Join the Lloyd Center for the Environment for their last Cuttyhunk Seal Cruise of the season on April 13!

Buzzards Bay is an important stopover location for overwintering marine wildlife, most notably seals of the Northeast region. A small sandbar called “Gull Island” is situated along the Elizabeth Island chain between Cuttyhunk and Penikese. Seals haul-out at low tide and numbers are at their peak in February. Harbor, grey, and harp seals may be present, and Lloyd Center staff will provide commentary about these fascinating creatures. Views of wintering waterbirds on the boat ride out and at Gull Island can also be expected.

After seal viewing, the boat docks at Cuttyhunk for lunchtime and an opportunity to set foot on the island. At this point, participants are free to venture through town to the lookout, gaining a feel for the unique landscape and enjoying a panoramic view of surrounding waters. Beachcombers may join our staff member on a nature walk along the shore. In addition to learning about some unique marine wildlife, attendees will hopefully leave with a new appreciation for Buzzards Bay.

This program will take place on Saturday, April 13, from 10:00am – 2:30pm. Participants are to meet at the Cuttyhunk Ferry Company parking lot located on the state pier off Route 18 in New Bedford (visit www.cuttyhunkferryco.com for directions). Please arrive no later than 9:45am for check-in; boat leaves at 10:00am sharp.

The cost of the Cuttyhunk Seal Cruise is $43 for Lloyd Center members, $53 for non-members, and $20 for children. Price includes lunch served on the boat and a packet of background materials. The vessel has a cash only snack bar and there is limited shopping available on Cuttyhunk Island. Space is limited to 30.

To register for this event, call the Lloyd Center at 508-990-0505 x23 or simply visit www.lloydcenter.org and register online. Registration deadline is Thursday, April 11, 3pm. If you have specific questions regarding the program, contact Jamie Bogart at jbogart@lloydcenter.org or 508-990-0505 ext. 23.

The Lloyd Center for the Environment, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, founded in 1978 and situated with its headquarters and spectacular nature preserve overlooking the scenic Slocum River estuary, 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.

The Center’s 82-acre property offers over five miles of walking trails, the “Bridge to Discovery” dock on the Slocum River, vernal pools, oak-hickory forest, freshwater wetlands, salt marsh, estuary views, and is home to an injured screech owl.

The Lloyd Center’s Visitor Center is currently closed for renovations, (but will be open from 10am to 4pm, Tuesdays through Saturdays, and on Sundays, June - September, free of charge when it reopens). There, aquarium exhibits offer unique views of live freshwater and saltwater species of fish and other marine critters.

The Center is also home to a fascinating collection of live local reptiles, amphibian and fish species. At the always popular touch-tank, youngsters learn the hands-on joy of socializing with gentle spider crabs, elusive minnows, sea stars (starfish), whelks, hermit crabs, periwinkles and mussels.

The top-floor Osprey Room Observatory, with its magnificent views of the Elizabeth Islands and Buzzards Bay, has been designated by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs as one of the Commonwealth’s top-fifteen “Special Places”. Through telescopes there, one can get a close-up view of formerly endangered Ospreys, and their chicks, nesting on platforms erected by members of the Center’s research staff.

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, visit www.lloydcenter.org or call 508-990-0505.