Hitchcock Center for the Environment

Nature Discovery Preschool: From Here To There: How Things Move in Nature
2019-11-22 09:30 - 11:30, 2019-11-01 09:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
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

Girls into the Wild
2019-11-21 15:30 - 17:30, 2019-11-14 15:30 - 17:30, 2019-11-07 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

Nature Play Afterschool
2019-11-20 15:30 - 17:30, 2019-11-13 15:30 - 17:30, 2019-11-06 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 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

Homeschool II: Our Valley, Our Home
2019-11-19 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

Homeschool I: Marvelous Mammals
2019-11-19 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

Nature Play Afterschool
2019-11-18 15:30 - 17:30, 2019-11-04 15:30 - 16:30
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

Nature All Year: Ecology and Management of Montague Sand Plains
2019-11-17 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.
November 17: Ecology and Management of Montague Sand Plains with Glenn Motzkin
We will explore the sand plain habitat with an eye for the unique plant communities found there. Much of the plains are managed by the State and Glenn will explain the thinking behind the recent timber cuts on the plains and how this supports some of the rare species that are found there.
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

Fall Birding Class
2019-11-16 07:00 - 12:00, 2019-11-13 18:30 - 20:00, 2019-11-09 07:00 - 12:00, 2019-11-02 06:00 - 15:00
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.

Western MA Youth Climate Summit
2019-11-15 08:30 - 15:30
The Youth Climate Summit is a participant-driven educational conference for youth, designed to create an opportunity for learning, dialogue and action on climate change. This premiere 2-day climate event for Western MA youth has served over 100 youth from 6 local high schools at a time when youth leadership and empowerment is harnessing the world stage for change.
Learn more about the Youth Climate Summit.

Homeschool Discovery Day: Stars in the Sky
2019-11-12 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 12, 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.

November: The Subtle One -- Slideshow and Nature Walk with John Green
2019-11-10 13:00 - 15:00
Naturalist and photographer John Green loves November, sees beauty in the month of fallen leaves and temperatures. Come join him for his slideshow “November: The Subtle One” followed by a nature walk seeking the little marvels that still abound in the lessening light.

Sunday, November 10, 1 – 3pm
Space is limited, $8 suggested donation.
Register here

FIBERSHED: Woven Together | Opening Reception
2019-11-09 11:00 - 13:00
On exhibit November 4, 2019–January 3, 2020.
Opening reception Saturday, November 9, 11am–1pm.

FIBERSHED: Woven Together, celebrates the successful production of bioregional wool fabric that was fashioned into original designs by ten local craftspeople.
From bespoke shoes to flat caps and everything in between, ten expert artisans turned the flat fabric into one-of-a-kind, wearable items. Alongside the completed apparel, the fiber, yarn, cloth, and narrative storytelling materials will be on display to educate the public about producing local textiles—introducing them to the land, the people, and businesses integral to the journey.
“The Western Mass Fibershed project was an interesting opportunity to consider materials in a new way and to stretch what I considered to be materials I could work with: locally woven wool, which I did not know existed, and discarded bicycle rubber, which I have not before used as decoration.” —Daphne Board, Shoemaker.

The Holyoke Bicycle Shoe was created as part of the Western Massachusetts Fibershed by Daphne Board of Holyoke, MA.

Western Mass Fibershed received a microgrant for this debut project from Fibershed California, an organization that develops regional fiber systems that build soil & protect the health of our biosphere. With this funding, the Fibershed embarked on a two-part mission: first, to navigate new territory to map the process and potential for future bio-regional cloth-productions and second, to inspire, educate, and generate interest for locally sourced, sustainable materials.
Uniquely situated, regional resources enabled the metamorphosis from farm to fabric within a 50-mile radius! This project aligns with Hitchcock Center’s commitment to explore, “the interconnections between the health of humans and ecosystems” and more.

“Draped Cocoon” is a mid-weight jacket inspired by metamorphosis. Designed by Anna Gilbert-Duveneck of Framingham, MA. Photo by Travis Widrick

The exhibit opens on Monday, November 4 with an opening reception Saturday, November 9 from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Meet the Fibershed founders, farmers, spinners, weavers, and designers who are involved with this premiere Fibershed project and others interested in sustainable practices.
For questions and to learn more about this project please contact WMF co-founder Michelle Parrish, 413-461-5588. Parrish is a natural dyer, weaver, spinner, and blogger living and working in the Connecticut River Valley of Western Massachusetts.

