Hitchcock Center for the Environment

Homeschool II: Spring into Citizen Science
2019-06-04 10:00 - 14:00, 2019-05-28 10:00 - 14:00, 2019-05-21 10:00 - 14:00, 2019-05-14 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Hitchcock Center for the Environment, 845 West Street, Amherst, MA, 01002
Spring is an amazing time of year! As the natural world begins to wake up from winter there are lots of changes happening. As part of Spring into Citizen Science – we will become researchers. Working with scientists on local and national science projects, collecting data that matters! For this homeschool series we will dive into different science projects and asking lots of questions, such as: What do spotted salamanders do in spring? Who are our local migrating fish, and why do they migrate? When do flowers bloom and buds burst? And more! Kids can offer a new way of looking at an issue, so bring your scientific mind, observation skills and unique perspective to our class. Through observation, special guests, field trips, and surveys, we will study the world around us and contribute to science while also having fun, exploring and playing games.
With Jeff Mazur
Tuesdays, 10:00am-2:00pm
March 12 – June 4 (No program April 2, 16, May 7)
Members: $450/Non-members: $560

Homeschool I: Animals That Build
2019-06-04 10:00 - 14:00, 2019-05-28 08:00 - 17:00, 2019-05-21 10:00 - 14:00, 2019-05-14 10:00 - 14:00 | Hitchcock Center for the Environment, 845 West Street, Amherst, MA, 01002
They don’t use blueprints or fancy tools, but animals can be amazing builders by using natural materials like leaves, sticks and even spit! Whether it’s for nests, homes, camouflage or catching prey, animals have a lot of reasons for their architecture. At this homeschool session we will explore the construction skills of animals and build creations of our own. While we study animals, we will also think about human architecture: we will learn about the features of Hitchcock Center’s “Living Building” and the choices we made to make our building kind to the planet. Hikes, home projects, games and field trips are all part of the fun!
With Katie Koerten
Tuesdays, 10am – 2pm
March 12 – June 4 (No program April 2, 16, May 7)
Members: $450/Non-members: $560
Limited to 15 participants per age group.

Nature Play Afterschool
2019-06-03 15:30 - 17:30, 2019-05-20 15:30 - 17:30, 2019-05-13 15:30 - 17:30 | Hitchcock Center for the Environment, 845 West Street, Amherst, MA, 01002
Just because it’s cold outside, doesn’t mean your kids need to stay inside to play. Have them join Hitchcock’s Nature Play Afterschool Program, which 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 Winter Nature Play, we make snow forts, sled, find animal tracks, play games in the dark and use our imagination as we explore the wooded trails and fields. Instructor Aemelia Thompson (Monday’s) and Jeff Mazur (Wednesdays) provides a safe structure 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.
with Aemelia Thompson
Mondays, 3:30-5:30pm
March 25 – June 12, 2019 (no class April 15 or May 27)
Age 6-9, Grades 1-3
Members: $225/Non-members $270
Limited to 10 participants.

Nature Study Club: Sea Lampreys in the Fort River
2019-06-02 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.
June 2: Sea Lampreys in the Fort River with Boyd Kynard
Boyd will get us up close and personal with some sea lampreys that are intent on only one thing: mating and laying eggs to create the next generation. He will share with us the amazing life cycle of these fish and explain how they do not feed during this time, living off their stored reserves to get them through this journey.
Sundays once per month, 9am-12pm (some class times may vary depending on topics)
Full Year: Members: $265/Non-members: $315
Register here

Flora and Fauna Fest
2019-06-01 10:00 - 13:00
Choose Your Challenge
Join the count! Challenge yourself in a quest to spot as many species as you can. Invite your friends and family to sponsor you to support education for a healthy planet. Your count will contribute both to the Hitchcock Center’s catalogue and to a global biodiversity research database. How many species can you find?

10AM: COUNTS BEGIN

Trail Loop Contest: Race to document the biodiversity in the Hitchcock Center’s own backyard! Download the iNaturalist app to assist you in the identification process and then share what you find on this global research database.
Species Spy Scavenger Hunt: See if you can spot them all!

12PM: RESULTS & CELEBRATION

Beer from Hitchcock Brewing Company
Ice cream from Flayvors of Cook Farm
Crafts for the kids
Prizes

Register for the Count
Registration is $15/person or $20/family.
Your registration helps to raise funds to support the Hitchcock Center’s year-round environmental education programs. You can help even more by asking your friends and family to sponsor your quest to spot species!
Setting up your fundraising page is easy! We created a template so you don’t have to start from scratch.

How to Set Up Your Fundraising Page

To start, click “Start Your Fundraiser” below, and then click “Join This Event”.
If you are new to MightyCause (formerly known as Razoo) click the “Sign Up” link below the log in button. You will be prompted to set up an account by entering your name and email, and choosing a password. You will be sent a verification link in your email before you can continue setting up your page.
If you have used MightyCause in the past, you can log in with your existing credentials.
Once your MightyCause account is set up, follow the prompts to create your page.
Remember to use the “Share Now” feature to share via Facebook, Twitter, or email.

Start Your Fundraiser
Questions? Send Marcus an email for assistance. See the Additional Resources section below for a sample email to make it easy for you to get started.

Want to Make a Donation to Support a Team?
Donate Here

Thank you to our sponsors!

