Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team upcoming events

Sailor's Home Pond Turtle Release in Quincy - Post Pond Dredging and Turtle Trapping (16 May 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 12:30:00 GMT

We trapped the turtles, and then safe housed the turtles at New England Wildlife Center. Dredging is complete and the turtles will be returned to Sailor's Home Pond on May 16, 2026.

There will be some fanfare and a turtle educational table during this release event. Come if you want to see the turtle's new digs. Should be fun!

My longtime New England Herpetological Society buddy, Joe Martinez, and I worked with Environmental Scientist Heather Lis, from Quincy, to protect the turtles at Sailor's Home Pond while the pond was dredged. It is home to lots of critters - including lots of painted turtles and a few snappers. We trapped the turtles and then transported them to the New England Wildlife Center in South Weymouth where they are being cared for until the project completion and their release. Then they’ll get transported back to the pond. It's all quite similar to a different to a turtle removal project we did at another pond in Quincy a few years back. 

Sailors Home Pond is part of the Neponset River watershed and is fed by Furnace Brook. The pond was named after the Sailors Home, a boarding house for retired sailors that operated on the shore of the pond from 1867 to 1907. The pond is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and birdwatching. The pond has a surface area of about 10 acres and a maximum depth of 15 feet.

Motif No. 1 Day - Snakes of New England and the World Exhibit (16 May 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

We’ll be at Harvey Park from 12-4 pm with snakes from New England and around the world. Set up at 11am. Event runs all day but staggered vendors so we're on from 12-4pm.

Rain date May 17.
This year the city if providing free parking with a shuttle to downtown every 20 minutes. Check their website for more information.
Please visit rockportusa.com for detailed information.

The Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is excited to bring back this beloved community event, long cherished by residents and visitors as a celebration of Rockport’s iconic fishing shack. We invite you to join us for this all-day, family-friendly event to experience the rich artistic and cultural heritage of the beautiful coastal community of Rockport.

The Motif No.1 Day Festival celebrates the Arts in Rockport. And all of it centers around the fishing shack-artist’s studio-tourist attraction that started it all: an old building right on one of Rockport’s historic wharves that was painted so often by artists at the turn of the last century that it was given the nickname Motif No.1 by Lester Hornby, a well know artist and instructor of the period.

Film, poetry, dance, music, art-making activities, and beer are all a part of the festival, as well as historical presentations and a 5k Road Race and Fun Run, with proceeds to benefit Rockport Public Schools’ wellness initiatives.

New England Herpetological Society at New England Wildlife Center - Native New England Snakes (17 May 2026)

Sun, 17 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Native New England Snakes Presentation.

Sponsored by the New England Herpetological Society and held at New England Wildlife Center in South Weymouth.

Washington STEM Elementary STEAM Night- Snakes of New England and the World Exhibit and Kids Activity (21 May 2026)

Thu, 21 May 2026 21:30:00 GMT

We'll have our Snakes of New England and the World Exhibit along with a Kids Activity -- our vernal pond coloring books, and wooden snake and salamander painting table. These are free activities with take-home items.

STEAM Night Program for Washington STEM Elementary School and the school community.

STEAM activities combine the traditional principles of science, technology, engineering, and math with a creative twist by adding the arts.

Cambridge Block Party Fairmont Street - Snakes of New England and the World (07 Jun 2026)

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Snakes of New England and the World - one hour live animal presentation.

Cambridge Block Party at 34 Fairmont Street.

Rain date June 14th if possible.

Fresh Pond Day 2026 at Fresh Pond Reservation - Snakes of New England and the World Exhibit and Kids Art Table (13 Jun 2026)

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

We’ll be there from 11-3 with our Snakes of New England and the World Exhibit. In addition we plan to add our Kids Art Tables to the event hosting vernal pond coloring books and wooden salamander and snake painting - take home art work.

Fresh Pond Reservation protects the active drinking water supply with native meadows, ponds, and woodlots. This area is managed by the Water Dept. and every year we host “Fresh Pond Day” which is a festival-style celebration of water, community, and sustainability.

There will be live music, community groups, activities, and more. And as part of this we’ll have a Kids’ Zone too.

