2025 Alumni Reunion – The Past, Present, and Future of Manomet
When: Friday, October 10 – Sunday, October 12
Where: Manomet Conservation Sciences, 125 Manomet Point Road, Plymouth, MA 02360
Join us for a special alumni reunion that celebrates where we’ve been, where Manomet is today, and where we’re headed. Over the course of an inspiring weekend, we’ll reflect on the legacy we’ve built together, explore the impact of our current work, and look ahead to an exciting future. Through field trips, presentations, and shared memories, this gathering is a chance to reconnect with friends, rediscover your connection to Manomet’s mission, and help shape what comes next.
Need hotel accommodations? Click here.
Schedule of Events:
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Alumni Welcome Luncheon
Join us as we officially kick off the reunion weekend with a casual and welcoming luncheon designed to reconnect old friends, spark new conversations, and celebrate our alumni community. Enjoy a meal with fellow alumni, current staff, and special guests while reminiscing, sharing stories, and catching up on where life has taken everyone since your time here.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Alumni Migration Mingle Reconnect in flight!
In this fast-paced, fun icebreaker, alumni will rotate through a series of quick, one-on-one conversations—sharing stories, swapping memories, and discovering surprising connections along the way. Whether you crossed paths back in the day or just missed each other’s migration window, this is your chance to meet fellow alums from across the years. No pressure, just a flock of friendly faces and five minutes of fun at a time!
2:15 PM – 3:00 PM From Bands to Big Picture: How Bird Banding is Evolving
Join our expert banding team for an inside look at the current work of the banding lab—what’s happening now, what’s changed, and what we’re learning from decades of careful, hands-on data collection.
We’ll explore how banding standards and protocols have evolved over the years in response to both scientific advancements and ethical considerations for bird safety and conservation. You’ll hear updates on our latest fieldwork, how technology is complementing traditional methods, and the meaningful stories emerging from long-term data—migration shifts, population trends, and more.
3:00 PM – 3:45 PM Living the Mission Today
Get the latest updates directly from Manomet’s passionate staff and partners about the groundbreaking work underway! Hear from our education team as they ignite the next generation of conservation champions—and explore the exciting new chapter in science education as The Wade Institute for Science Education joins forces with Manomet, opening doors to incredible opportunities.
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Honoring Yesterday, Sharing Today
Get ready for brief 2-3 minute stories, cherished memories, and career highlights from our alumni—each inspired by their time at Manomet. From unforgettable field moments to life-changing discoveries, these quick talks celebrate the lasting impact of our shared Manomet journey. Join us to reconnect, be inspired, and discover how Manomet continues to shape lives.
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Alumni Night Out
Join us for a relaxed Alumni Night Out at the brewery! Catch up with old friends, make new connections, and enjoy great drinks in a casual, fun atmosphere. Perfect for mingling and sharing stories—cheers to good times and lasting friendships!
7:00 AM – 10:30 AM Getting the Band(ers) Back Together: Live Bird Banding, Manomet Campus Bird Walks, and The Big Sit on the Bluff
Return to where it all began for a special morning at the Trevor Lloyd-Evans Banding Lab where you will reconnect with the rhythms of migration, the excitement of scientific discovery, and the place where your journey first took flight. Meet the passionate banders carrying the work forward today, observe bird banding in action, and reflect on how both the science—and our shared legacy—have grown and evolved over the years.
Join us for The Big Sit on the bluff with breathtaking views of Cape Cod Bay. You will also discover the incredible biodiversity of Manomet’s campus alongside past and present staff as we explore coastal meadows, forests, wetlands, and former cranberry bogs—vital habitats that support a rich variety of bird species and abundant wildlife.
You will experience firsthand how Manomet not only provides a vital refuge for this rich biodiversity but also serves as a dynamic center for impactful environmental stewardship and conservation action.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Manomet Memory Quest: Alumni Scavenger Hunt
A relaxed, self-paced scavenger hunt designed to spark connection, laughter, and shared memories. Grab your prompt card and complete the list by chatting with others. Sample questions: Find someone who traveled the farthest to get here, find the person who worked here the longest, share a Manomet memory with someone you just met, find someone who is wearing vintage Manomet gear, etc.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Lunch and Archives & Memorabilia Exhibit
Bring your favorite photos, memorabilia, or gear from days gone by! Enjoy lunch under the tent while exploring a special exhibit table, reconnecting through the stories and memories shaped by your time at Manomet.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Legacy Talks: Alumni Spotlight Series
Join us for Legacy Talks, a dynamic panel featuring former Manomet alumni as they share impactful stories and cherished memories from their time at Manomet. These engaging spotlights celebrate the enduring influence of their experiences, illustrating how Manomet continues to inspire and shape their personal and professional journeys.
