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We are very thankful for the many volunteers and donations that make it possible to keep admission and parking to the BIG MOE FREE!

 Click here to view the Weatherby International Wildlife Promo 

An Educated Public is Nature's Best Defense!

A Brief History:

The Massachusetts Outdoor Expo, fondly referred to as The Big M.O.E., started out with a group of sportsmen and women who wanted to create an opportunity for kids of all ages to learn more about outdoor skills, wildlife and conservation. They approached the Hamilton Rod and Gun Club in Sturbridge to host the Mass. Outdoor Expo, due to its central location, facilities and the connections the group had to the club. An annual event was born! 

A couple years later, members of the Mass. Outdoor Expo group approached FAWNS, (Facts About Wildlife & Nature Society) a non-profit group founded in 1998 to promote the connection of people to the outdoors. FAWNS was interested in promoting educational experiences focusing on the outdoors. A "natural" connection between the Expo group and FAWNS was obvious.  A partnership was formed and FAWNS became the organizing entity supporting the Big MOE. 

Now in it's 17th year (2013) the Massachusetts Outdoor Expo continues to operate as a free family event. Its key function is to offer a first, safe, step into the outdoors guided by the Certified Instructors who oversee the hands-on activity stations.

The BIG MOE then goes on to provide our participants with the tools to learn about and connect with the many education programs, sporting clubs, and other community pathways to learning more about outdoor activities.  

Comments from past year's Big Moe participants!　

I look forward to this event every year—Veteran (4 years) participant from Norwood, MA 

Even though it was raining, we had a great time. We’re glad we came, despite the weather!—Family from Orange, MA 

We’re a church youth group from Rhode Island and we’re going to make sure we let other youth groups know about this event for next fall! --- Youth Group Leader from Johnson, RI 

We’ve been coming to this event for five years. – Family from Palmer MA 

Our favorite activities were building bird boxes, taxidermy station and the birds of prey station – Participants from Putnam, CT 

We were very happy today, no changes needed! -- Family from Southborough, MA 

We’re coming again next year! Group from Sutton, MA 

We heard about this event from our club’s website, this was our first year and it was great! –Sportsmens club member from Charlton 

WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING ALL OF YOU AGAIN !    THANKS FOR JOINING US!

FAWNS, PO Box 674 Holden, MA 01520

Gary Zima, Ludlow, MA 413-589-8900 or 508-389-6300

Ralph Gajewski, Sturbridge, MA 508-347-7751

Peter Mirick, West Boylston, MA 508-835-2386