New Bedford, MA – Motor out to Cuttyhunk Island with Lloyd Center for the Environment’s Research Associate, Jamie Bogart, to view wildlife associated with the island in early spring. After a glimpse of flocks of sea ducks and the Elizabethan Chain from the “M/V Cuttyhunk”, step foot on Cuttyhunk Island for a walk to “the lookout”, the island’s highest point, whereby you’ll gain a sense of the island’s natural history, and enjoy superb panoramic views of Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound. Cuttyhunk bird life can be quite diverse, and we’ll stop for a look at any birds seen along the way.

After the island tour, view seals hauled out on an afternoon low tide on Gull Island, a prime location to see harbor and grey seals during the colder months. Harp seals, a less common “ice seal”, may also be present. Take another look at sea ducks on the boat ride back before returning to New Bedford Harbor, where perhaps a roaming grey seal will offer a last look.

This unique trip will take place on Saturday, April 5th (poor weather date: Sunday, April 6th), departing at 10:00am from and returning at 3:00pm 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, price includes lunch which will be provided on the boat).  The program is suitable for ages 8 and up.  Participants should be prepared and wear layers, as well as, appropriate footwear (e.g. hiking boots) for considerable walking on the island during the tour, which will include some hills and possibly damp areas. Camera and binoculars are highly recommended.  To register for this event, call the Lloyd Center at 508-558-2918 or simply visit our website and register online.  Registration deadline is April 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.

Lloyd Center For the Environment

The Lloyd Center is the only area organization focused on educating the public about coastal and watershed issues, and conducting research on coastal ecosystems and endangered species. The Lloyd Center serves individuals, agencies, and organizations in southeastern New England (Rhode Island to Boston to Cape Cod). It

The Center cooperates on a broader level in coastal, environmental, and educational programming throughout New England, nationally and internationally.

The Center's school-based activities further expand their reach to urban audiences. A scholarship program also provides space for ten urban New Bedford students, mostly African-American and other minorities, in the Summer Program. 

You can learn more about the Lloyd Center for the Environmental at: http://www.lloydcenter.org.

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