Through heartfelt reflections and lively conversation, attendees will gain insight into the lasting legacy of Manomet’s community and its role in fostering a lifelong passion for conservation and science.
2:15 PM – 3:00 PM The Future of Shorebirds
Join us for an update on Manomet’s Shorebird Campaign. Hear from our dedicated team about the latest research, conservation successes, and ongoing efforts to protect these incredible coastal travelers. Learn how you can get involved and help safeguard shorebird habitats for generations to come.
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Rest Break
5:00 PM Alumni Group Photo
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Alumni Dinner with Keynote Address by David Allen Sibley Celebrating the Legacy of Observation, Discovery and Art
We are honored to welcome renowned ornithologist, illustrator, and author David Allen Sibley as our alumni keynote speaker. A longtime friend and Manomet alum, Sibley has dedicated his career to deepening our understanding of the natural world through the art of careful observation, scientific inquiry, and visual storytelling.
In this special keynote, Sibley will reflect on Manomet’s role in shaping generations of scientists, artists, naturalists, and conservationists. Drawing from his own journey and a lifetime in the field, he will explore the enduring value of curiosity, fieldwork, and the power of paying close attention to the world around us.
As part of the evening, we also invite you to browse a special display of artwork created by Manomet alumni—highlighting how creativity and science continue to intersect across our vibrant community.
Join us for an inspiring conversation and celebration of Manomet’s legacy—where art, science, and conservation come together to shape the future.
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM Nelson Field, Plymouth Bird Walk
Join Manomet staff for a bird walk along the beautiful Nelson Field and Beach in Plymouth! This walk offers a perfect chance to connect with nature and re-discover the wonders of birdlife by the sea. OR Ellisville Harbor State Park Bird Walk Join Manomet staff for a bird walk at Ellisville Harbor State Park! This immersive walk-through Ellisville Marsh will guide you across tidal flats, a barrier beach, and a scenic coastal inlet—each teeming with life and offering a unique glimpse into the world of shorebirds.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM The Future of Manomet
Step behind the scenes for an exclusive tour of our current facilities—and get a sneak peek at the exciting future! Discover the plans for our brand-new building and state-of-the-art bird banding lab! This is a rare chance to see where science meets innovation and to learn how these new spaces will empower the next generation of bird banders and researchers. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the journey shaping our future!
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Alumni Impact Lunch: Mapping Manomet’s Reach
Enjoy lunch under the tent with fellow alumni, then join us at the map to mark the places you’ve lived, worked, or made an impact since your time at Manomet. Celebrate the wide-reaching influence of Manomet and discover the incredible journeys of your fellow alumni.
1:00 PM – 1:15 PM Farewell & Forward Together
As we thank our alumni for their continued support, we celebrate the connections that make our community strong. Together, we’ll look ahead to the future and invite you to stay engaged and help us continue shaping the next chapter of Manomet’s impact.
Hotel Accommodations – Special Alumni Rate
We’re excited to partner with Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor on the Downtown Plymouth Waterfront to offer a special room block for our Alumni Reunion guests! Enjoy the convenience of staying close to all the weekend’s events while taking in the charm and beauty of Plymouth Harbor. We encourage you to book early, as rooms are limited and area accommodations fill up quickly in the fall!
Special Alumni Rate Details:
- Available for stays during the Alumni Reunion weekend
- Discounted rate available until September 10 (30 days before the reunion)
- After this date, the special rate and room availability are no longer guaranteed
To reserve your room:
- Online reservations may be made at www.hotel1620.com and enter the promo code MAR205 at checkout to unlock the Alumni rate.
Questions?
We look forward to seeing you! Feel free to contact Amy Suveg at asuveg@manomet.org with any questions.
Take a trip down memory lane…
(Photo: Manomet Archives)