Hitchcock Center for the Environment

Second Saturday Family Science
2022-11-12 10:00 - 11:00, 2022-12-10 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
Ages 5–7 or Grades K–1
Saturdays, 10–11am
September 10, October 8, November 12, December 10
Suggested Donation: $5–$30 per family
Join us for seasonal nature and science programs each second Saturday of the month. Designed for children (ages 5–7) with their parents, these programs will explore cool topics in nature.
September 10 – Pond Life (Outside)
October 8 – Night Animals (Outside)
November 12 – Fall Colors (Outside)
December 10 – Reptiles In Winter (Inside)

Saturdays with the Animals
2022-11-19 10:00 - 11:00, 2022-12-17 10:00 - 11:00
with Monya Relles
Ages 5–7 or Grades K–1
Saturdays, 10–11am
Third Saturdays
Suggested Donation: $5–$30 per family
Join us for a series of four classes focusing on the Hitchcock Center teaching animals. Designed for children (ages 5–7) with their parents, these programs will include some time with one of the Hitchcock Center teaching animals and a craft.
September 17 – Cob
October 15 – Ivy and Terra
November 19 – Isopods
December 17 – Cockroaches

Closed - Thanksgiving
2022-11-24
The Hitchcock Center is closed on Thanksgiving

Christmas Bird Count for Kids and Families
2022-12-18 01:00 - 15:00 | Hitchcock Center for the Environment, 845 West Street, Amherst, MA, 01002
Christmas Bird Count for Kids and Families
Sponsored by Hampshire Bird Club
Sunday, December 18
All ages, especially kids ages 3-12 with their families
1 – 3pm
Free, registration appreciated
Do you want to learn more about birds? Would you like to contribute to science? Join birdwatchers all over America in the Christmas Bird Count (CBC)!
The CBC is a 122-year old event in which bird lovers of all ages and skill levels count all the birds they see in a 24-hour period in December. At this program, there will be something for everyone. We’ll meet at the Hitchcock Center for an indoor program about how to recognize common birds and a story about the history of the Christmas Bird Count. Afterwards, families who are interested may participate in an outdoor bird count, with ID help by Hampshire Bird Club members at the Hitchcock Center bird feeders and beyond. We’ll count every bird we see! Younger participants may decorate “eye focusers” and hit the trails for a self-guided bird scavenger hunt (with paper birds!). Stay as long as you wish. Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to a real bird census!
This event is rain, slow, sleet or shine. Families may stay and count birds for as much time as they wish but we recommend that you arrive on time for the indoor portion in order to get introduced to the common winter species we are likely to see. Binoculars are welcome but not required.

Second Saturday Family Science
2023-01-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Hitchcock Center for the Environment, 845 West Street, Amherst, MA, 01002
with Emily Schuttenberg
Ages 5–7 or Grades K–1
Second Saturdays, 10–11am
Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 11, April 8, May 13, June 10
Suggested Donation: $5–$30 per family
Join us for seasonal nature and science programs each second Saturday of the month. Designed for children (ages 5–7) with their parents, these programs will explore cool topics in nature. We will be learning while moving, often exploring the woods behind our building.
January 14: Winter Wonderland
Come explore the shimmery, sparkly, silvery world of snow and ice! In our journey through a Winter Wonderland, we’ll discover properties of frozen water, investigating the shapes, sizes, and colors of snowflakes and icicles.

Third Saturday Science
2023-01-21 10:00 - 11:00, 2023-03-18 10:00 - 11:00 | Hitchcock Center for the Environment, 845 West Street, Amherst, MA, 01002
With Monya Relles
Ages 5–7 or Grades K–1
Third saturdays, 10–11am
Suggested Donation: $5–$30 per family
Come meet one of the Hitchcock Center’s animal ambassadors. Designed for children (ages 5–7) with their parents, these programs will include some time with one of the Hitchcock Center teaching animals and a craft.
January 21 – Snails
March 18 – Frogs
May 20 – Sticks

Second Saturday Family Science
2023-02-11 10:00 - 11:00 | Hitchcock Center for the Environment, 845 West Street, Amherst, MA, 01002
with Emily Schuttenberg
Ages 5–7 or Grades K–1
Second Saturdays, 10–11am
Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 11, April 8, May 13, June 10
Suggested Donation: $5–$30 per family
Join us for seasonal nature and science programs each second Saturday of the month. Designed for children (ages 5–7) with their parents, these programs will explore cool topics in nature. We will be learning while moving, often exploring the woods behind our building.
February 11: Tracks and Traces
While we’re bundled up inside there is still a lot going on outside in Winter! We know this because the animals leave us clues! What tales can animals tell us by looking at what they leave behind?