Fresh Pond is a reservoir and park in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Prior to the Pond's use exclusively as a reservoir, its ice had been harvested by Boston's "Ice King", Frederic Tudor, and others, for shipment to North American cities and to tropical areas around the world. Fresh Pond is bordered by Fresh Pond Parkway, Huron Avenue, Grove Street, Blanchard Road, and Concord Avenue.

Ipswich River Watershed Association's RiverFest - Snakes of New England and the World Exhibit (14 Jun 2026)

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Snakes of New England and the World Exhibit.

Join us for the Ipswich River Watershed Association's 2026 RiverFest celebration at Ipswich River Park in North Reading.

Family friendly event. Free and open to everyone!
Live Music, Food Trucks, Children's Activities and More....

Dive into a day of fun!
Learn the art of canoeing with White Rose Canoe
Learn how to fish with Trout Unlimited
Eat pizza from the Pizza Goddess Food Truck

Reading Public Library Green Communities Garden Party - Vernal Ponds Exhibit and Kids Art (18 Jun 2026)

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Vernal Ponds Exhibit.
We also plan to have our kids art project with Vernal Pond Field Guide coloring books and Wooden Snake and Salamander painting... take home and free to participants.

2nd Annual Green Communities Garden Party: Your Sustainability Journey Starts Here!

Free ice cream. Good company. A little something to learn.

The Green Communities Garden Party is back for its second year, celebrating everything that makes Reading a great place to grow, explore, and connect with the natural world.

Bring the whole family and spend the evening connecting with local and regional groups passionate about everything green including composting, native plants, clean energy, pollinator habitats, and protecting our green spaces. Try your hand at family-friendly green crafts and enjoy free ice cream.

Wherever you are on your sustainability journey, there's something for everyone. All activities, crafts, and refreshments are free and open to all ages.

Mass Reptile Expo - Native Snake Display (21 Jun 2026)

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Our very own CAVPT Rick will be there with a Native Snake Display. Hosted by New England Herpetological Society. Lots of vendors will be selling snakes, lizards, frogs and other crawlies.

100+ tables of dealers, breeders and hobbyists exhibiting and selling a wide variety of colorful and unusual reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Tanks, cages, terrarium supplies, books, and food animals at special show prices.

Striving for Sustainability's Community Green Fest Rowley - Native Snake Display and the World Exhibit and Kids Activity (27 Jun 2026)

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

We’ll be there from 10-2 with our Native Snake Display and Snakes from around the World Exhibit. In addition, we'll have our kids table with critter coloring books and wooden snake and salamander painting for the kiddos to take home.

Sponsored by Striving for Sustainability based in Rowley MA.

So, what is going on?
Here is some information about this FREE Community event:
Striving for Sustainability is hosting its second annual Community Green Fest on the Rowley Town Common on Saturday, June 27, 2026. The festival boasts 25+ vendors with a variety of engaging and family-friendly activities, educational experiences, and shopping opportunities. Meet and greet a variety of native snakes with Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team. Browse a selection of green home goods with Unpacked Living. Make some seed balls and purchase native plants from New Yankee Gardener. Get hands-on with compost with Mothers Out Front. Check out eco-friendly art, ecology-based children's books, upcycled crafts from local artisans. And, while you're learning and living green, enjoy a food truck, acoustic music, and festival atmosphere!

2026 Salem Living Green Expo - Snakes of New England and the World Exhibit and Kids Activity (28 Jun 2026)

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

We’ll be there from 10-1 with our Snakes of New England and the World Exhibit. We'll also have our Kids table featuring a Vernal Pond Field Guide Coloring Book for children AND wooden snake and salamander painting -- take home items.

The Salem Chamber of Commerce and the City of Salem Sustainability and Resiliency department invited us to participate in the 2026 Salem Living Green Expo. The Expo will bring together green industry professionals, city departments and consumers from Salem & the North Shore regions to discuss products, services, and information. The fair is free to attend and will be held in and around Old Town Hall and Derby Square.

Goal: Promote products, services and information that encourage healthier, more sustainable consumption and lifestyles for businesses and families.

Marblehead Festival of Arts, Street Festival - Snakes of New England and the World Exhibit (03 Jul 2026)

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 15:00:00 GMT

We'll be there with a Snakes of New England and the World Exhibit.

