that live in the ponds and wetlands of MSSF. Meet at the Interpretive Center next to Headquarters.

Kidleidoscope: Beautiful Butterflies Tuesday, Aug. 9, 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Calling all young naturalists! Come to Myles Standish State Forest this summer and experience nature tales and the wonders of nature. Participate in hands-on nature-related activities inspired by stories we will read together. This week, we will explore the lives of butterflies and caterpillars. For children ages 3 – 6 with a parent or adult caregiver. Meet at the Interpretive Center next to Headquarters. 

Jr. Rangers: Fire in the Forest Wednesday, Aug. 10, 3 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

This program captures the imagination of young people through activities that grow future stewards of the environment. Fire in nature can help as well as harm.  Explore fire’s role here at Myles Standish State Forest and learn to build a campfire safely. This free program is for children ages 8-12. Meet at the Interpretive Center. 

Off the Beaten Path Hike Thursday, Aug. 11, 9 a.m. -11 a.m.

Join the Park Interpreter on a recreational hike each Thursday morning into a different part of Myles Standish State Forest. Each hike travels along different trails and is about 3 to 4 miles in length. Join us for one hike or come for the whole series. Please wear bug spray, sunscreen, and supportive shoes. Take along water and a snack. For adults and older children who can hike 3 to 4 miles of moderately difficult trails. Meet at Fire Tower Parking Lot #6.

Plant & Tree ID Thursday, Aug. 11, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Join the Park Interpreter to learn about the trees and plants of MSSF that not only create the natural habitat for birds and animals to live… but also provide the natural resource for camping, swimming and hiking that we all get to enjoy. For all ages. Meet at the Interpretive Center next to Headquarters. Rain cancels.

Cast Away Fishing Clinic Friday, Aug. 12, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Park Interpreters provide a hands-on fishing demonstration and instruction. This program is for ages 6+ and open to the public. Parents must accompany children. MA fishing license is not required. Take your fishing pole and bait – or borrow one of ours (limited supply). Meet at the Fearing Pond Day Use Area. There is no fee for parking if you are attending the fishing clinic, but all cars must leave the parking lot at the end of the program

Insect Safari Monday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

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. We'll explore Myles Standish State Forest’s varied habitats in search of all manner of insects. We'll observe them through binoculars and in some cases net them for closer study and then release. For all ages. Meet at the Interpretive Center next to Headquarters. 

Swamp Tromp Monday, Aug. 15, 2 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Get ready to get wet and muddy. Use our nets and buckets to explore the creatures that live in the ponds and wetlands of MSSF. Meet at the Interpretive Center next to Headquarters.

Kidleidoscope: Find a Frog! Tuesday, Aug. 16, 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Calling all young naturalists! Come to Myles Standish State Forest this summer and experience nature tales and the wonders of nature. Participate in hands-on nature-related activities inspired by stories we will read together. This week, we will explore the world of frogs. For children ages 3 – 6 with a parent or adult caregiver. Meet at the Interpretive Center next to Headquarters. 

Jr. Rangers: Campfire Cooking Wednesday, Aug. 17, 3 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

This program captures the imagination of young people through activities that grow future stewards of the environment. Learn how to safely cook a meal over the campfire. We’ll use Dutch ovens, cast iron skillets, and campfire grates to cook a few campfire favorites. We’ll also learn how to pack your food for a camping trip and what to take with you to set up a campsite kitchen. This free program is for children ages 8-12. Meet at the Interpretive Center. 

Off the Beaten Path Hike Thursday, Aug. 18, 9 a.m. -11 a.m.

Join the Park Interpreter on a recreational hike each Thursday morning into a different part of Myles Standish State Forest. Each hike travels along different trails and is about 3 to 4 miles in length. Join us for one hike or come for the whole series. Please wear bug spray, sunscreen, and supportive shoes. Take along water and a snack. For adults and older children who can hike 3 to 4 miles of moderately difficult trails. Meet at East Entrance Parking Lot #4.

What Lives in a Pond? Thursday, Aug. 18, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.

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. 

Family Bike Hike Saturday, Aug. 20, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Meet at the Interpretive Center for a leisurely and informative bike ride. We will follow the bike trail within the forest and learn about the history of MSSF and the work the Civilian Conservation Corps did here. We’ll also learn about the natural history and stop at some spots with good photo opportunities. Program is for adults and children 10+; younger children in carriers, with a helmet, are welcome. All participants must have their own bike, wear a bike helmet (no exceptions!), and take water. 

Pine Barrens: A Forest at Risk Saturday, Aug. 20, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Myles Standish State Forest is home to one of the Earth’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 us on this hike through the pine barrens and learn about kettle holes, frost pockets, and more. Take water, bug spray, and wear good hiking shoes. Meet at Parking Lot 2 on Upper College Pond Road. 

