Salamander Tunnels Information Session
2023-03-06 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York)
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.

Third Saturday Science
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
2023-04-08 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

Second Saturday Family Science
2024-03-09 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, 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.
March 9: The Great Thaw
As our winter world enters the month of March, a great thaw begins to happen all around us. As springtime approaches we will learn about the changes happening below and above ground as temperatures start to warm up.

Second Saturday Family Science
2024-04-13 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, 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.
April 13: Vernal Pools
Also called “ephemeral pools,” these spring habitats are teeming with life, and only around for part of the year! Together we’ll explore the importance of vernal pools and search for springtime creatures!

Amherst Sustainability Festival
2024-04-20 10:00 - 16:00
PLEASE JOIN US ONCE AGAIN FOR THE 12TH ANNUAL SUSTAINABILITY FESTIVAL!
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024
10 AM – 4 PM
TOWN COMMON

Flora & Faunathon 2024
2024-04-27 - 2024-04-28
Whether you live in the woods or in the city, nature is all around us! Join us Arpil 27-28 getting outdoors to notice the wonders 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! This year we are focusing on protecting native wildlife, pollinators, and endangered species.

Second Saturday Family Science
2024-05-11 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
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 11: 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!

Second Saturday Family Science
2024-09-14 10:00 - 11:00
Second Saturday Family Science
with Lauren Dausch
Ages 5 – 7 or Grades K – 1
Saturdays, 10 – 11 AM
September 14, October 12, November 9, December 14
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.
September 14: Strengthen Your Senses (Outside)
Do you sometimes feel like the natural world is too separate from the constructed human world? Join us as we utilize our senses to foster a more full-bodied connection with the nature around us!

Monarch Tagging (All Ages)
2024-09-14 11:30 - 13:00
with Jennifer Unkles
All ages
Saturday, September 14, 11:30 AM – 1 PM
Suggested Donation: $5 – $30 per family
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. Author Naila Moreira will be a special guest sharing about her new middle grade novel, The Monarchs of Winghaven.

Monarch Tagging (3+) 1/2
2024-09-19 16:00 - 17:30
With Jennifer Unkles
Ages 3+
Thursday, September 19, 4:00 – 5:30 PM or Monday, September 23, 4:00 – 5:30 PM
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 (MonarchWatch.org).

Monarch Tagging (3+) 2/2
2024-09-23 16:00 - 17:30