Salamander Tunnels Information Session
2023-03-06 18:00 - 19:00
Henry Street Salamander Tunnels
Big Night Volunteer Information and Training Session
Monday, March 6, 6pm – 7pm, free to attend
It is getting close to the time of year again for Big Night – the annual salamander migration from their year-round forest territories to their breeding pool at Henry Street in North Amherst. We will have a short presentation on the yellow spotted salamander, and the history of the salamander tunnels. These are the first amphibian migration tunnels installed in North America in 1987. Join us to help prepare for the excitement of big Night and assisting the Henry Street yellow spotted salamanders on their journey – the first rainy night of spring when temperature remain above 40 degrees.
REGISTER HERE

Second Saturday Family Science
2023-03-11 10:00 - 11:00 | Hitchcock Center for the Environment, 845 West Street, Amherst, MA, 01002
with Emily Schuttenberg
Ages 5–7 or Grades K–1
Second Saturdays, 10–11am
Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 11, April 8, May 13, June 10
Suggested Donation: $5–$30 per family
Join us for seasonal nature and science programs each second Saturday of the month. Designed for children (ages 5–7) with their parents, these programs will explore cool topics in nature. We will be learning while moving, often exploring the woods behind our building.
March 11: Plants in Winter
Some plants die in the Winter, others retreat unseen below the ground, still others seem completely unchanged. Learn about the adaptations of different plants in Winter time and investigate some evergreens in an attempt to understand their survival strategies.

Second Saturday Family Science
2023-04-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Hitchcock Center for the Environment, 845 West Street, Amherst, MA, 01002
with Emily Schuttenberg
Ages 5–7 or Grades K–1
Second Saturdays, 10–11am
Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 11, April 8, May 13, June 10
Suggested Donation: $5–$30 per family
Join us for seasonal nature and science programs each second Saturday of the month. Designed for children (ages 5–7) with their parents, these programs will explore cool topics in nature. We will be learning while moving, often exploring the woods behind our building.
April 8: Vernal Pools
Also called “ephemeral pools” these Spring habitats are teeming with life and only around for part of the year! As the world thaws, come explore the life of these unique and beautiful places.

Flora and Faunathon Weekend
2023-05-06 00:00 - 2023-05-07 14:00
Whether you live in the woods or in the city, nature is all around us! Join us on May 6 and 7 by getting outdoors and get outside to notice the wonder of spring; identify as many plants and animals as you can; share what you find, and raise money to support education for a healthy planet!

Flora and Faunathon Celebration
2023-05-07 14:00 - 16:00
Whether you live in the woods or in the city, nature is all around us! Join us on May 6 and 7 by getting outdoors and get outside to notice the wonder of spring; identify as many plants and animals as you can; share what you find, and raise money to support education for a healthy planet! Come celebrate with us and see what we’ve all found on Sunday, May 7, 2-4pm. Prizes will be awarded for most interesting finds, most items found, best nature drawing, and more!

Second Saturday Family Science
2023-05-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Hitchcock Center for the Environment, 845 West Street, Amherst, MA, 01002
with Emily Schuttenberg
Ages 5–7 or Grades K–1
Second Saturdays, 10–11am
Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 11, April 8, May 13, June 10
Suggested Donation: $5–$30 per family
Join us for seasonal nature and science programs each second Saturday of the month. Designed for children (ages 5–7) with their parents, these programs will explore cool topics in nature. We will be learning while moving, often exploring the woods behind our building.
May 13: Pollinators
Everything around us is beautiful and blooming! Come learn about the animals who make the incredible colors and delicious scents (and, of course, the fruits and vegetables we eat) possible!

