SATURDAY, July 13, 10:30 a.m. LIFE AROUND THE LAKE. Wildflowers are the focus for this week’s topic. Wildflowers are always blooming this time of year near Bray Lake. Come hear what flower is new and how long it will survive. MEET AT BRAY LAKE.

SATURDAY, July 13, 1:00 p.m. HIKE D.O.C. TRAI. This 1 ½ – 2 hour hike travels on the D.O.C. Trail, one of the lesser used trails. Who knows what natural wonders are to be seen on this moderately strenuous trail Bring water and bug spray.

SUNDAY, July 14, 10:30 a.m. BIRDING FOR BEGINNERS. This one hour program is meant to help beginners learn the basics of birding. The use of bird guides, lists and binoculars are used to learn about these feathered creatures.

SUNDAY, July 14, 1:00 p.m. SUNDAY AFTERNOON FAMILY PROGRAM. The title for this week’s program is “Dragonflies, Nature’s Helicopters” Dragonflies are fascinating in their movement and characteristics. Come learn about these unique insects and their world of flight.

MONDAY, July 15, 10:30 a.m. JUNIOR RANGERS. Children ages 5-6 are welcome to participate in this 4 week program to become a certified Junior Ranger. Through exploration, crafts and games, participants can receive an official Junior Ranger patch and certificate. Each child must attend 3 out of 4 classes to qualify for this status.

MONDAY, July 15, 1:00 p.m. ADVANCED HIKE FOR SENIORS. Seniors and others who want more of a challenging hike can join in on this one-two hour hike up one of the more strenuous trails. The hike on these trails is at a slower pace to accommodate this age bracket. Bring water.

TUESDAY, July 16, 10:30 a.m. SENIOR HIKE. Seniors can join in on this easy paced one hour hike. The terrain is mostly easy and the nature talk quite abundant. Bring water and bug spray

TUESDAY, July 16, 2:00 p.m. EXPLORERS CLUB. This weekly 1-2 hour program lets children ages 10-14 learn map reading skills, trail markings and proper hiking techniques as we travel on all the trails here at Mt. Tom. Plus of course nature is observed closely. Bring water and bug spray.

These programs are sponsored by the Department of Conservation and Recreation and are free and open to the public. For more information please call 527-4805. Mt. Tom State Reservation is located on the Holyoke/Easthampton, MA. line with entrances on Rts. 5 and 141.

UNLESS NOTED ALL PROGRAMS START AT THE STONE HOUSE VISITOR CENTER WHICH IS ABOUT 2 MILES FROM EITHER ENTRANCE. There is a FIVE dollar per car fee on weekends and holidays.