Enjoy food, festivities, and outdoor fun during the second annual Acushnet River Herring Festival on Saturday, May 20 at The Sawmill in Acushnet. This family-friendly festival will celebrate the ongoing restoration of the Acushnet River during the annual river herring migration. The festival is free and open to all, and will feature food trucks, music, live bird demonstrations, canoeing, guided walks, and kids’ activities.

Scheduled Activities

• 11:00am – Sawmill restoration tour: Learn about the history, ecology, and restoration of The Sawmill during a tours led by Coalition staff.
• 12:00pm – Birds of Prey program: Join Rhode Island Audubon for presentation on birds of prey. You’ll learn about the history of these birds and demonstrate some of their unique behaviors and abilities, inspiring children of all ages to appreciate, respect, and conserve these important raptors.
• 1:00pm – River herring talk: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute scientist Andy Jones will lead an interactive presentation about the life history of river herring and the various efforts being made to restore these populations.
• 2:00pm – Live mammal program: Learn about native mammals and discover some “biofacts,” like fur and bones, during a presentation from Buttonwood Park Zoo.
• 3:00pm – Toe Jam Puppet Band: Sing and dance with the Toe Jam Puppet Band!

All-Day Activities

• 11:00am-3:00pm – Canoe the Acushnet River: Embark on an adventure on the Acushnet River during a 30-minute free canoe rental. Sign up at the canoe launch for your half-hour slot.
• 11:00am-4:00pm – Self-guided exploration of The Sawmill: Pick up a bucket, “habitat hunt” card, and trail map, and hit the trails for a self-guided adventure that will encourage you and your children to use your senses to make observations about plants and animals at The Sawmill.
• 11:00am-4:00pm –  Exhibits from NOAA and Massachusetts DMF

Category: Buzzards Bay Coalition
Hosted By: Buzzards Bay Coalition