ABOUT US

Statement of Purpose
The Hitchcock Center for the Environment's mission is to foster a greater awareness and understanding of our natural world and to develop environmentally literate citizens.  We offer natural history programs for people of all ages and backgrounds. We are committed to excellence in science education and work extensively in school systems throughout western Massachusetts training educators to be more effective science teachers.

A Brief History
Ethel Dubois founded the Long Plains Nature Center in 1962 to provide urban youth the opportunity to experience the natural world and to develop a sense of wonder about it.  Located on Ms. Dubois' farm in Leverett, Massachusetts, the Center offered nature programs and summer camps.  In 1971 the Hitchcock Center was incorporated as a nonprofit organization dedicated to the exploration of science and nature. In 1975, it moved to its current location on the Larch Hill Conservation Area in Amherst, Massachusetts.  The Hitchcock Center has emerged as one of the leading science and environmental education organizations in western Massachusetts.

Staff

The Hitchcock Center has a dedicated professional staff who do everything from running the day to day business to lecturing, teaching, and programming.   In addition to individual projects, staff members collaborate with local experts, professionals, and volunteers to bring a wide variety of activities to the public. Click here to learn more about our Education Staff.

Center Staff:

Julie Johnson, Executive Director	(juliej@hitchcockcenter.org)
Casey Beebe, Community Programs Coordinator	(casey@hitchcockcenter.org)
Jill Cashman, Bookkeeper	(jill@hitchcockcenter.org)
Susan Heitker, Center Coordinator	(susan@hitchcockcenter.org)
Colleen Kelley, Educator/Naturalist
Micky McKinley, Resource Center Coordinator,         Educator/Naturalist	(micky@hitchcockcenter.org)
Rebecca Reid, Staff Photographer
Helen Ann Sephton, Educator/Naturalist
Ted Watt, Educator/Naturalist	(ted@hitchcockcenter.org)

Education Consultant:
Patty O'Donnell

Board of Directors
Executive Committee:
Penny Beebe, President
Judith Espinola, Vice President
Jan Albano, Treasurer
Dottie Barnes, Clerk

Board Members:
Jaana Cutson, Michael Dover, Janice Gifford, Charles Haight, Bill Hart, Aaron Hayden, Martha Hoopes, John Kowaleski, Liz Lacy, Dennis McKenna, Mark Protti, Ann Romberger, Sonya Sofield, Dano Weisbord, Pete Westover.

Ex Officio Board Members:
Eleanor Manire-Gatti (Amherst Conservation Commission Liaison), Julie Johnson.

Advisory Board:
Joanna Brown, Dr. Don Kroodsma, Dr. Lynn Margulis, Gregory Prince, Sen. Stan Rosenberg, Lauret Savoy, Rep. Ellen Story, Mary Taft.