Hitchcock Center for the Environment

Nature Play Afterschool
2019-09-18 15:30 - 17:30, 2019-09-25 13:30 - 17:30, 2019-10-02 15:30 - 17:30, 2019-10-09 15:30 - 17:30 (America/New_York)
Fall is here, and school has started, and your kids still want to be outside! Hitchcock’s Nature Play Afterschool Program is designed to let kids be kids. Together we will run, jump, climb, invent, imagine, play and be a free-range kids all while developing self-confidence and learning valuable social skills. During Fall Nature Play we will explore wooded trails and fields, play in and near streams, build forts, climb trees, make new discoveries about ourselves and the world around us and use our imaginations. Our instructors provide a safe setting for children to explore nature and encourages children to stretch their limits as they balance on logs, hold salamanders, or co-create new games with their peers. Limited to 10 participants. Non-refundable within a week of the program, all refunds incur a 10% administrative fee.
Ages 6-9, Grades 1-3
With Jeff Mazur
Wednesday Sessions, 3:30-5:30pm: September 11 – December 18 (no class November 27)
Extended days, 1:30-5:30pm: September 25, October 23, December 11
Members: $390/Non-members: $468

Women of Cancer Alley in Film & Conversation
2019-09-18 19:00 - 20:30
In anticipation of the global climate strike on Friday, September 20th, we welcome The Women of Cancer Alley, a first-ever collection of films made by women who live adjacent to chemical plants, tank farms and refineries along the Mississippi River in south Louisiana.

Seven two-minute films depict the lives, concerns and activism of eight women working to stop the country’s planned build out of plastics plants, including a proposed Formosa complex of 14 facilities that will produce single use plastics and an estimated 26 million tons of greenhouse gases in the already-burdened St. James Parish. The nearby community in St. John Parish has the highest cancer risk in the nation because of unregulated emissions from Denka’s neoprene plant. These communities are ground zero to halt what would be an enormous climate, sustainability and environmental disaster — industry plans to expand by 35% over the next 6 years! Come talk with two of the grassroots leaders mobilizing to keep families from the harm of additional toxic emissions, while protecting the global climate from more greenhouse gases.
This program will feature the film shorts as well as a discussion with Anne Rolfes Director of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade and Sharon Lavigne Founder & Director of RISE St. James. You can read more about this here and here.
Women of Cancer Alley Film & Conversation: Short Films by Women Living Alongside the Petrochemical Industry & Conversation with Frontline Activists from Louisiana
Wednesday, September 18, 7:00-8pm,
Reception and conversation with presenters 8-8:30pm, light refreshments
Free, donations requested
Register here

Girls into the Wild
2019-09-19 15:30 - 17:30, 2019-09-26 15:30 - 17:30, 2019-10-03 15:30 - 17:30, 2019-10-10 15:30 - 17:30
Sometimes you just need to run, explore and play outdoors! That’s what we do at Girls into the Wild, and lots more. Girls into the Wild is designed to get girls outside, playing and engaging with nature in their own way. Instructor Katie Koerten offers games and activities that each girl can participate in at her own comfort level, from climbing trees, to playing camouflage in the forest, to running and whooping wildly through fields – all while noticing the birds that are singing, the flowers that are blooming and the animals that are leaving tracks behind. Come build your confidence and show your wild side! Families provide their own transportation to the Hitchcock Center. Limited to 10 participants. Non-refundable within a week of the program, all refunds incur a 10% administrative fee.
Ages 8-11, Grades 3-5
With Katie Koerten
Thursdays, 3:30-5:30pm
September 12 – December 19 (no program October 31 or November 28)
Members: $355/Non-members: $426

Monarch Tagging
2019-09-19 16:00 - 18:00, 2019-09-22 14:00 - 16:00
Help with this ongoing citizen science project and get up close and personal with Monarch butterflies. The last 2 years have been good for Monarchs! Fun for all ages.
with Jennifer Unkles, Monarch tagger since 1997
Thursday, September 19, 4-6pm
Sunday, September 22, 2-4pm (May go offsite)
Registration appreciated

Nature Discovery Preschool: From Here To There: How Things Move in Nature
2019-09-20 09:30 - 11:30, 2019-09-27 09:30 - 11:30
Welcome back to a fun fall with Colleen. Children and their adult companion will discover all the wonderful ways that nature’s creatures get around- flying, hopping, slithering, and swimming. We will observe how birds and insects fly, how fish swim, animals hop, seeds move and lots more. This program encourages learning through movement, singing, crafts, games, stories and great adventure! Limited to 12 families per session. Non-refundable within a week of the program, all refunds incur a 10% administrative fee.
Ages 3-5 (Adult required to attend with child)
With Colleen Kelley
Friday morning sessions: 9:30-11:30am
September 20, 27, October 11, 18, 25, November 1, 15, 22, December 6, 13
(No class October 4, November 8, 29)
Members: $220 / Non-members: $264

