Hitchcock Center for the Environment

10am-12pm Junior Nature Play Monday Series
2021-05-24 10:00 - 12:00, 2021-06-07 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Junior Nature Play continues into Spring 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 observe how nature changes as winter melts into spring and make exciting seasonal discoveries! Each day includes games, free play, a story and snack time.
Ages 5–7 or Grades K–1
with Katie Koerten
Mondays, 10am–12:00pm
March 22 – June 7 (no program April 19 or May 31)
Fee per Child: Tier A-$400 | Tier B-$320 | Tier C-$240 | Tier D-$160
Limited to 8 participants

3:30-5:30pm Games in Nature Afterschool
2021-05-24 15:30 - 17:30, 2021-06-07 15:30 - 17:30
Hitchcock’s Nature Play Afterschool Program is designed to let kids be kids. Each week the group will spend time together beginning with games and move into nature play and free game building. Our Spring game days will begin with group games but a good part of the program will allow for exploring the world as it wakes from Winter. We’ll explore the wooded trails, get dirty, build forts, and play free in the woods. Structured games will focus on confidence building, leadership, communication, laughing. Free nature play will give individuals time to observe, experiment, and play, using the inspiration of the natural world. Our instructors provide a safe setting for children to explore nature and encourage children to stretch their limits.
Ages 9–11 or Grades 4–5
with Monya Relles
Mondays, March 22 – June 7 (no class April 19 or May 31)
Tier A-$275 | Tier B-$220 | Tier C-$165 | Tier D-$110
Limited to 12 participants

3:30-5:30pm Nature Play Afterschool Monday Series
2021-05-24 15:30 - 17:30, 2021-06-07 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 Spring Nature Play we will explore wooded trails and fields, play in the mud, build forts, 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
with Aemelia Thompson
Mondays, 3:30pm-5:30pm
March 22- June 7 (no class April 19 or May 31st)
Fee per Child: Tier A-$275 | Tier B-$220 | Tier C-$165 | Tier D-$110
Limited to 10 participants

9:45am-12:45pm Morning Nature Play
2021-05-25 09:45 - 12:45, 2021-06-01 09:45 - 12:45
Morning Nature Play continues into spring 2021! Every day is a mix of games, exploring and playing. We’ll romp and play in the fields and forests of the Hitchcock Center, noticing the beauty of the spring season and playing wild games.
with Katie Koerten
Ages 6–8 or Grades 1–3
Tuesdays, 9:45am–12:45pm
March 23 – June 8 (no program April 20)
Fee per Child: Tier A-$557 | Tier B-$446 | Tier C-$334 | Tier D-$223
Limited to 10 participants

3:30-5:30pm Games in Nature Afterschool
2021-05-25 15:30 - 17:30, 2021-06-01 15:30 - 17:30
Hitchcock’s Nature Play Afterschool Program is designed to let kids be kids. Each week the group will spend time together beginning with games and move into nature play and free game building. Our Spring game days will begin with group games but a good part of the program will allow for exploring the world as it wakes from Winter. We’ll explore the wooded trails, get dirty, build forts, and play free in the woods. Structured games will focus on confidence building, leadership, communication, laughing. Free nature play will give individuals time to observe, experiment, and play, using the inspiration of the natural world. Our instructors provide a safe setting for children to explore nature and encourage children to stretch their limits.
Ages 9–11 or Grades 4–5
with Aemelia Thompson
Tuesdays, 3:30pm-5:30pm
March 23- June 8 (no class April 20)
Fee per Child: Tier A-$303 | Tier B-$242 | Tier C-$182 | Tier D-$121
Limited to 12 participants

3:30-5:30pm Nature Play Afterschool Tuesday Series
2021-05-25 15:30 - 17:30, 2021-06-01 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 Spring Nature Play we will explore wooded trails and fields, play in the mud, build forts, 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
With Monya Relles
Tuesdays, 3:30-5:30pm
March 23 – June 8 (no class April 20)
Fee per Child: Tier A-$303 | Tier B-$242 | Tier C-$182 | Tier D-$121
Limited to 10 participants

