Hitchcock Center for the Environment

10am-12pm Morning Nature Play Series
2021-02-02 10:00 - 12:00, 2021-02-09 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Morning Nature Play is back in winter 2021! Every day is a mix of games, exploring and playing – and snack and story around the fire! We’ll romp and play in the fields and forests of the Hitchcock Center, noticing the beauty of the winter season and playing games. And of course, we’ll visit our favorite spots to play — Roots, Stumps and Ferns! We’ll hope for lots of snow for building snow shelters and sledding, and maybe ice for sliding, too!
Ages 6–9 or Grades 1–3
Limited to 10 participants.
with Katie Koerten
Tuesdays, 10:00am–12:00pm
January 12–March 16 (no program February 16)
Fee per Child: Tier A-$304 | Tier B-$243 | Tier C-$182 | Tier D-$122

3:30-5:30pm Games in Nature Afterschool Series
2021-02-02 15:30 - 17:30, 2021-02-09 15:30 - 17:30
Games in Nature is back in winter 2021! Our Winter game days will begin with our favorite structured group games, which focus on confidence building, leadership, communication, and laughing. Each day also includes winter nature exploration: We’ll be hiking through snow covered wooded trails and fields, building forts, sledding, and playing freely in the woods. Free nature play will give individuals time to observe, experiment, and play, using the inspiration of the natural world.
Ages 9–11 or Grades 4–5
Limited to 12 participants in each series.
Tuesday Series:
with Aemelia Thompson
3:30–5:30pm
January 12–March 16 (no program February 16)
Fee per Child: Tier A-$248 | Tier B-$198 | Tier C-$149 | Tier D-$99

3:30-5:30pm Nature Play Afterschool Tuesday Series
2021-02-02 15:30 - 17:30, 2021-02-09 15:30 - 17:30
Hitchcock’s Nature Play Afterschool Program is designed to let kids be kids. Together we will run, jump, climb, invent, imagine, play and be free-range kids all while developing self-confidence and learning valuable social skills. During Winter Nature Play we will explore wooded trails and fields, play in the snow, build forts, sled, make snow creations, climb trees, and make new discoveries about ourselves and the world around us. Our instructors provide a safe setting for children to explore nature and encourage children to stretch their limits.
Ages 6–9 or Grades 1–3
Limited to 12 participants per series.
Tuesday Series:
with Monya Relles
3:30–5:30pm
January 12–March 16 (no program February 16)
Fee per Child: Tier A-$248 | Tier B-$198 | Tier C-$149 | Tier D-$99

10:00am-12:00pm Art in the Forest Series
2021-02-03 10:00 - 12:00, 2021-02-10 10:00 - 12:00
The natural world has served as inspiration for artists for a long time. While immersed in the outdoors, children in this program will be encouraged to develop awareness of the details in the natural world and learn how to utilize its beauty in artistic expression. This winter we will explore our own imaginations with activities that include drawing, structure building and snow sculpture. We’ll spend part of our time creating works of art together and part of our time doing free play.
Ages 7–10 or Grades 2–4
Limited to 12 participants.
with Aemelia Thompson
Wednesdays, 10am–12pm
January 13–March 17 (no program February 17)
Fee per Child: Tier A-$248 | Tier B-$198 | Tier C-$149 | Tier D-$99

10:30am-12:00pm Being Animals Series
2021-02-03 10:30 - 12:00, 2021-02-10 10:30 - 12:00
Attention Kindergartners and first graders! On Wednesdays this winter, it’s Junior Nature Play with a twist. Every day we’re going to be a different animal! Slide like an otter, hop like a hare, swoop like a snowy owl, and more. Each day we’ll play animal games, hear animal stories and explore animal habitats! And of course, we’ll visit our favorite places to play, such as Fern Village, Roots and Stump City! Come be wild in the woods this winter with Katie!
Ages 5-7, Grades K-1
Limited to 8 participants.
with Katie Koerten
Wednesdays, 10:30am-12:00pm
January 6–March 17 (no program February 17)
Fee per Child: Tier A-$300 | Tier B-$240 | Tier C-$180 | Tier D-$120