Third Saturday Science
2023-05-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Hitchcock Center for the Environment, 845 West Street, Amherst, MA, 01002
Third Saturdays Every Month
With Monya Relles
Ages 5–7 or Grades K–1
Third saturdays, 10–11am
Suggested Donation: $5–$30 per family
Come meet one of the Hitchcock Center’s animal ambassadors. Designed for children (ages 5–7) with their parents, these programs will include some time with one of the Hitchcock Center teaching animals and a craft.
January 21 – Snails
March 18 – Frogs
May 20 – Sticks

Second Saturday Family Science
2023-06-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Hitchcock Center for the Environment, 845 West Street, Amherst, MA, 01002
with Emily Schuttenberg
Ages 5–7 or Grades K–1
Second Saturdays, 10–11am
Jan. 14, Feb. 11, March 11, April 8, May 13, June 10
Suggested Donation: $5–$30 per family
Join us for seasonal nature and science programs each second Saturday of the month. Designed for children (ages 5–7) with their parents, these programs will explore cool topics in nature. We will be learning while moving, often exploring the woods behind our building.
June 10: Poisonous or Venomous
What’s the difference between poisonous and venomous? Where do these toxins come from? How do plants and animals use their toxins? In this Saturday Science we will explore the answers to these questions with hands-on activities, games, and nature exploration.

Second Saturday Family Science
2023-09-09 10:00 - 11:00
Second Saturday Family Science
with Lauren Dausch
Ages 5–7 or Grades K–1
Second Saturdays of the month, 10–11am
September 9, October 14, November 11, December 9
Suggested Donation: $10–$30 per family
Join us for seasonal nature and science programs each second Saturday of the month. Designed for children (ages 5–7) with their parents, these programs will explore cool topics in nature. We will be learning while moving, often exploring the woods behind our building.
September 9: Using Your Senses (Outside)
Come join us and learn how you can use your senses to connect more deeply with the natural world around you!

Drop in Monarch Tagging
2023-09-16 15:00 - 16:00
With Jennifer Unkles
All ages
Saturday, September 16, 3-4pm
Suggested Donation: $10–$30 per person

Drop in any time to see how monarch butterflies are tagged and ask questions about this amazing creature and their hope filled cycle of survival.

Monarch Tagging Class
2023-09-21 16:00 - 17:30, 2023-09-26 16:00 - 17:30
With Jennifer Unkles
Ages 3+
Thursday, September 21, 4-5:30pm
Tuesday, September 26, 4-5:30pm
Suggested Donation: $10–$30 per person
Limited to 15 participants
The monarch butterflies are back and their cycle continues! Come for a small group class to see them up close, learn about their fascinating life cycle, tag and release pre-caught butterflies and then take a hike to look for others. Nets and supplies will be provided. We often find other insects on these walks. Data collected will be added for scientific research through the Monarch Watch Community Science Project.

Second Saturday Family Science
2023-10-14 10:00 - 11:00
with Lauren Dausch
Ages 5–7 or Grades K–1
Second Saturdays of the month, 10–11am
September 9, October 14, November 11, December 9
Suggested Donation: $10–$30 per family
Join us for seasonal nature and science programs each second Saturday of the month. Designed for children (ages 5–7) with their parents, these programs will explore cool topics in nature. We will be learning while moving, often exploring the woods behind our building.
October 14: Changing Leaves (Outside)
Why do leaves change colors in autumn? And why do they fall off? Join us for an exploration about the life of leaves!

Saturdays with the Animals
2023-10-14 13:00 - 14:00
Suggested ages 5-7
Special time: 1pm to 2
Suggested Donation: $10-$30 per family
Come meet one of the Hitchcock Center’s animal ambassadors. Designed for children (ages 5–7) with their parents, these programs will include some time with one of the Hitchcock Center teaching animals and a craft.
October 14: Cob the corn snake

Second Saturday Family Science
2023-11-11 10:00 - 11:00
with Lauren Dausch
Ages 5–7 or Grades K–1
Second Saturdays of the month, 10–11am
September 9, October 14, November 11, December 9
Suggested Donation: $10–$30 per family
Join us for seasonal nature and science programs each second Saturday of the month. Designed for children (ages 5–7) with their parents, these programs will explore cool topics in nature. We will be learning while moving, often exploring the woods behind our building.
November 11: Birds in Fall (Outside)
Birds do big things in fall! Come learn with us as we discover the different ways that birds care for themselves as the weather cools down.