10am-12pm Art in the Forest
2021-05-26 10:00 - 12:00, 2021-06-02 10:00 - 12:00
The natural world has served as inspiration for artists of all varieties for all of humankind’s history. While surrounded by the undeniable beauty of the outdoors, children in the Art in the Forest program will be encouraged to develop awareness of the details in the natural world and learn how to utilize its beauty in artistic expression. Throughout the Spring we will welcome the world as it wakes up from Winter. We’ll paint budding flowers, make still life drawings, and sculpt with mud. We’ll spend part of our time working together towards creating works of art and part free time in the woods, playing, talking and building community.
with Aemelia Thompson
Ages 7–10 or Grades 2–4
Wednesdays, 10:00am–12:00pm
March 24 – June 9 (no class April 21)
Fee per Child: Tier A-$303 | Tier B-$242 | Tier C-$215 | Tier D-$121
Limited to 12 participants

10am-12pm Junior Discovery Day: Oh My Dragonfly
2021-05-26 10:00 - 12:00
Attention kindergartners and first graders! Junior Discovery Days are one-time nature programs where we notice what’s happening in nature and explore specific topics. Sign up for as many days as you like. Our morning includes snack time, story, a nature project and a game.
With Katie Koerten
Ages 5-7, Grades K-1
Wednesdays, 10:00am-12:00pm
March 24 – June 2 (no program April 21)
Fee per Child: Tier A-$46 | Tier B-$37 | Tier C-$28 | Tier D-$19
Limited to 8 participants
March 24: Patterns in Nature
March 31: Awesome Amphibians
April 7: A Tree’s Life
April 14: Terrific Teeth
April 28: Animal Homes
May 5: Dandelion Day
May 12: Bees in the Hive
May 19: Life Under a Log
May 26: Oh My Dragonfly
June 2: Bat and Moth

3:30-5:30pm Junior Nature Play Afterschool
2021-05-26 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 Spring Nature Play we will explore wooded trails and fields, play in the mud, build forts, 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. This program is available to kindergarteners and first graders.
with Aemelia Thompson
Ages 5-7 or Grades K-1
Wednesdays, 3:30-5:30pm
March 24- June 9 (no class April 21)
Extended days: March 24th, April 14, May 12th, June 2nd 1:30-5:30pm
Fee per Child: Tier A-$413 | Tier B-$330 | Tier C-$248 | Tier D-$165
Limited to 8 participants

3:30-5:30pm Nature Play Afterschool Wednesday Series
2021-05-26 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 Spring Nature Play we will explore wooded trails and fields, play in the mud, build forts, 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
with Jeff Mazur
Wednesdays, 3:30pm-5:30pm
March 24 – June 9 (no class April 21) (11 weeks)
Extended days: March 24, April 14, May 12, June 2, 1:30-5:30pm
Fee per Child: Tier A-$413 | Tier B-$330 | Tier C-$248 | Tier D-$165
Limited to 12 participants

10am-12pm Junior Nature Play Thursday Series
2021-05-27 10:00 - 12:00, 2021-06-03 10:00 - 12:00
Junior Nature Play continues into Spring 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 observe how nature changes as winter melts into spring and make exciting seasonal discoveries! Each day includes games, free play, a story and snack time.
Ages 5–7 or Grades K–1
with Katie Koerten
Thursdays, 10:00am-12:00pm
March 25 – June 10 (no program April 22)
Fee per Child: Tier A-$440 | Tier B-$352 | Tier C-$264 | Tier D-$176
Limited to 8 participants

3:30-5:30pm Girls into the Wild
2021-05-27 15:30 - 17:30, 2021-06-03 15:30 - 17:30
Girls into the Wild continues in spring 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. Come build your confidence and show your wild side!
with Katie Koerten
Ages 8–11 or Grades 3–5
Thursdays, 3:30-5:30pm
March 25 – June 10 (no program April 22)
Fee per Child: Tier A-$344 | Tier B-$275 | Tier C-$206 | Tier D-$138
Limited to 12 participants