Nature Discovery Preschool: From Here To There: How Things Move in Nature
2019-09-20 13:00 - 15:00, 2019-09-27 13:00 - 15:00
Welcome back to a fun fall with Colleen. Children and their adult companion will discover all the wonderful ways that nature’s creatures get around- flying, hopping, slithering, and swimming. We will observe how birds and insects fly, how fish swim, animals hop, seeds move and lots more. This program encourages learning through movement, singing, crafts, games, stories and great adventure! Limited to 12 families per session. Non-refundable within a week of the program, all refunds incur a 10% administrative fee.
Ages 3-5 (Adult required to attend with child)
With Colleen Kelley
Friday afternoon sessions:1-3pm
September 20, 27, October 11, 18, 25, November 1, 15, 22, December 6, 13
(No class October 4, November 8, 29)
Members: $220/Non-members: $264

Nature Play Afterschool
2019-09-23 15:30 - 17:30, 2019-09-30 15:30 - 17:30, 2019-10-07 15:30 - 17:30
Fall is here, and school has started, and your kids still want to be outside! Hitchcock’s Nature Play Afterschool Program is designed to let kids be kids. Together we will run, jump, climb, invent, imagine, play and be a free-range kids all while developing self-confidence and learning valuable social skills. During Fall Nature Play we will explore wooded trails and fields, play in and near streams, build forts, climb trees, make new discoveries about ourselves and the world around us and use our imaginations. Our instructors provide a safe setting for children to explore nature and encourages children to stretch their limits as they balance on logs, hold salamanders, or co-create new games with their peers. Limited to 10 participants. Non-refundable within a week of the program, all refunds incur a 10% administrative fee.
Ages 6-9, Grades 1-3
With Aemelia Thompson
Monday Sessions, 3:30-5:30pm: September 9 – December 16 (no class October 14 or November 11)
Members: $300/Non-members $360

Homeschool I: Marvelous Mammals
2019-09-24 10:00 - 14:00, 2019-10-08 10:00 - 14:00
What do porcupines, blue whales and little brown bats have in common? They’re all mammals! And so are we! This fall we’ll be learning all about the world of mammals – which ones live here and what their adaptations are. These furry, warm-blooded creatures are not so different from you and me. What are their lives like, what do they eat, where do they live? What makes them unique from other animals? Each week we’ll focus on a new mammal and its adaptations and natural history. Every day we’ll explore the outdoors, play games, learn new vocabulary words and further the learning at home with optional home projects. Limited to 12 participants. Non-refundable within a week of the program, all refunds incur a 10% administrative fee.
Ages 6-8
With Katie Koerten
Tuesdays, 10-2pm
September 24, October 8, 15, 22, 29, November 12, 19, 26, December 3, 10
No class October 1 or November 5
Members: $450/Non-members: $540

Homeschool II: Our Valley, Our Home
2019-09-24 10:00 - 14:00, 2019-10-08 10:00 - 14:00
How many different types of habitats are in the Pioneer Valley? Join us this fall as we try and find out! From mountain tops, to caves, to rivers and forest – there is some much to learn about. During this series, we will be exploring our valley – discovering different types of habitats, and learning about the plants and animals that live there. Each week we will visit a new place around the Hitchcock Center and beyond, focusing on how that place is a special part of the valley ecosystem. Every day we will explore the outdoors, play games and further learning at home with optional home projects. Limited to 12 participants. Non-refundable within a week of the program, all refunds incur a 10% administrative fee.
Ages 9-12
With Jeff Mazur
Tuesdays, 10am-2pm
September 24, October 8, 15, 22, 29, November 12, 19, 26, December 3, 10
No class October 1 or November 5
Members: $450/Non-members: $540

Fall Birding Class
2019-09-25 18:30 - 20:00, 2019-10-05 07:00 - 12:00
Join Scott Surner in all his favorite fall birding spots. This course will consist of 4 Wednesday evening classes and 10 field trips to exciting spots locally and throughout New England.