We will set up at 10am.
Parking is at a premium and we have no allotted spots. Arrive early.
Bank Square - Intersection of Washington and Hooper Street
More information here… https://www.marbleheadfestival.org/street-festival

This Street Festival is a fun tradition that is part of Marblehead’s 4th of July Celebrations. There will be something for everyone including Bonaparte the Magician, Big Nazo the performing aliens from outer space, Sir Mimealot the Strolling Mime, Northshoremen chorus, Ancient Fire Henna; Stilt walking, balloon making, and caricatures by Kaleidoscope, Merj Band, lots of BUBBLES and much much more. Including the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team!!!

Townsend Public Library - Snakes of New England and the World Presentation (09 Jul 2026)

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Snakes of New England and the World - one hour live animal presentation.

Main Street Block Party #1 in Gloucester - Snakes of New England and the World Exhibit and Kids Activity (11 Jul 2026)

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 22:00:00 GMT

We'll be there with a Snakes of New England and the World Exhibit. And Kids Activity.

We will set up a tent in front of Toodeloos Toy Store because they're crazyfun people in there and they let us use their electricity to run our lights to boot.
The event runs until 10pm but it gets too dark for our display so we're done about 9pm.

Check out all the Music (on 3 different stages) and Performances that are happening throughout the evening. Plus there will be a bunch of venders... and our great exhibit of course.

Main Street, Downtown Gloucester comes alive when the Street is closed off with live music, street performers, al fresco dining, vendors, food vendors and more!

More information here....
http://www.gloucesterblockparty.com/index.html

Pigeon Cove Circle 2026 Speaker Series - Snakes of New England and the World Presentation (16 Jul 2026)

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Snakes of New England and the World - one hour live animal presentation.

This event is free and open to the public.

Proceeds from Pigeon Cove Circle nonprofit fundraising efforts support high school scholarships and local organizations.

Sawyer Free Library - Snakes of New England and the World Presentation (25 Jul 2026)

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Snakes of New England and the World - one hour live animal presentation.

We'll be back at our community restored Library since it's done!

Sawyer Free Library Summer Program.

Summer at Brookwood Camp - Snakes of New England and the World Presentation (29 Jul 2026)

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Snakes of New England and the World - one hour live animal presentation.

This activity is for the Campers and is not open to the public.

Saugus Youth and Recreation Department - Snakes of New England and the World Presentation (30 Jul 2026)

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Snakes of New England and the World Presentation. One hour live animal presentation.

Festival by the Sea in Manchester - Snakes of New England and the World Exhibit (01 Aug 2026)

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

We’ll be there with a native snake display and a bunch of other snakes from around the world, for people to get up close and personal.

Enjoy the artists and food vendors throughout downtown Manchester.
It's a really fun event.

Halibut Point State Park - Snakes of New England and the World Presentation (02 Aug 2026)

Sun, 02 Aug 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Snakes of New England and the World - one hour live animal presentation.
Sponsored by Friends of Halibut Point.

Afraid of snakes? You won’t be after learning about and seeing up-close a variety of local snakes and a few exotic ones! Snake fans will enjoy safe handling. Rick Roth, herpetologist and Executive Director of the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team, will bring some of his favorite snakes to Halibut Point State Park. Join us for Rick’s presentation outside the Visitors Center. Bring your camera! Co-sponsored with Friends of Halibut Point State Park.

Meet at Visitor's Center. For all ages.

Parking can sometimes be challenging so plan to arrive early.

Halibut Point State Park and Halibut Point Reservation are 67 acres of conserved, oceanside land located on Cape Ann in the town of Rockport, Massachusetts. The property is managed by The Trustees of Reservations.

Beginning in the 1840s, granite was quarried from this area, first on a small scale and primarily along the coast, and then on a much larger scale when the Rockport Granite Company acquired the Babson Farm quarry and expanded its operation. Shortly after the Cape Ann granite industry collapsed in 1929, 17 acres on the eastern side of the quarry were purchased and given to the Trustees of Reservations. The remainder of the area sat unused until late in World War II when a fire control tower (now the park's Visitors Center) was constructed to provide aiming information for the massive coastal defense guns that guarded Boston and Portsmouth Harbors.

Main Street Block Party #2 in Gloucester - Snakes of New England and the World Exhibit and Kids Activity (07 Aug 2026)

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 22:00:00 GMT

We'll be there with a Snakes of New England and the World Exhibit. And Kids Activity.