Saturdays with the Animals
2023-11-11 13:00 - 14:00
Suggested ages 5-7
Special time: 1pm to 2
Suggested Donation: $10-$30 per family
Come meet one of the Hitchcock Center’s animal ambassadors. Designed for children (ages 5–7) with their parents, these programs will include some time with one of the Hitchcock Center teaching animals and a craft.
November 11: Ivy and Terra the box turtles

Second Saturday Family Science
2023-12-09 10:00 - 11:00
with Lauren Dausch
Ages 5–7 or Grades K–1
Second Saturdays of the month, 10–11am
September 9, October 14, November 11, December 9
Suggested Donation: $10–$30 per family
Join us for seasonal nature and science programs each second Saturday of the month. Designed for children (ages 5–7) with their parents, these programs will explore cool topics in nature. We will be learning while moving, often exploring the woods behind our building.
December 9: Signs of Animals in Winter (Inside/outside)
The winter season is abundant with life even when it doesn’t seem so. Come join us as we learn how to recognize signs of animals in winter, and discover the unique features of the season!

Saturday Family Science for Amherst Winterfest
2024-01-27 10:00 - 11:00
Second Saturday Family Science
with Lauren Dausch
Ages 5–7 or Grades K–1
Saturdays, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Jan. 13, Jan 27, Feb. 10, March 9, April 13, May 11
Suggested Donation: $5 – $30 per family
Join us for seasonal nature and science programs each second Saturday of the month. Designed for children (ages 5–7) with their parents, these programs will explore cool topics in nature. We will be learning while moving, often exploring the woods behind our building.
January 27: Winter Wonderland
(An Amherst Winterfest kick-off event) Come explore the shimmery, sparkly, silvery world of snow and ice! In our journey through a Winter Wonderland, we’ll discover properties of frozen water, investigating the shapes, sizes, and colors of snowflakes and icicles!

Second Saturday Family Science
2024-02-10 10:00 - 11:00
Second Saturday Family Science
with Lauren Dausch
Ages 5–7 or Grades K–1
Saturdays, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Jan. 13, Jan 27, Feb. 10, March 9, April 13, May 11
Suggested Donation: $5 – $30 per family
Join us for seasonal nature and science programs each second Saturday of the month. Designed for children (ages 5–7) with their parents, these programs will explore cool topics in nature. We will be learning while moving, often exploring the woods behind our building.
February 10: Tracks and Traces
While we’re bundled up inside there is still a lot going on outside in winter! We know this because the animals leave us clues! What tales can animals tell us by what they leave behind? Are signs of animals only evident in snowy tracks? Join us as we search for clues and learn about our local winter creatures!

Big Migration AKA "Big Night" Volunteer Info & Training
2024-02-28 18:00 - 19:00
Big Migration – “Big Night” Volunteer Information and Training Session
Wednesday, February 28, 6pm – 7pm
It is getting close to the time of year again for Big Migration! On the first rainy, warm nights of spring, thousands of spotted salamanders, wood frogs, spring peepers, and other amphibians travel to vernal pools and other wetlands to breed. This migration is known as “Big Night” — though it rarely occurs on just one evening. Most years, “Big Night” is actually one or two Big Nights, a few Medium-Sized Nights, and a Small Night here or there, which can take place anytime from mid-March to early May. In Amherst, this happens on Henry Street, where amphibians make their annual journey from their forest territories to their breeding pools at Henry Street in North Amherst.
We will have a short presentation on the yellow-spotted salamander, and the history of the salamander tunnels. We all also discuss how volunteers can help this year, by gathering data and being ambassadors for others who come to the tunnels, to share how to safely participate in this once-a-year event.
Join us to help prepare for the excitement of the Big Migration and assist the Henry Street amphibians on their journey – generally, the first rainy night( or nights) of spring when temperatures remain above 40 degrees.
Sign up for our training session on February 28 and to get migration updates through Spring!
BIG MIGRATION EMAIL LIST
