Closed
2019-12-23, 2019-12-24, 2019-12-25, 2019-12-26, 2019-12-27
The Hitchcock Center will be closed December 23-27.

Living Building Tour
2020-01-03 16:00 - 17:00, 2020-01-15 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Did you know the Hitchcock Center is a Living Building? It is the 23rd building in the world and the 4th in Massachusetts to achieve the Certified Living Building designation! It is designed to model systems in nature, it’s net zero energy and water, has composting toilets, and has been made with responsibly sourced non-toxic materials. Come find out what makes our building a special teaching tool empowering visitors to ask, “what does sustainability look like in the built environment and in my community?” Bring your questions so we can learn together. Tours typically last from 1-1.5 hours.
First Fridays at 4pm: January 3, February 7, March 6
Third Wednesdays at 12pm: January 15, February 19, March 18
FREE but please register online
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.
While you’re here, check out our neighbors over at the R.W. Kern Center at Hampshire College, another Living Building Challenge project.

Nature Play Afterschool: Winter Session
2020-01-06 15:30 - 17:30, 2020-01-13 15:30 - 17:30, 2020-01-27 15:30 - 17:30, 2020-02-03 15:30 - 17:30
Playing outside in the winter is super awesome! 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, 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. Bus transportation is available for Crocker Farm students.
Ages 6-9, Grades 1-3
Mondays with Aemelia Thompson
January 6 – March 16 (no class January 20 or February 17)
3:30-5:30pm
Members: $210/ Non-members $252
REGISTER

Nature Play Afterschool: Winter Session
2020-01-08 15:30 - 17:30, 2020-01-15 15:30 - 17:30, 2020-01-22 15:30 - 17:30, 2020-01-29 15:30 - 17:30
Playing outside in the winter is super awesome! 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, 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. Bus transportation is available for Crocker Farm students.
Ages 6-9, Grades 1-3
Wednesdays with Jeff Mazur
January 8 – March 18 (no class February 19)
Extended day: March 4
3:30-5:30pm, extended days 1:30-5:30pm
Members: $255/Non-members: $306
REGISTER

Girls into the Wild: Winter Session
2020-01-09 15:30 - 17:30, 2020-01-16 15:30 - 17:30, 2020-01-23 15:30 - 17:30, 2020-01-30 15:30 - 17:30
Often 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 – not to mention sledding, sliding on ice and exploring animal tracks in the snow. Come build your confidence and show your wild side! Bus transportation is available for Crocker Farm students.
Ages 8-11, Grades 3-5
with Katie Koerten
Thursdays, January 9 – March 19 (no program February 20)
Members: $275/Non-members: $330
REGISTER

Second Saturday Family Science: Digging for Dinosaurs
2020-01-11 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.
January 11: Digging for Dinosaurs
Dinosaurs lived on our planet for over 165 million years- that’s more than 1,000 times longer than modern humans have existed! Come to the Hitchcock Center to explore the different groups of dinosaurs and learn which dinosaurs lived here in the Pioneer Valley.
Saturday Family Science programs are generously sponsored by Pelham Auto Service.
Second Saturdays, 10-11am
September – June
Members: Free/Non-members: $10 per family
Register here
Groups of 6 or more please call ahead.

Homeschool Discovery Day: Animals in Winter
2020-01-14 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 fall. 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
January 14, January 28, February 11, March 3, March 31, April 28, June 9
Members: $45 per program/Non-members: $55 per program
REGISTER
January 14 | Animals in Winter | with Jeff Mazur
What do animals do when it gets cold out? We are going to find out, as we learn about some of the amazing adaptations animals have to survive winter in New England. We will also go on an adventure looking for animal tracks and signs.
January 28 | Owl-ology | with Katie Koerten
Have you ever wondered about these nocturnal hunters? At this program we will dive into the world of owls, learning about their adaptations, sounds and calls, and dissect owl pellets! Come prepared for an outdoor winter romp through owl habitat!
February 11 | Spikes, Signs and Sensitive Plants: Field trip to Durfee Conservatory | with Jeff Mazur
If you were a plant struggling to survive, how would you do it? Together we will learn about some of the amazing adaptations plants have to protect themselves, shape their habitat, and thrive in challenging environments.
March 3 | How Sweet It Is: Making Maple Syrup | with Jeff Mazur
It is time for sugaring off! Join us as we visit a sugarbush, collect sap, and learn all about the process of making maple syrup. It is going to be a sweet time.
March 31 | Amphibians of Spring | with Katie Koerten
Peep! Peep! This is the time of year that our local amphibians wake up! On this day we will learn the major frog and toad species found in Massachusetts and the sounds they make. We’ll visit the vernal pool in the forest at the Hitchcock Center to look and listen for signs of peepers, wood frogs, and spotted salamanders.
April 28 | Nature Did It First: Biomimicry | with Katie Koerten
Nature has a lot to teach us about how to solve problems in ways that are good for the Earth. Today we will discover the efficiency of nature’s adaptations and ask what we can learn from nature about how to live more sustainably.
June 9 | Energy is Electrifying | with Katie Koerten
Today we’ll explore energy and how the lights turn on. This will be a fun day with indoor and outdoor portions, in which we use simple everyday tools to see how electricity is made. We’ll compare conventional electricity with alternative, more sustainable ways of producing energy such as solar and wind.