Evening Programs
There will be four evening classes this fall. All programs are held on Wednesday evenings at the Hitchcock Center, starting at 6:30pm and generally end around 8pm. Dates: September 25, October 16, October 30, and November 13.
Field Trips
Saturday, September 28, 7pm-12pm
Local Trip-Fall Warblers and other migrants.
Saturday, October 5, 7pm-12pm
Local Trip- Fall Warblers and Sparrows.
Saturday, October 12, Depart at 6am
Milford Point, Connecticut. All Day. Migrating hawks, shorebirds, and many more. Bring lunch.
Saturday, October 19, 7am – 12pm
Local Trip. Sparrows & waterfowl.
Saturday, October 26, 7am – 12pm
Local Trip. Waterfowl.
Saturday, November 2, 6am – 3pm
Berkshire Lakes Trip. Waterfowl.
Saturday, November 9, 7am – 12pm
Local. Quabbin Reservoir.
Saturday, November 16, 7am – 12pm
Local Trip.
Saturday, November 23-24, Cape Cod. Overnight.
We’ll visit areas from Chatham down to Provincetown. Seabirds, Gannets, late Shearwaters, Gulls, sea ducks, and late migrants. If members of the class decide that this trip is too long, we can substitute the Cape Cod trip with a one-day trip to Cape Ann (North Shore). Note that participants will be responsible for their own motel reservations for the overnight trip to the Cape (more information at the beginning of the class).
Local Trips
Local trips will be to birding destinations in Hampshire, Franklin or Hampden Counties. All trips leave from the Hitchcock Center at the designated times (carpooling encouraged) and we make time for coffee and restroom stops.

with Scott Surner
Wednesdays, 6:30-8pm, September 25, October 16, October 30, and November 13
Saturdays, field trip times vary, September 28-November 24
Members $300/Non-members $360
Registration opens HERE August 28 at 9am. Please note, this class typically fills with a wait list.

Fall Birding Class
2019-09-28 07:00 - 12:00
Join Scott Surner in all his favorite fall birding spots. This course will consist of 4 Wednesday evening classes and 10 field trips to exciting spots locally and throughout New England.

Evening Programs
There will be four evening classes this fall. All programs are held on Wednesday evenings at the Hitchcock Center, starting at 6:30pm and generally end around 8pm. Dates: September 25, October 16, October 30, and November 13.
Field Trips
Saturday, September 28, 7am-12pm
Local Trip-Fall Warblers and other migrants.
Saturday, October 5, 7am-12pm
Local Trip- Fall Warblers and Sparrows.
Saturday, October 12, Depart at 6am
Milford Point, Connecticut. All Day. Migrating hawks, shorebirds, and many more. Bring lunch.
Saturday, October 19, 7am – 12pm
Local Trip. Sparrows & waterfowl.
Saturday, October 26, 7am – 12pm
Local Trip. Waterfowl.
Saturday, November 2, 6am – 3pm
Berkshire Lakes Trip. Waterfowl.
Saturday, November 9, 7am – 12pm
Local. Quabbin Reservoir.
Saturday, November 16, 7am – 12pm
Local Trip.
Saturday, November 23-24, Cape Cod. Overnight.
We’ll visit areas from Chatham down to Provincetown. Seabirds, Gannets, late Shearwaters, Gulls, sea ducks, and late migrants. If members of the class decide that this trip is too long, we can substitute the Cape Cod trip with a one-day trip to Cape Ann (North Shore). Note that participants will be responsible for their own motel reservations for the overnight trip to the Cape (more information at the beginning of the class).
Local Trips
Local trips will be to birding destinations in Hampshire, Franklin or Hampden Counties. All trips leave from the Hitchcock Center at the designated times (carpooling encouraged) and we make time for coffee and restroom stops.

with Scott Surner
Wednesdays, 6:30-8pm, September 25, October 16, October 30, and November 13
Saturdays, field trip times vary, September 28-November 24
Members $300/Non-members $360
Registration opens HERE August 28 at 9am. Please note, this class typically fills with a wait list.

Homeschool Discovery Day: Patterns in Nature
2019-10-01 10:00 - 14:00
Do you love science and nature? Do you want to see what the Hitchcock Homeschool program is all about? Sign up for our Discovery Days, our one-time programs about science and nature. In a mixed-age setting, we explore cool topics at the Hitchcock Center, meet science experts, and sometimes go on field trips. Our Discovery Day programs are appropriate for everyone from first time to veteran homeschoolers, and we welcome almost-6 year olds who are interested in joining our class in the spring. This is designed as a drop-off program. Limited to 12 participants per program.
Ages 6-12
with Katie Koerten or Jeff Mazur
Tuesdays, 10am-2pm
September 10, October 1, November 5, December 10
Members: $45 per program/Non-members: $55 per program

