Wildlife sanctuary picnic is slated

PRINCETON— A meadow may not be everyone’s idea of a perfect place for a 50th anniversary party. Except when it’s the meadow itself that’s having the party.

In recognition of the Crocker family’s donation of their summer home, barn and other outbuildings as well as 500 acres of land, the Massachusetts Audubon Society will host a 50th anniversary picnic from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Road. The event will be held rain or shine.

“It’s about honoring that donation, and celebrating the fact that the land has been set aside for conservation,” Cindy A. Dunn, ecological management coordinator said.

Families are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch. Beverages and snacks will be available for purchase.

The event will feature a variety of things, including tours of the Crocker House, which was restored in 2000, along with kids’ games, a mini maze, face painting and hay and pony rides.

“We’re also going to do ponding,” Ms. Dunn said. “Kids will be able catch stuff in the wetlands and get help identifying what they find.”

Canoeing, hiking, a hawk watch and banding of monarch butterflies are also on the agenda, along with entertainment by Patsy Mollica.

“And of course, birthday cake,” Ms. Dunn said.

The wildlife sanctuary, which has grown to 1,200 acres, features 11 miles of walking trails and a 200-acre beaver pond. The pond is home to beaver, mink, otter, wood ducks and herons.

The event is free for Audubon Society members and Princeton residents, but registration is required. To register, call the wildlife sanctuary at (978) 464-2712. The cost for nonmembers is $4 for adults and $3 for children and seniors.

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