Second Saturday Family Science: Tons of Seeds
2019-11-09 10:00 - 11:00
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. No registration required. Groups of 6 or more please call ahead.
With Aemelia Thompson
Second Saturdays, 10 – 11am, October through December
Saturdays October 12, November 9, December 14
Members: Free; Non-members: $10 per family

September 14: Pollination Celebration Day
Instead of a typical Second Saturday Science, we are kicking off the fall with our second annual Pollination Celebration Day! Click here for more details.
October 12: Going Batty
Come get cozy with the only mammal that can fly! Found on every continent except Antarctica and in a variety of ecosystems, bats are as fascinating as they are numerous. Come learn about these wonderful creatures and how they benefit our environment.
November 9: Tons of Seeds
Even the largest oak tree begins its life as a tiny seed. For this Saturday Science we’ll be learning all about seeds, what they need, and the tricks plants use to keep them safe and spread them far and wide.
December 14: Nocturnal Life
When the sun sets many of us get ready for rest, but there is a whole world that is just waking up! Get ready for some night life (during the day) and learn about why and how some animals are active while we’re all asleep.

Nature Discovery Preschool: From Here To There: How Things Move in Nature
2019-11-08 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, 8, 22, December 6
(No class October 4, November 15, 29)
Members: $220/Non-members: $264

Nature Discovery Preschool: From Here To There: How Things Move in Nature
2019-11-08 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, 8, 22, December 6
(No class October 4, November 15, 29)
Members: $220/Non-members: $264

Landscape and Infrastructure: Re-imagining the Pastoral Paradigm Book Release with author Meg Vickery
2019-11-07 19:00 - 20:30
In her new book local author and lecturer of the History of Art and Architecture Meg Vickery traces the roots and uncovers the significance of the productive activities and elements of pastoral traditions in art and designed landscapes, clearly documenting the persistent and sometimes difficult relationship of aesthetics and production. With rising demand for clean energy, clean water, and locally-grown food, this study offers a historical perspective on how such systems can be integrated into our suburban and urban areas. Vestigial elements of the pastoral tradition have long held aesthetic sway in our suburbs, cities and national parks, both in Britain and America. Now, as new energy- and water-related projects encroach on these spaces, remnants of the pastoral play a crucial role in convincing neighborhood residents, municipal leaders, and energy companies or water authorities of the benefits of a neighboring infrastructure. This book investigates the history of that tradition and highlights the advantages it brings as we re-imagine infrastructure in the twenty-first century.

Thursday, November 7, 7-8:30pm
Light refreshments served
FREE, registration appreciated

Homeschool II: Our Valley, Our Home
2019-11-05 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 5, 19, 26, December 3, 10
No class October 1 or November 12
Members: $450/Non-members: $540

Homeschool I: Marvelous Mammals
2019-11-05 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 5, 19, 26, December 3, 10
No class October 1 or November 12
Members: $450/Non-members: $540

Curriculum Day (No School for Amherst)
2019-11-05 08:30 - 15:00
Schools out? Quick, get your spot at the Hitchcock Center! Curriculum days are a whole lot of fun and learning packed into one day. We will spend much of our time outside so pack weather-appropriate clothing as well as an extra set of clothes just in case. Instructors will provide a supportive environment for each child that encourages them to question, investigate, and wonder. Limited to 12 students. Non-refundable within a week of the program, all refunds incur a 10% administrative fee.
Grades K-4
with Aemelia Thompson
Tuesday, November 5, 8:30am-3:00pm
$65 members/$78 non-members

Explore an Old Growth Habitat
2019-11-03 10:00 - 13:00
Join our Valley’s old-growth forest expert, Bob Leverett, on a walk at the Mohawk Trail State Forest. Come learn what old-growth trees of a variety of species really look like and how their appearance depends partly on their habitat and growing conditions. We will stroll leisurely on graded roads and trails with our eyes trained to the heights as we explore the fascination of these trees. We will visit the Elder Grove to pay our respects to some of these ancient residents. Bob will explain how he measures the trees and update us on the tallest trees. Co-founder of the Eastern Native Tree Society, Bob is brimming with fascinating information!
Meet at the Mohawk State Forest Headquarters building, just off Rt. 2 in Charlemont at 10:00 am. We will finish around 1:00 pm. Dress for weather and bring snacks and water.
Program filled, wait list only
with Bob Leverett
Sunday, November 3, 10am-1pm
$30/person
Registration required

Nature Discovery Preschool: From Here To There: How Things Move in Nature
2019-11-01 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
