Have you ever wondered if that “tweet” is from a cardinal or a chickadee? Learn the language spoken by our feathered friends. Start with a few basic bird songs as a reference, then add to your repertoire with repetition and practice. You’ll learn the types of sounds birds make and why they make them, and explore common bird songs heard in Massachusetts. Each class will focus on approximately 10–15 different birds. Note: Have handy a notebook, pen, and a bird book if you have one.

Observe local birds on these birdwatching field trips. We will focus on different strategies for locating and identifying birds based on their appearance, songs and calls, behavior, and habitat. To get the most out of field trips, attendance at the Birdwatching 101 class is highly encouraged. Binoculars are highly recommended.

H Mart is a supersized Asian market chock full of culinary treasures. But for some, the unfamiliar ingredients, unrecognizable labels, and football-field size of the store can be overwhelming. Join a culinary expert for a guided and curated tour around the market. We’ll highlight certain sections: sauces, noodles, dumplings, seaweed, rice, tofu, fresh banchan (Korean side dishes), an ocean of fish, meats, and condiments. If you like, bring along a recipe to help focus our search. The last half hour will be for sourcing specific ingredients or Q&A over tea and sweets in the food court. Receive a goody bag, recipes, and tips on how to stock your own “starter” Asian pantry.

Biking is a great form of exercise and transportation. These clinics, led by certified trainers, are designed specifically for adult riders—whether you’re getting back on a bike or learning for the first time. Safety Refresher: For those who haven’t ridden in a while and want to refresh their skills. Review basic bike maintenance, current rules of the road for cyclists and drivers, and techniques for riding safely on streets and bike paths. After practicing on a traffic-free course, we’ll take a short ride on neighborhood streets. (Rain date: May 17) Learn to Ride: Even adults can learn to ride. Practice getting on and off a bicycle, building balance, understanding the rules of the road, and riding safely and confidently on streets and bike paths. Held entirely in a traffic-free parking lot. (Rain date: June 7) Check to ensure your bicycle is in good, working order (air in the tires, operating brakes and chain, and gear shifters adjusted and lubricated). Wear comfortable clothes for biking and bring a bike helmet, water bottle and sunscreen. If you have an ebike, it must be a Class 1 e-bike to participate in this program.

Please note: Classes were postponed one week from what was printed in the catalog. Curious about flying or buying a drone (also called a UAS, or Unmanned Aircraft System)? This beginner-friendly, two-session course will get you started. Drones can be fun to fly, whether as a hobby or for commercial purposes like photography or surveying, but they come with responsibilities. The first online session introduces drone types, safety rules, regulations, and tips for choosing your first drone. Please join this session on a laptop or computer, as we’ll take the online test together to obtain your hobbyist license, which will allow you to pilot a drone during the outdoor in-person session. Get ready to see the world from a whole new angle!

Visit the Massachusetts State House for a tour with Arlington’s own State Representative, Sean Garballey. This guided tour is a walk through history, not just of the building but of the Commonwealth itself. Established by an act of the legislature in 1969, the State House Tours Division now guides approximately 90,000 visitors annually through the halls of the state’s capitol building. Experience democracy in action at this landmark full of significance to both our state and our country. Children ages 8+ are welcome to register if accompanied by a registered adult. Proceeds from this class go toward the ACE Scholarship Fund to help make our classes accessible to all Arlington residents.

“I think that I shall never see/ A poem lovely as a tree.” The trees of New England are both beautiful and an essential part of our landscape. This course will introduce you to about 12 common trees of New England, emphasizing tree ID as well as natural history. Directions to our meeting place will be sent after registration. Children ages 10 and up are welcome to register if accompanied by a registered adult.

Embark on a fun foodie adventure through Somerville’s bustling Union Square, a vibrant neighborhood bursting with culture, historical significance, and a dynamic food scene. History abounds in this place where George Washington raised the first American flag in 1776. The birthplace of Marshmallow Fluff and home to the iconic “What the Fluff” Festival, quirky Union Square celebrates its diversity with many community events and creative new food concepts. We’ll spend the afternoon sampling a variety of mouthwatering dishes, including Boston’s best quesadilla, Indian street food, yummy Peruvian classics, and inventive small-batch ice cream. All ages are welcome.