Additional Resources
Sample fundraising emails (PDF)
iNaturalist (download the app to your mobile device)
Go Botany (New England Wild Flower Society’s Plant Guide)
All About Birds (Cornell Lab of Ornithology)
Bugguide IDNature Guides (All organisms)
LeafSnap (Smithsonian’s Tree Guide)

Saturday Family Science Series: Plants We Eat
2019-06-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Hitchcock Center for the Environment, 845 West Street, Amherst, MA, 01002
Join us for seasonal nature and science programs each second Saturday of the month. Designed for children with their parents, these programs will explore cool topics in nature.
June 1: Plants We Eat
*Note: Second Saturday Family Science in June WILL be held on the first Saturday, June 1.
Stems, roots, flowers, and fruits! Each part of a plant has an important role to help it grow and thrive. What are those roles and which parts can help us by giving us food and nourishment? Come find out at the Hitchcock Center!
Second* Saturdays, 10-11am
Free
Registration appreciated. Groups of 6 or more please call ahead.
Saturday Family Science Programs are generously sponsored by Pelham Auto Service and through a grant from the Peter & Elizabeth Tower Foundation.

Nature Discovery Preschool: PreHistoric Preschool
2019-05-31 13:00 - 15:00, 2019-05-31 09:30 - 11:30, 2019-05-24 13:00 - 15:00, 2019-05-24 09:30 - 11:30, 2019-05-17 13:00 - 15:00, 2019-05-17 09:30 - 11:30 | Hitchcock Center for the Environment, 845 West Street, Amherst, MA, 01002
This season we will travel back in time to the days of the dinosaurs. Children will learn about dinosaurs through stories, songs, movement and crafts. We will compare different dinosaurs, dig for bones, and learn about the plants they munched on. Come have a dinomite time!
With Colleen Kelley
Ages 3-5 (Adult required to attend with child)
Fridays, Morning session: 9:30-11:30am, Afternoon session: 1-3pm
March 22, 29 April 5,12,26, May 3,10,17,24,31 (no class April 19)
Members: $220/Non-members: $255
Non-refundable within a week of the program, all refunds incur a 10% administrative fee. Limited to 12 families per session.

Girls into the Wild
2019-05-30 15:30 - 17:30, 2019-05-23 15:30 - 17:30, 2019-05-16 15:30 - 17:30 | Hitchcock Center for the Environment, 845 West Street, Amherst, MA, 01002
Sometimes you just need to run, explore and play! 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 strives to offer 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. Even in winter we’ll spend the entirety of the afternoon outside so bring your warmest layers and come have some snowy fun! Families provide their own transportation to the Hitchcock Center.
Thursdays, 3:30-5:30pm
March 28 – June 13 (no program April 18)
With Katie Koerten
Ages 8-11, Grades 3-5
Members: $300/Non-members: $330
Limited to 10 participants.

Nature Play Afterschool
2019-05-29 15:30 - 17:30, 2019-05-22 15:30 - 17:30, 2019-05-15 15:30 - 17:30 | Hitchcock Center for the Environment, 845 West Street, Amherst, MA, 01002
Just because it’s cold outside, doesn’t mean your kids need to stay inside to play. Have them join Hitchcock’s Nature Play Afterschool Program, which 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 Winter Nature Play, we make snow forts, sled, find animal tracks, play games in the dark and use our imagination as we explore the wooded trails and fields. Instructor Aemelia Thompson (Monday’s) and Jeff Mazur (Wednesdays) provides a safe structure 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.
Wednesdays, 3:30-5:30pm, Extended Days, 1:30pm-5:30pm
March 27 – June 12, 2019 (no class April 17), Extended Days: March 27, April 10, May 8
with Jeff Mazur
Ages 6-9, Grades 1-3
Members: $290/Non-members: $350
Limited to 10 participants.

May Migration Spring Birding Course
2019-05-18 07:00 - 12:00
Join Dan Ziomek in a variety of local habitats during peak birding migration.

Dan Ziomek birding with a program participant.

with Dan Ziomek, WRSI’s Bird Songs
Saturdays: April 27, May 4, 11, 18, 7am – 12pm
Members $90 Non-members $115
Space is limited, Please register

Our Living Building Tour
2019-05-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Hitchcock Center for the Environment, 845 West Street, Amherst, MA, 01002
Come meet our newest educator – our building! It is designed to model systems in nature, it is net zero energy, net zero water, has composting toilets, and has been made with responsibly sourced non-toxic materials, come check it out at one of our bi-monthly tours. Tours typically last from 1-1.5 hours.
Note: We are pleased to be able to offer Spanish language translators for our building tours. If you or someone you know could benefit from translation, please let us know in advance, so that we may schedule a translator for your tour date.
First Fridays at 4pm: January 4, February 1, March 1, April 5, June 7 (no tour May 3)
Third Wednesdays at 12pm: January 16, February 20, March 20, April 17, May 15, June 19
FREE but please register online

Saturday Family Science: Ladybugs, Ladybugs, Ladybugs!
2019-05-11 10:00 - 11:00 | Hitchcock Center for the Environment, 845 West Street, Amherst, MA, 01002
Join us for seasonal nature and science programs each second Saturday of the month. Designed for children with their parents, these programs will explore cool topics in nature.
May 11: Ladybugs, Ladybugs, Ladybugs!
After waking up from their winter sleep Ladybugs are very hungry! Learn what ladybugs want for lunch and what they do in spring.
Second Saturdays, 10-11am
Free
Registration appreciated. Groups of 6 or more please call ahead.
Saturday Family Science Programs are generously sponsored by Pelham Auto Service and through a grant from the Peter & Elizabeth Tower Foundation.

May Migration Spring Birding Course
2019-05-11 07:00 - 12:00
Join Dan Ziomek in a variety of local habitats during peak birding migration.

Dan Ziomek birding with a program participant.

with Dan Ziomek, WRSI’s Bird Songs
Saturdays: April 27, May 4, 11, 18, 7am – 12pm
Members $90/Non-members $115
Space is limited, Please register
