Celebrate the return of our nesting bird species at the Massabesic Center and Wildlife Sanctuary! Join our expert NestWatch Monitors for a fun-filled family experience crafting your very own bird house!

Get hands on with woodworking tools and power drills in a safe environment. Our team will be set up in the Massabesic Center’s Barn, with two types of pre-cut and pre-drilled kits, suitable for bluebird or house wren nest boxes.

You’ll learn how to attract Eastern Bluebirds or House Wrens to your backyard, through discussions of installation placement guidelines and habitat requirements needed to generate ideal conditions for these two bird species. We’ll share resources for attracting other species to your yards, too!

This program will take place indoors in our historic Broad Barn, located a few steps down the trail from our main entrance. Dress for the weather, as the barn is not temperature controlled. While the barn entrance has two steps that prevent wheelchair or stroller access into the main space, modified workstations in the main building can be provided with advanced notice.

The main center will be open to provide access to our Nature Lab, Nature Shop, and the Nature’s Gallery art exhibit, produced by Manchester Artists Association. Bathrooms and drinking fountains are available. The main building is wheelchair accessible, but assistance may be required for some interior doors or to reach some artifacts. Bring a friend or ask our staff; we are eager to help you have an enjoyable experience!

The gardens and trails will also be open to explore.

Parking is available in the primarily dirt lot directly in front of the center.

RSVP (one per family) Required by April 3, 2025 if you want to construct a birdhouse. Walk-ins who wish to enjoy the atmosphere or ask birdy questions are welcome. The program is free with a suggested donation of $10 to support our NestWatch program (select “Massabesic NestWatch Program” from the Gift Designation menu). Limit to one birdhouse per family.

For accommodation requests, contact Kimmie Whiteman, Massabesic Center Director.

Cover image by Dee Cleary.