Lloyd Center for the Environment Hosts Seal Watch and Cuttyhunk Island Tour

New Bedford, MA – Hop on board the M/V Cuttyhunk and motor out to Cuttyhunk Island with the LLOYD CENTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT in search of wintering seals hauled out on Gull Island, a small sand bar the seals love, located just off Cuttyhunk and Penikese islands. Catch a glimpse of gray and harbor seals, or even ringed, hooded and harp seals. Gray and harbor seals are the most abundant seals in this area. Ringed, hooded and harp seals are known as ice seals and are only seen during the winter months in this region. These seals are called ice seals because their pups are born on the ice floes or the pack ice off the eastern coast of Canada. During the winter, many of these juvenile seals migrate south and are frequently seen along the coast of New England.

After getting a fix of seals and winter seabirds, you will be dropped off at Cuttyhunk Island. Upon arrival to Cuttyhunk, join Jamie Bogart, Research Associate, on a walking tour of this unique retreat and learn about Cuttyhunk’s landscape, or if you prefer, just stretch your legs and freely roam the island until boarding the ferry for the return trip. In addition to observing marine wildlife and the island itself, there will be spectacular views of the Elizabethan chain including Penikese Island. Cuttyhunk, the last island in the Elizabeth Island chain, is located 14 miles off the coast of New Bedford and has less than 50 year-round residents. Originally called Poocuohhunkkunnah by the Wampanoags, it is approximately two miles long and one mile wide.

This unique trip will take place on Saturday, January 5th, departing at 11:00am and returning at 4:00pm to the parking lot of the Cuttyhunk Ferry Company, Inc., located at 66B State Pier, South Bulkhead, New Bedford. The cost of the program is $40 for members and $50 for non-members. The program is suitable for age 8 and up. Participants should wear warm clothing and hiking boots, and bring a camera and binoculars (if you have them). To register for this event, call the Lloyd Center at 508-558-2918 or simply visit our website and register online. Registration deadline is January 3rd. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jamie Bogart, Lloyd Center Research Associate at 508-990-0505 ext. 23. This is a very popular trip and space is limited, so please register early.

Founded in 1978 and situated with its headquarters and spectacular nature preserve overlooking the scenic Slocum River estuary in Dartmouth Massachusetts, the LLOYD CENTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT has achieved a well earned reputation for excellence in environmental research and education. Through its innovative outreach programs, it has established itself as a highly regarded leader in the ongoing effort to raise awareness of the area’s fragile coastal resources and the importance of protecting them.

Located on 55 acres of pristine salt marsh, maritime forest and wetlands at the mouth of the Slocum River, the Nature Center is open, at no charge, to the public Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It has a 15 foot pilot whale skeleton, as well as dolphin and leatherback turtle skeletons on display. The Center’s aquaria exhibit local fresh and saltwater fish and invertebrates, a touch-tank where you can pick up spider crabs, whelks, hermit crabs, periwinkles, mussels and green crabs. The top floor observatory with its magnificent views of the Elizabeth Islands and Buzzards Bay was named one of 15 special places by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. Trails are open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week. The Lloyd Center for the Environment is located at 430 Potomska Road, Dartmouth, Massachusetts. For more information, log onto www.lloydcenter.org or call 508-990-0505.