3:30-5:30pm Junior Nature Play Afterschool Series
2021-02-03 15:30 - 17:30, 2021-02-10 15:30 - 17:30
Ages 5–7 or Grades K–1
Limited to 8 participants.
with Aemelia Thompson
Wednesdays, 3:30–5:00pm*
January 13–March 17 (no class February 17)
Fee per Child: Tier A-$186 | Tier B-$149 | Tier C-$111 | Tier D-$75
Introducing a Nature Play Afterschool option for Kindergartners and first graders! At this program we run, jump, climb, invent, imagine, play and are free-range kids, all while developing our self-confidence and learning valuable social skills. Our instructors provide a safe setting for children to explore nature and encourage children to stretch their limits. Come explore our wooded trails and fields, play pretend in the snow, go sledding, and make snow creations with us this winter!
*There will be no extended days during our winter session

3:30-5:30pm Nature Play Afterschool Wednesday Series
2021-02-03 15:30 - 17:30, 2021-02-10 15:30 - 17:30
Hitchcock’s Nature Play Afterschool Program is designed to let kids be kids. Together we will run, jump, climb, invent, imagine, play and be free-range kids all while developing self-confidence and learning valuable social skills. During Winter Nature Play we will explore wooded trails and fields, play in the snow, build forts, sled, make snow creations, climb trees, and make new discoveries about ourselves and the world around us. Our instructors provide a safe setting for children to explore nature and encourage children to stretch their limits.
Ages 6–9 or Grades 1–3
Limited to 12 participants per series.
Wednesday Series:
with Jeff Mazur
3:30–5:30pm (no extended days in winter)
January 13–March 17 (no class February 17)
Fee per Child: Tier A-$248 | Tier B-$198 | Tier C-$149 | Tier D-$99

10:30am-12:00pm Junior Nature Play Thursday Series
2021-02-04 10:30 - 12:00, 2021-02-11 10:30 - 12:00
Junior Nature Play is back in Winter 2021! Children in kindergarten and first grade may sign up for this immersive, lightly-structured program that lets kids be “free-range” while being safely supervised. Instructor Katie Koerten will lead us to our favorite places to play in the forest, such as Stump City, the Ferns, and the Faraway Woods. We’ll hope for snow so we can go sledding, build snow shelters and slide on ice! Each day includes games, free play, and a story time.
Ages 5–7 or Grades K–1
Limited to 8 participants.
Thursday Series:
with Katie Koerten
10:30am–12:00pm
January 7–March 18 (no program February 18)
Fee per Child: Tier A-$300 | Tier B-$240 | Tier C-$180 | Tier D-$120

3:30-5:30pm Girls into the Wild Series
2021-02-04 15:30 - 17:30, 2021-02-11 15:30 - 17:30
Girls into the Wild is back in Winter 2021 for more romping wildly through the field and forests of the Hitchcock Center. As always we’ll visit our favorite places to play in the forest, such as Stump City, the Ferns, and the Faraway Woods – and we’ll hope for lots of winter snow! Sled down hills, build snow mountains, and invent new games on the ice! Come build your confidence and show your wild side!
Ages 8–11 or Grades 3–5
Limited to 10 participants.
with Katie Koerten
Thursdays, 3:30–5:30pm
January 7–March 18 (no program February 18)
Fee per Child: Tier A-$313 | Tier B-$250 | Tier C-$188 | Tier D-$125

3:30-5:30pm Girls into the Wild Series
2021-02-04 15:30 - 17:30, 2021-02-11 15:30 - 17:30
Girls into the Wild is back in Winter 2021 for more romping wildly through the field and forests of the Hitchcock Center. As always we’ll visit our favorite places to play in the forest, such as Stump City, the Ferns, and the Faraway Woods – and we’ll hope for lots of winter snow! Sled down hills, build snow mountains, and invent new games on the ice! Come build your confidence and show your wild side!
Ages 8–11 or Grades 3–5
Limited to 10 participants.
with Monya Relles
Thursdays, 3:30–5:30pm
January 7–March 18 (no program February 18)
Fee per Child: Tier A-$313 | Tier B-$250 | Tier C-$188 | Tier D-$125

