joppa flats education center and wildlife sanctuary

bethanncharters

Very nice, friendly spot. We went their in the winter, so not a lot to see for birds etc but the people were very friendly and talkative. Was a very nice exhibit of bird etchings as well.

travelbugger68

I came as a chaperone for a school field trip and I think I enjoyed it as much as the kids! Everyone on the staff are friendly, fun, and know everything about the ocean, tidal pools, wildlife, and can answer ANY question in the blink of an eye. I think everyone should go here!

DonnaC470

Joppa Flats Education Center is a welcoming, accessible, environmentally friendly nature center that overlooks the mouth of the Merrimack River. There is a gift shop and a viewing "loft" as well as classrooms and bathroom facilities. There are no trails on the property, but it is near the entrance to Plum Island (Parker River Wildlife area), a world class birding destination, and the Rough Meadows sanctuary is a couple of miles away. The Center is staffed with knowledgeable folks who enjoy sharing info on nature and recently sighted birds in the area. Admission is free, but it may make you want to join Mass Audubon!

luma56

Stopped for a visit the woman at the counter was helpful. Small gift shop with beautiful cards and other items to buy

greatoldtimes

This is a spot that should not be missed Plum Island is a beautiful barrier island with many birds, dear and just plain wonderous beaches to be explored. There are guided tours or explore on your own.

critic49

Im not a birdie and certainly would not spend a whole day lugging around a huge camera to capture a bird looking dumbfounded nor would I go tromping through the swamps but being inside the new center listening to lectures about the place I visit so many times a year is worth the visit. I would go back, sometime this year again.

ErnieA1

They can run out of parking spaces and if they do they close the gate and you may have to leave for a while.

jamies503

Beautiful spot on the Merrimack River. Great educational place - fun for kids and parents! Check out their calendar to see events held weekly.

marybeth11

I live locally and decided to stop in one day with a 6yr old boy that I was watching for the day. The touch and feel tank was not open and when we asked the very bored looking, just sitting there reading a book why it was closed she said, I don't feel like doing it today. Hmm, isn't that your job? The rest of the center is interesting and it has a cute gift shop,but, I almost had to beg the women to let us buy something. I do not know if she is a paid employee or a volunteer but either way she really wrecked what could have been a fun experience.

Ringo167

This center is pro active on all enviromental issues. If you have never used a spotting scope -head up stair to the observation area and get into birding. The coffee is good and inexpensive. Art is wonderful, shopping at the store is fabulous. What else do you need? Butterfly garden out front.

LorraineV793

Great place to go for the day, lots of educators working at every level of curiosity, even with kids. Great bird watching place, lots of rarae sitings. Day trips out with educators, wonderful experience. One man named Harvey P was the best teacher ever!!!!!

Lisa849

Joppa Flats Education Center & Sanctuary is a fun little museum for families who love the ocean. There are exhibits w/ a touch tank inside & spaces outside to explore along the mud flats. I believe Audubon members get a discount on tickets. There is a butterfly garden outside the back of the museum which is beautiful when in bloom. Definitely follow this visit up with a trip to Plum Island Sanctuary. You can explore the dune side or take a short walk on boardwalks through the marsh. Lots of wildlife in the area at both places. Worth a day-long field trip.

SSA40

Keeping four kids under the age of nine entertained without breaking the bank is a challenge but this placed helped out a lot! We stopped in figuring it would be a ten minute stop and ended up staying two hours! There were touch tanks, a craft, and even a man outside helping the kids catch butterflies. It was wonderful!!!

CharlieL235

Mass. Audubon reclaimed a decimated marshland and developed a great education center. The butterfly garden is fantastic, with flowers that attract many varieties. Lots of classes and excursions.

eds288

Learn a bit about the ocean. Great for kids. Plenty of parking.