3:30-5:30 Girls into the Wild
2021-05-27 15:30 - 17:30
Girls into the Wild continues in spring 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. Come build your confidence and show your wild side!
with Monya Relles
Thursdays, 3:30pm-5:30pm
March 25 – June 10 (no program April 22)
Fee per Child: Tier A-$344 | Tier B-$275 | Tier C-$206 | Tier D-$138
Limited to 12 participants

Spring Birding with Scott Surner
2021-05-29 06:30 - 12:00, 2021-06-03 18:30 - 19:45, 2021-06-05 06:00 - 12:00
This year’s Spring Birding Class will consist of 7 Field Trips and 3 Zoom Meetings. The class will be limited to 10 people and we’ll generally meet at the designated location for each trip. Some of the purposed locations will be Quabbin Park, Rail Trail (Amherst) Nash Hill Rd, Williamsburg, Montague Sandplains and more. These locations are not written in stone and could change depending on the weather and avian activity. Generally, most classes will begin at 7am, but a couple of classes could begin at 6:00am.
Participants should plan on bringing water & snacks and have good comfortable footwear. Everyone will be required to wear a mask and carpooling will not be possible. Plan to be on your feet most of the morning, with most walks on fairly level ground with the exception of the Mt. Holyoke walk.
Cost: Tier A – $420, Tier B – $336, Tier C – $252, Tier D – $168 (available for EBT, WIC, or MassHealth Card to Culture participants)
SPRING BIRDING REGISTRATION
Registration opens Tuesday, February 23 at 9am.
Thursday Zoom Class Meetings:
April 15, 6:30-7:45pm
April 29, 6:30-7:45pm
June 3, 6:30-7:45pm
Saturday Field Trip Dates:
April 17, 7am-12pm: Local – Amherst and Hadley
April 24, 7am-12pm: Rail Trail, Amherst
May 1, 7am-12pm: Quabbin Reservoir, Belchertown
May 15, 7am-12pm: Mt. Holyoke, migrating Warblers, local specialties Cerulean & Worm-eating Warblers
May 29, 6:30am-12pm: Nash Hill Rd, Williamsburg, breeding Waterthrushes and other Warblers.
June 5, 6:00am-12pm: Southwick Management Area, grassland birds.
June 12, 6:30am-12pm: Montague Sandplains-breeding Warblers, Towhee’s, Thrashers and more

10am-12pm Junior Discovery Day: Bat and Moth
2021-06-02 10:00 - 12:00

1:30-5:30pm Junior Nature Play Afterschool
2021-06-02 13:30 - 17:30

1:30-5:30pm Nature Play Afterschool Wednesday Series
2021-06-02 13:30 - 17:30

3:30-5:30pm Girls into the Wild
2021-06-03 15:30 - 17:30

Forest Bathing at the Hitchcock Center
2021-06-05 09:00 - 11:30
Come experience a guided Forest therapy walk with Todd Lynch, certified ANFT guide. Forest and Nature Therapy offers us the opportunity to slow down. It re-aligns our rhythms with the landscape, allowing our senses a respite from everyday demands and uncertainties. It’s a chance to remember our connections to nature and the joyful relationships that await us outside. This guided experience is not a hike or naturalist adventure, but an opportunity to slow down and allow our bodies to engage all of our senses. Please note that this is not “therapy” as commonly denoted in our culture, but an offering of a therapeutic way to be in nature. Guides are not trained clinicians; they hold the space to let the forest be the “therapist”.
What to Expect:
A leisurely walk of about a mile with stops along the way where we will gather and sit. We’ll all wear our masks when we gather together and the walk will be planned in a way to promote safe physical distancing of 6 feet or more between participants.
We will focus on our senses to develop an immediate connection with the forest. This is a very relaxed, slow, and mindful way of walking. The walk should last about 2-2.5 hours and we will finish with a gathering circle where we can share about our experiences.
with Todd Lynch
9:00-11:30am
Saturdays: May 8, May 22, and June 5
Sliding Scale: Tier A:$36 Tier B: $30 Tier C: $23 Tier D: $15 (for those EBT, WIC or Card to Culture benefits) OR All three classes A: $100 B: $80 C: $60 D: $40 Participants who sign up for all three classes will get a 10% discount.

REGISTER
