Families looking to experience Cape Ann’s natural beauty in the winter can take part in a CraneOutdoors Family Winter Wildlife Walk on Sunday, March 15, at the Crane Estate in Ipswich.
This guided excursion will introduce participants to the diverse plants and animals that thrive in the dunes of Castle Neck, a lesser known but ecologically significant landscape adjacent to Crane Beach.
Organized by The Trustees of Reservations, this hike is part of a long-standing effort to connect the public with the unique environments protected within the Crane Estate, which has hosted guided nature walks for decades. The Trustees, which manages over 100 properties across Massachusetts, has expanded CraneOutdoors programming to offer year-round opportunities for visitors to engage with the coastal environment, including hiking, kayaking, and wildlife observation.
While Crane Beach is well known for its scenic shoreline, fewer visitors explore the dunes of Castle Neck, an ever-changing ecosystem of Pitch Pine forests, cranberry bogs, and panoramic views of Choate Island. The approximately four-mile trek provides an ideal introduction to this landscape, highlighting the flora and fauna that survive in the harsh winter conditions. Participants will learn to identify animal tracks, spot migratory birds—including the elusive Snowy Owl—and discover resilient plant species such as Woolly Hudsonia (False Heather), Bayberry, and the Earth Star mushroom.
This hike is designed for families with children as well as nature lovers and casual hikers interested in learning more about the coastal environment. The guided walk moves at a moderate pace and is shorter than some of the more strenuous CraneOutdoors hikes, making it accessible for children and those looking for an informative, leisurely outdoor experience. However, due to soft sand and hilly dunes, organizers say it’s an event best suited for participants comfortable with uneven terrain.