Climate Storytelling and Music Workshop: A Virtual Climate Stories Project Event
2021-02-04 19:00 - 20:30
What is your Climate Story? We all have personal responses to the climate crisis – our local observations of the changing climate, our emotional responses to rapid environmental change, and our convictions to contribute to a positive future. Join Jason Davis, musician and director of Climate Stories Project, in a 90-minute online workshop in which you will learn about climate storytelling and craft your own climate story. During the workshop, you will have the opportunity to record and share your story. With participant permission, Jason will integrate fragments of the recorded stories in an original musical composition which will be shared on the Hitchcock Center Website and via other channels. Please have paper and writing utensils with you. Workshop is sponsored by Art Angels and Hitchcock Center for the Environment.
Thursday, February 4, 7:00 – 8:30pm
Free, registration required for Zoom link
REGISTER

Owl Prowl with Dan Ziomeck
2021-02-06 18:30 - 21:00
Join us for the magic of an Owl Prowl. There is something so special about seeking owls on a quiet winter night. Dan Ziomek has been doing this for years and loves to share his love of owls and birds as heard on WRSI’s Bird Songs. Dress super warmly, binoculars and a thermos of something warm also recommended. Group size limited to 12 participants, masks and COVID screening required.
Saturdays, 6:30-9pm, January 23, February 6 (make up weather date February 13)
Friday, 6:30-9pm, January 29
Tier A – $30; Tier B – $24; Tier C – $18; Tier D – $12
REGISTER

10:30am-12:00pm Junior Nature Play Monday Series
2021-02-08 10:30 - 12:00
Junior Nature Play is back in Winter 2021! Children in kindergarten and first grade may sign up for this immersive, lightly-structured program that lets kids be “free-range” while being safely supervised. Instructor Katie Koerten will lead us to our favorite places to play in the forest, such as Stump City, the Ferns, and the Faraway Woods. We’ll hope for snow so we can go sledding, build snow shelters and slide on ice! Each day includes games, free play, and a story time.
Ages 5–7 or Grades K–1
Limited to 8 participants.
Mondays Series:
with Katie Koerten
10:30am–12:00pm
January 11–March 15 (no program January 18 or February 15)
Fee per Child: Tier A-$240 | Tier B-$192 | Tier C-$144 | Tier D-$96

3:30-5:30pm Games in Nature Afterschool Series
2021-02-08 15:30 - 17:30
Games in Nature is back in winter 2021! Our Winter game days will begin with our favorite structured group games, which focus on confidence building, leadership, communication, and laughing. Each day also includes winter nature exploration: We’ll be hiking through snow covered wooded trails and fields, building forts, sledding, and playing freely in the woods. Free nature play will give individuals time to observe, experiment, and play, using the inspiration of the natural world.
Ages 9–11 or Grades 4–5
Limited to 12 participants in each series.
Monday Series:
with Monya Relles
3:30–5:30pm
January 11–March 15 (no program February 15)
Fee per Child: Tier A-$248 | Tier B-$198 | Tier C-$149 | Tier D-$99

3:30-5:30pm Nature Play Afterschool Monday Series
2021-02-08 15:30 - 17:30
Hitchcock’s Nature Play Afterschool Program is designed to let kids be kids. Together we will run, jump, climb, invent, imagine, play and be free-range kids all while developing self-confidence and learning valuable social skills. During Winter Nature Play we will explore wooded trails and fields, play in the snow, build forts, sled, make snow creations, climb trees, and make new discoveries about ourselves and the world around us. Our instructors provide a safe setting for children to explore nature and encourage children to stretch their limits.
Ages 6–9 or Grades 1–3
Limited to 12 participants per series.
Monday Series:
with Aemelia Thompson
3:30–5:30pm
January 11–March 15 (no program February 15)*
Fee per Child: Tier A-$248 | Tier B-$198 | Tier C-$149 | Tier D-$99
* There will be no extended days during our Winter session but we will run our program on Martin Luther King, JR. day.