We will set up a tent in front of Toodeloos Toy Store because they're crazyfun people in there and they let us use their electricity to run our lights to boot.

Check out all the Music (on 3 different stages) and Performances that are happening throughout the evening. Plus there will be a bunch of venders... and our great exhibit of course.

Main Street, Downtown Gloucester comes alive when the Street is closed off with live music, street performers, al fresco dining, vendors, food vendors and more!

More information here....
http://www.gloucesterblockparty.com/index.html

45th Annual Gloucester Waterfront Festival - Snakes of New England and the World Exhibit and Kids Activity (15 Aug 2026)

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

We’ll be there with a native snake display and a bunch of other snakes from around the world for people to get up close and personal. And Kids Activity.

Enjoy the artists and craftspeople, along with entertainment and food vendors throughout at Stage Fort Park.
It's a really fun event.

45th Annual Gloucester Waterfront Festival - Snakes of New England and the World Exhibit and Kids Activity (16 Aug 2026)

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Main Street Block Party #3 in Gloucester - Snakes of New England and the World Exhibit and Kids Activity (04 Sep 2026)

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

We'll be there with a Snakes of New England and the World Exhibit. And Kids Activity.

We will set up a tent in front of Toodeloos Toy Store because they're crazyfun people in there and they let us use their electricity to run our lights to boot.

Check out all the Music (on 3 different stages) and Performances that are happening throughout the evening. Plus there will be a bunch of venders... and our great exhibit of course.

Main Street, Downtown Gloucester comes alive when the Street is closed off with live music, street performers, al fresco dining, vendors, food vendors and more!

More information here....
http://www.gloucesterblockparty.com/index.html

Magtoberfest 2026 - Native Snake Display and the World, plus Kids Activity (11 Oct 2026)

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

We'll be there with a Native Snake Display and Snakes from Around the World. And Kids Activity - we'll have our kids table with critter coloring books and wooden snake and salamander painting for the kiddos to take home.

All sorts of vendors and festivities. It's really fun... music, food farms, crafts, face painting and more.

Rockport Harvest Fest 2026 - Snakes of New England and the World Exhibit (17 Oct 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Join us for our Snakes of New England and the World Exhibit. Set up at 10am, starts at 11am.
Rain date October 18, 2025. We'll be in the Downtown Center at Barletta Park, next to Harvey Park, and across the Street from T-Wharf.

Celebrate fall in New England with a seaside flair highlighting Rockport's plentiful local offerings! Come enjoy live music, delicious food , wonderful shopping, children's activities, a pie bake-off and of course, beer!

Featured musical entertainment from ?

Local craft beer from Rockport Brewing.

Food provided by Meat & Sweet Foods, Newburyport Crab Cake Co and Crepe du Jour, plus don't forget all the local favorite spots - whether your looking for a fantastic burger, delicious lobster roll or unforgettable donuts there's something for everyone!

Children's activities provided by Cape Ann Art Haven and Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team.

Browse through the offerings of several local vendors as well as the many amazing shops throughout downtown Rockport.

Stay tuned for more details including an Apple Pie Bake-Off, live demonstrations and more.....

Sponsored by the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce!

42nd Annual Essex ClamFest and Arts & Crafts Festival - Snakes of New England and the World Exhibit and Kids Activity (24 Oct 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

We'll be there with our Snakes of New England and the World Exhibit. And our Kids Activity.

Join us for the 42nd Annual Essex ClamFest and Arts & Crafts Festival, from 11 am to 4 pm in Shepard Memorial Park in Essex. Although the highlight of the day is the Chowder Tasting Competition (Come taste Cape Ann’s finest chowders from Noon to 1 pm and vote for your favorite!) there is also a great variety of activities, including arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment and plenty of food vendors on-site!

* Food Vendors to include: 5 Star Phresh Food, Crepe du Jour, Down River Ice Cream, Essex Tech, Nana's Fried Dough, Newburyport Crabcake Company, Three Gingers Jerky
* Also Featuring Great Marsh Brewing Company's local brews
* Muscial entertainment by ?.
* Over 70 Crafters, businesses, and Non-profit tables!
* Kids Activities include face painting, balloon animals, games, and Cape Ann Vernal Pond reptiles!

Mass Reptile Expo - Native Snake Display (15 Nov 2026)

Sun, 15 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT