Mass Audubon Stony Brook

06/04/2026

Remember summers spent outside—mud on your shoes, sun on your face, and the freedom to explore all day long? That’s the kind of magic waiting at Stony Brook Nature Camp.

Each week brings a new adventure, with themes like Nature Nuts, Habitat Detectives, and Winged Wonders inspiring campers ages 4–15 to explore forests, fields, and wetlands through nature and science-based activities, games, and creative play. With small group sizes and a supportive environment, every camper can build confidence, make friends, and connect with the natural world.

For ages 9–11, specialty camps add even more excitement with themes like Identification Olympics, Kingfisher Quest, and Wildlife Detectives, plus an optional Thursday evening dinner and campfire for extra summer fun.

Camp runs weekly June 22–August 21, from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, with Before and After care available.

Limited spots are still open. It’s not too late to give your child a summer they’ll always remember. Reserve your spot today: https://www.massaudubon.org/places-to-explore/wildlife-sanctuaries/stony-brook/camp

06/02/2026

Here's the latest Purple Martin update!

Activity in the colony continues to grow as more nests are completed. Volunteers have observed that fresh green leaves have been added to many nests, along with soft feathers and other materials. They have also noted the presence of eggs or very young birds in several of the gourds.

With recent concern and evidence of an aerial predator in the area, our amazing volunteers stepped in to add protective guards to the gourds and place an owl decoy on top of the rack. The setup is already drawing attention—one curious Tree Swallow even stopped by to check it out!

We’re so grateful to our dedicated volunteers for helping keep the colony safe and thriving and for sharing these updates with us.

Stay tuned as we continue to share updates throughout the season and be sure to look for Purple Martin activity the next time you visit the sanctuary!

06/01/2026

It’s June!

Download, print, and screen read Mass Audubon’s latest guide to the natural world here: massaudubon.org/almanac

June has arrived! We're looking forward to the summer solstice, flickering fireflies, Luna Moths and more. What are you excited to see?

Download, print, and screen read here: massaudubon.org/almanac

06/01/2026

Happy Pride Month! Nature is for everyone. No matter who you are or how you identify, the natural world welcomes you with open arms. 🌈🌳

This Pride Month, be you by getting outdoors, celebrating with your friends and family, and joining one of Mass Audubon’s Pride programs across the state.

Learn more about the festivities: massaudubon.org/pride

05/29/2026

Hooded Mergansers are excellent divers and skilled at catching fish underwater…but it doesn’t appear they’re very good at reading.

📸: Ed Syzmanski

05/28/2026

The Nature Center at Stony Brook will be closed today, May 28, but trails will remain open from dawn to dusk.

05/23/2026

Found a baby bird on the ground this spring? Your first instinct might be to help—but it might not need rescuing after all.

Many young birds leave the nest before they can fly (they’re called fledglings!), and their parents are often nearby, keeping a close eye and bringing food. It can look a little alarming—but in many cases, it’s all part of growing up.

Before stepping in, take a moment to learn what’s normal and when a bird truly needs help.

Here’s what to look for before you take that next step:
https://www.massaudubon.org/nature-wildlife/birds/baby-birds-out-of-the-nest

05/13/2026

Celebrate spring’s returning birds with a fun, family-friendly stop at Stony Brook during Birdapalooza.

Join us on Saturday, May 16 to create a bird-themed craft, then head out to explore the trails with a self-guided bird scavenger hunt or Bird Bingo that you can enjoy at your own pace.

Download a bird checklist, check out the new limited edition Birdapalooza t-shirts, and check out the weekend programming across the state here: https://www.massaudubon.org/places-to-explore/activities/mass-audubon-s-birdapalooza