Hitchcock Nature Trivia Night: A monthly virtual trivia contest fundraiser
2021-02-10 19:00 - 20:30
Join us for a monthly online trivia contest fundraiser for environmental education. The quiz will test you on a wide breadth of science, nature and environmental knowledge. The winning team will split the award with the Hitchcock Center for the Environment that will help provide 25%-50% discounts on program fees for economically challenged and low-income household.
Wednesdays, 7:00 – 8:30pm
January 13, February 10, March 10 and April 14
Nature Trivia: Learn More and Register

10:00-11:30am Nature Discovery Preschool Adventure: Snow Surprises
2021-02-12 10:00 - 11:30
Come explore the wonders of winter! This award-winning adult and child preschool program offers weekly outdoor exploration together combined with multi-modal learning experiences to foster wonder and curiosity about the natural world. Each program includes movement, song, nature exploration, snacktime, and a story. Sign up for one or more days and choose from one of two time offerings, Friday mornings or afternoons. An adult caregiver must attend with child(ren).
Ages 3–5 or Grades Pre-K
Limited to 12 participants (limit of 2 children per adult).
with Helen Ann Sephton
Fridays, 10:00–11:30am OR 1:00–2:30pm
February 12, 26, March 12, 19
Fee per Child: Tier A-$17 per day | Tier B-$13 per day | Tier C-$9 per day | Tier D- $7
Fee per Adult: Tier A-$21 per day | Tier B-$17 per day | Tier C-$13 per day | Tier D- $9
January 15: Winter Wonderland
January 29: Stick Stories
February 12: Snow Surprises
February 26: Plant Pleasures
March 12: Wild About Wind
March 19: Water Wonders

1:00-2:30pm Nature Discovery Preschool Adventure: Snow Surprises
2021-02-12 13:00 - 14:30

10:00-10:45am Second Saturday Science Walk: Tracks and Traces
2021-02-13 10:00 - 10:45
For our Winter sessions of Second Saturday Science we are changing things up a little. In order to still provide a safe outdoor space to learn about nature, while keeping warm, our programs will be set up as forest walks that will focus on different seasonal topics. Designed for children with their parents, registration is required.
January 9: Birds of Winter
February 13: Tracks and Traces
March 13: Camouflage
Ages ages 5–7 and Grades K–1
Limited to 12 participants.
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Limit of 3 children per adult.
with Aemelia Thompson
Second Saturdays, 10:00–10:45am
January 9, February 13, March 13
Suggested donation of $5-12 per family

9am-12pm Nature All Year: Bark: Getting to Know Your Trees with Michael Wojtech
2021-02-14 09:00 - 12:00
Join us for an in-depth natural history course to develop your naturalists skills. 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, from broad habitat perspectives to close 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. Dress for the weather for 3 hours as we rarely cancel due to inclement weather. Bring binoculars and a hand lens, water and snacks if you would like. These will be outdoor only programs. Please dress for the weather and plan to wear a mask for everyone’s safety.
Join the author of Bark, Michael Wojtech, for a deeper look at tree ecology and identification using clues bark, roots, and buds. As a naturalist, writer, speaker, photographer, and illustrator, Michael Wojtech strives to share the science and beauty of natural history in an accessible and compelling fashion.
Background: Michael is a naturalist, educator and author of the book Bark: A Field Guide to Trees of the Northeast, he writes, photographs, illustrates, and presents programs about the structure, growth processes, and ecology of trees. He began his ongoing study of trees at Antioch University New England, where he earned his Master’s Degree in Conservation Biology and edited the journal Whole Terrain.
Sunday, February 14, 9am-12pm
Norwotuck Rail Trail at Lawrence Station
Tier A – $45 per class or $121 for winter season
Tier B – $36 per class or $97 for winter season
Tier C – $27 per class or $73 for winter season
Tier D – $18 per class or $49 for winter season
There is a 10% discount for signing up for the full fall series.