September 10: Hurray for Herps with Jeff Mazur
Snakes and turtles and frogs, oh my! Today we will slither and hop into the world of herpetology, getting a chance to meet some of our subjects face to face!
October 1: Patterns in Nature with Katie Koerten
What do a fiddlehead, DNA, and a hurricane all have in common? They’re all spirals! Many other patterns and designs are common throughout nature, and today we’ll study them and look for examples in nature.
November 5: Stars in the Sky: Field Trip to the Basset Planetarium with Jeff Mazur
Come with us, on a field trip to the stars. We are going to be visiting the Basset Planetarium get a look at our solar system and beyond!
December 17 – Chain Reaction Machines with Katie Koerten
If you love building creations out of everyday materials, this is the program for you! Today homeschoolers will be challenged to build Rube-Goldberg-style contraptions that perform a simple task, such as flipping a light switch or watering a plant.

Nature Discovery Preschool: From Here To There: How Things Move in Nature
2019-10-04 09:30 - 11:30
Welcome back to a fun fall with Colleen. Children and their adult companion will discover all the wonderful ways that nature’s creatures get around- flying, hopping, slithering, and swimming. We will observe how birds and insects fly, how fish swim, animals hop, seeds move and lots more. This program encourages learning through movement, singing, crafts, games, stories and great adventure! Limited to 12 families per session. Non-refundable within a week of the program, all refunds incur a 10% administrative fee.
Ages 3-5 (Adult required to attend with child)
With Colleen Kelley
Friday morning sessions: 9:30-11:30am
September 20, 27, October 4, 11, 18, 25, November 1, 15, 22, December 6, 13 , 20
Members: $220/Non-members: $264

Nature Discovery Preschool: From Here To There: How Things Move in Nature
2019-10-04 13:00 - 15:00
Welcome back to a fun fall with Colleen. Children and their adult companion will discover all the wonderful ways that nature’s creatures get around- flying, hopping, slithering, and swimming. We will observe how birds and insects fly, how fish swim, animals hop, seeds move and lots more. This program encourages learning through movement, singing, crafts, games, stories and great adventure! Limited to 12 families per session. Non-refundable within a week of the program, all refunds incur a 10% administrative fee.
Ages 3-5 (Adult required to attend with child)
With Colleen Kelley
Friday afternoon sessions: 1-3pm
September 20, 27, October 4, 11, 18, 25, November 1, 15, 22, December 6, 13 , 20
Members: $220/Non-members: $264

Gathering Rain at Home
2019-10-05 11:00 - 12:30
You’d be surprised how much water comes off your roof in a short rain storm. Gathering rain is a straight-forward and practical step you can take to abundantly provide for your outdoor water needs. Come learn the important concepts in system design, ask questions, learn what Kris has discovered through trial and error. Whether you take what you learn and build it all yourself, or make use of a DIY kit in your system design, make this the year that you start gathering rain.

Kris enjoys practical do-it-yourself projects, and has been gathering rain to water her food gardens for years. As the Principal at Gathering Rain, she wants to share the expertise she’s developed to help you build your resilience, live a more hands-on life, and better steward to the small piece of this beautiful world that’s in your care.

with Kris Walter of Gathering Rain
Saturday, October 5, 11am-12:30pm
Free, registration appreciated

Nature All Year: Invasive Plant Ecology
2019-10-06 09:00 - 12:00
Join us for our sixth year of offering an in-depth natural history course for naturalists and citizen scientists. Each month, in our series of nature explorations with different local naturalists, we explore a focused, seasonal, natural history topic. We’ll look at nature in new ways, varying from broad habitat-wide perspectives to the finer details of individual species. Over the course of the year we’ll visit a variety of natural habitats in the greater Pioneer Valley area. Identification skills, ecological connections, adaptations, and life cycles of organisms will be the focus of our observations. Bring your curiosity and observation skills and be prepared to spend time outdoors. Dress for the weather as we rarely cancel due to inclement weather. Bring binoculars and a hand lens, water and snacks if you would like. Carpooling to more distant locations will be encouraged.
October 6: Invasive Plant Ecology with Martha Hoopes
Martha is a plant ecologist at Mt. Holyoke College who spends time learning about and researching invasive plants. She will present a unique look at these species and help us understand more of the why and the where behind the success of these plants.
Sundays once per month, 9am-12pm (some class times may vary depending on topics)
Sign up for the remainder of the year: $140 members/$170 non-members.
Or, $30 per session.
Register here
