North Shore Nature Programs

North Shore Nature Programs North Shore Nature Programs is an environmental education organization dedicated to helping students of all ages fall in love with nature. Nature is everywhere!

Our Philosophy:
It is easy to forget that humans are an integral part of a worldwide ecosystem and that we depend on our environment for our survival. North Shore Nature Programs’ goal is to restore this lost connection to nature. We believe the best means for changing attitudes towards nature is through environmental education. It is our belief that environmental education can instill a love of n

ature in others and, in so doing, develop a cadre of stewards for our planet. Our ultimate goal is to create an environmentally literate generation of individuals who will make rational, informed decisions that balance the needs of humans and the planet. This includes providing students with a basic understanding of their local natural history, related ecological concepts, and the ability to understand how local issues are connected to global issues. What We Do:
At North Shore Nature Programs, we provide programs for schools, groups, and people of all ages to help them better understand the world around them. Our school programs are designed to compliment what is already being learned in the classroom. Each program is based on the Next Generation Science Standards to insure that our program time is enhancing the science curriculum, not detracting from it. All of our programs are inquiry-based and involve hands-on activities that allow students to engage their critical thinking skills with an emphasis on observation skills and data collection. Most importantly, we actively encourage our students to explore their immediate surroundings. All of our school programs occur on school grounds. We also provide out-of-school programming. Whether we are working with homeschool groups, afterschool programs, or simply curious individuals, we are always happy to design a program that highlights the natural wonders in your neighborhood. Who We Are:
North Shore Nature Programs was founded by Andrew Prazar, a veteran environmental educator. During his 10 year career in the field, he has spent thousands of hours in the field and worked for organizations such as Mass Audubon and Merrohawke Nature School. He obtained his Master's degree in environmental education from the University of New Hampshire in 2013. A life-long lover of nature, he is dedicated to exploring the North Shore area and sharing his knowledge of local ecosystems.

Who left these perfect prints on the river?There are two clues:1. The classic “waddling” movement pattern of one large h...
03/02/2026

Who left these perfect prints on the river?

There are two clues:
1. The classic “waddling” movement pattern of one large hind foot next to one smaller front foot.
2. The well-defined toes.

Any guesses?

Since we’re experiencing an actual winter for the first time in as long as I can remember, I’ve been able to access some...
02/13/2026

Since we’re experiencing an actual winter for the first time in as long as I can remember, I’ve been able to access some areas that are usually inaccessible! Today I ventured out onto a beaver pond near my home where I found lots of otter evidence. Some classic bounding patterns and a long slide down a hill. Wish I’d had a chance to watch them in action. Gotta love an animal that enjoys sliding through the snow as much as I do.

We’ve spent a lot of time thinking about summer camp recently, but the weekend’s storm reminded me how amazing and quiet...
01/28/2026

We’ve spent a lot of time thinking about summer camp recently, but the weekend’s storm reminded me how amazing and quiet the woods can be after a big snow. Mine were the only tracks I saw other than a few shrew trails and one set of squirrel tracks. The animals are hunkered down, restricting their travel, and conserving their energy.

12/08/2025

River otters!

These two were spotted a short walk from my house in Howlett Brook. Given that otters have large home ranges (15-30 miles of shoreline), these are likely the same two I saw swimming in a beaver pond two weeks ago about a half mile down the road.

These large members of the weasel family are superior hunters which leaves them lots of time for play and curiosity. Note how one of them swims closer for a better look and smell.

If you’re walking by a pond, stream, or river this winter and hear the tinkling of breaking ice, take a closer look and there may be an otter breaking through the ice to get a closer look at you.

If a grown man squeals like an excited child in the woods and no one is around, does it make a sound? Well, yes. I was t...
12/04/2025

If a grown man squeals like an excited child in the woods and no one is around, does it make a sound? Well, yes. I was there. I heard it. Why the excitement? I’m 99% sure I found bobcat tracks - long a “white whale” of tracks for me (and yes - I have white whales when it comes to tracking). Note the asymmetrical print and lack of nail imprints (which distinguish it from canine prints). Now… could this be a house cat? Possibly. But photo #3 shows its stride which was about 2ft which would be a very large house cat. Foolishly I did not have a measuring tape on me which could have confirmed the print and stride size, both of which are usually diagnostic.

1. Two bobcat tracks.
2. One bobcat track. Note lack of nails and asymmetry.
3. Bobcat trail.
4. Cottontail print. The two front paws landed close to each other making it look like one. Note lack of pads and nails (which are obscured by fur on the bottom of the foot).
5. Gray squirrel - similar to the cottontail but pads and nails clearly visible (having hairy paws makes it hard to grip when climbing).
6. Weasel (likely fisher). If it’s got 5 toes it’s a weasel. Couldn’t find enough of a trial to tell if it was otter or fisher, but given size and habitat I’m assuming it was a fisher.

Tracking is a great way to enjoy the long winter months! Each trail tells a story and you’ll be surprised by how many different mammals live in your neighborhood.

Thanksgiving is a few days away, which means that Christmas break is just around the corner. On Dec. 29 and 30, NSNP is ...
11/25/2025

Thanksgiving is a few days away, which means that Christmas break is just around the corner. On Dec. 29 and 30, NSNP is offering winter camp days from 9am-3pm where kids will learn survival skills, how to track animals (like this coyote), and create some amazing art! More information can be found here: https://www.northshorenatureprograms.com/student-programs

Looking for a unique, engaging outdoor winter program for your child? Check out North Shore Nature Programs' After Schoo...
11/24/2025

Looking for a unique, engaging outdoor winter program for your child? Check out North Shore Nature Programs' After School Adventures! This winter we will be offering classes in Danvers and Georgetown where we will learn to track mammals in the snow, hone our wilderness skills, and develop resilience through pushing our edges all while having fun in a welcoming community!

Learn more at https://www.northshorenatureprograms.com/student-programs

Discover education rooted in Nature at North Shore Nature Programs. Get outdoors, learn, and thrive!

Address

38 North Street
Topsfield, MA
01983

Telephone

+15089322754

Website

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