Night Hike Saturday, Aug. 20, 8 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.

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 and take your insect repellent. Meet at the Interpretive Center next to Headquarters. 

Cranberries & Cannonballs Sunday, Aug. 21, 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Join us for a hike around the Rocky Pond Cranberry Bog. We will discuss and explore the history of the bog, including cranberry agriculture and the natural history of the park. You’ll learn about Federal Furnace, glaciation, and the area’s wildlife. Meet at the Rock Pond Cranberry Bog Parking Lot on Bare Hill Road near Rocky Pond. 

Wild Edibles Monday, Aug. 22, 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Explore the wild edibles that grow here at Myles Standish State Forest. We’ll take a plant identification walk and discuss the edibility of the various plants we identify. For all ages. Meet at the Interpretive Center next to Headquarters.

Swamp Tromp Monday, Aug. 22, 2 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Get ready to get wet and muddy. Use our nets and buckets to explore the creatures that live in the ponds and wetlands of MSSF. Meet at the Interpretive Center next to Headquarters.

Kidleidoscope: Turtle Time! Tuesday, Aug. 23, 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Calling all young naturalists. Come to Myles Standish State Forest this summer and experience nature tales and the wonders of nature. Participate in hands-on nature-related activities inspired by stories we will read together. This week, we will learn about our shelled reptiles – the turtles. For children ages 3 – 6 with a parent or adult caregiver. Meet at the Interpretive Center next to Headquarters. 

Jr. Rangers: Exploring Water Quality Through Wetlands Wednesday, Aug. 24, 3 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

This program captures the imagination of young people through activities that grow future stewards of the environment. We’ll learn about the kettle hole ponds of Myles Standish. Use nets and buckets to find creatures of the pond. Use this information and the creatures you collect to determine the water quality of the pond. This free program is for children ages 8-12. Meet at the Interpretive Center. 

Off the Beaten Path Hike Thursday, Aug. 25, 9 a.m. -11 a.m.

Join the Park Interpreter on a recreational hike each Thursday morning into a different part of Myles Standish State Forest. Each hike travels along different trails and is about 3 to 4 miles in length. Join us for one hike or come for the whole series. Please wear bug spray, sunscreen, and supportive shoes. Take along water and a snack. For adults and older children who can hike 3 to 4 miles of moderately difficult trails.  Meet at Equestrian Parking Lot #3.

Painting by the Pond Thursday, Aug. 25, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Express your feelings about nature through art. Spend some quiet time by the pond while creating an artistic souvenir to take home. Meet at the Interpretive Center next to Headquarters. 

Cast Away Fishing Clinic Friday, Aug. 26, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Park Interpreters provide a hands-on fishing demonstration and instruction. This program is for ages 6+ and open to the public. Parents must accompany children. MA fishing license is not required. Take your fishing pole and bait – or borrow one of ours (limited supply). Meet at the Fearing Pond Day Use Area. There is no fee for parking if you are attending the fishing clinic, but all cars must leave the parking lot at the end of the program. 

Cranberries & Cannonballs Saturday, Aug. 27, 4 p.m. - 5:30PM. 

Join us for a hike around the Rocky Pond Cranberry Bog. We will discuss and explore the history of the bog, including cranberry agriculture and the natural history of the park. You’ll learn about Federal Furnace, glaciation, and the area’s wildlife. Meet at the Rock Pond Cranberry Bog Parking Lot on Bare Hill Road near Rocky Pond. 

Around the Campfire Saturday, Aug. 27, 8 p.m. - 9:15PM. 

Songs, stories, games and toasting marshmallows – share stories of MSSF and meet your neighbors. For all ages. Meet at the amphitheater behind Headquarters. 

Pine Barrens: A Forest at Risk Sunday, Aug. 28, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Myles Standish State Forest is home to one of the Earth’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 us on this hike through the pine barrens and learn about kettle holes, frost pockets, and more. Take water, bug spray, and wear good hiking shoes. Meet at Parking Lot 2 on Upper College Pond Road. 

The Waters Around Us Monday, Aug. 29, 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Learn about the wetlands 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. 

Swamp Tromp Monday, Aug. 29, 2 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Get ready to get wet and muddy. Use our nets and buckets to explore the creatures that live in the ponds and wetlands of MSSF. Meet at the Interpretive Center next to Headquarters.

Kidleidoscope: Dazzling Dragonflies Tuesday, Aug. 30, 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Calling all young naturalists! Come to Myles Standish State Forest this summer and experience nature tales and the wonders of nature. Participate in hands-on nature-related activities inspired by stories we will read together. This week, we will learn about our winged dragonflies who search the sky for yummy things to eat. For children ages 3 – 6 with a parent or adult caregiver. Meet at the Interpretive Center next to Headquarters.