The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is proud to host a special Climate Café on Saturday, January 31, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM at the Refuge Visitor Center.

This isn’t your typical lecture or panel. A Climate Café is a student-led, community conversation series designed to foster deep listening and shared stewardship through small, facilitated dialogues. In celebration of World Wetlands Day, we are turning our attention to the ecological heartbeat of our region: our wetlands and salt marshes.

What to Expect:

Student Naturalists: Join local high school naturalists over a cup of coffee for a curiosity-filled exploration of the refuge’s winter wetlands.

The Story of "Big Night": While the forest may look quiet and frozen in midwinter, life is already preparing for "Big Night"—the massive spring migration of hundreds of thousands of salamanders and wood frogs to their ancestral vernal pools.

Special Guest: We are thrilled to be joined by Rick Roth of the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team, who will share insights and introduce a few live critters to help us see these ephemeral waters in a whole new way.

Get Ready for Spring: Learn everything you need to know to join a local salamander walk this spring. Just grab your wellies and go!.

Details:

• When: Saturday, January 31, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM.

• Where: Refuge Visitor Center, 6 Plum Island Turnpike, Newburyport, MA.

• Registration: This event uses small group conversations, so space is limited. Please RSVP at Climate-Cafe.org to ensure your seat