Curriculum Day (No School for Amherst)
2020-01-17 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.
Grades K-4
With Aemelia Thompson
Friday, January 17, 2020
8:30am-3:00pm
$65 members/$78 non-members
Register here

ConnectorCare Card to Culture Launch
2020-01-17 11:00 - 12:00
Join the Mass Cultural Council and the Massachusetts Health Connector at the Hitchcock Center for the Environment in Amherst to celebrate a new partnership and launch the ConnectorCare Card to Culture program.
Through this program, all ConnectorCare card members will enjoy a new benefit: free or dramatically reduced admission prices to more than 100 cultural sites statewide. The partnership is the first of its kind in the country for a state-based health insurance exchange.
Local state legislators Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton) and Representative Mindy Domb (D-Amherst) are confirmed to attend, and the event is open to area cultural and arts organizations, members of the Amherst Local Cultural Council, the Amherst Center Cultural District and interested members of the public.
Friday, January 17th, 2020
11:00am-12:00pm
Register here

Owl Prowl
2020-01-17 19:30 - 22:00, 2020-02-01 19:30 - 22:00
Dress INCREDIBLY warm because we’ll be standing around in the dark a lot. Bring your sharp ears, a flashlight, and a thermos of something hot to drink. We will meet at the Hitchcock Center at 7:30 and then carpool to the site. Weather makeup day will be Saturday February 8th if needed.
with Dan Ziomeck
Friday, January 17, 7:30 – 10pm
Saturday, February 1, 7:30 – 10pm
Members $12/Non-members $16 per night, youth 8 and older welcome with an adult.
Register here

Nature Discovery Winter Preschool: Animals Getting Ready for Winter
2020-01-24 09:30 - 11:30
Celebrate the outdoors in winter with your preschooler and Colleen. Come prepared for winter outdoor exploration! Sign up for one, two or all three winter programs.

Friday, January 24: Animals Getting Ready for Winter
Friday, February 14: Signs of Animals and Tracking
Friday, February 28: Slip, Slide — Ice and Snow!

With Colleen Kelley
Ages 3-5 (Adult required to attend with child)
9:30-11:30 am
Members: $25 per class/Non-Members: $30 per class
Sign up for all 3 — Members:$70/Non-Members:$85
Register here.

Homeschool Discovery Day: Owlology
2020-01-28 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 fall. 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
January 14, January 28, February 11, March 3, March 31, April 28, June 9
Members: $45 per program/Non-members: $55 per program
REGISTER
January 28 | Owlology | with Katie Koerten
Have you ever wondered about these nocturnal hunters? At this program we will dive into the world of owls, learning about their adaptations, sounds and calls, and dissect owl pellets! Come prepared for an outdoor winter romp through owl habitat!
February 11 | Spikes, Signs and Sensitive Plants: Field trip to Durfee Conservatory | with Jeff Mazur
If you were a plant struggling to survive, how would you do it? Together we will learn about some of the amazing adaptations plants have to protect themselves, shape their habitat, and thrive in challenging environments.
March 3 | How Sweet It Is: Making Maple Syrup | with Jeff Mazur
It is time for sugaring off! Join us as we visit a sugarbush, collect sap, and learn all about the process of making maple syrup. It is going to be a sweet time.
March 31 | Amphibians of Spring | with Katie Koerten
Peep! Peep! This is the time of year that our local amphibians wake up! On this day we will learn the major frog and toad species found in Massachusetts and the sounds they make. We’ll visit the vernal pool in the forest at the Hitchcock Center to look and listen for signs of peepers, wood frogs, and spotted salamanders.
April 28 | Nature Did It First: Biomimicry | with Katie Koerten
Nature has a lot to teach us about how to solve problems in ways that are good for the Earth. Today we will discover the efficiency of nature’s adaptations and ask what we can learn from nature about how to live more sustainably.
June 9 | Energy is Electrifying | with Katie Koerten
Today we’ll explore energy and how the lights turn on. This will be a fun day with indoor and outdoor portions, in which we use simple everyday tools to see how electricity is made. We’ll compare conventional electricity with alternative, more sustainable ways of producing energy such as solar and wind.

Living Building Makers in Conversation
2020-01-30 18:30 - 20:00
“Once we know something, we can’t un-know it.”
Living Buildings are different. They ask us to consider our impact in everything we do, from our energy use to site selection. A key consideration is building materials: what’s in them? Where do they come from? What is their impact on the environment? Are they healthy for people to be around?
Join us for a conversation about how these material values change the way we build, from product selection to workflow. Jonathan Wright, Principal, Founder and Senior Advisor at Wright Builders, Jessica Schultz, Communication and Living Building Coordinator for Hitchcock Center and Sara Draper, Director of Educational Programs and Outreach for R.W. Kern Center will reflect on the Living Building process. How do our experiences on these projects change our workflow and our lives?
Jonathan will also share excerpts from his newest book, “Living Building Makers: Creating Sustainable Buildings that Renew our World;” copies will be available for sale.
Thursday, January 30, 6:30-8pm
Free, donation encouraged
Register here

Opening Reception for Valley Skies: Photographs of the Pioneer Valley
2020-01-31 16:30 - 18:30
In his first exhibit at the Hitchcock Center, long-time resident of the valley Dominique Thiébaut has selected photographs of the landscape surrounding the Pioneer Valley, including several photographs of the Holyoke Range. Thiebaut’s photographs capture the ever changing New England light, focusing on the Seven Sisters in early morning sunlight, encased in fog, with rolling clouds caressing their tops, or in the glow of a summer sunset. The main piece, a multi-panel photograph printed on metal, combining digital processing and photography, reflects both the beauty and the fragility of our environment.
Dominique Thiébaut moved to the Pioneer Valley in the 1980s, from Paris France. Like many residents, he never left the valley, and adopted it as his home. He currently lives in Northampton, MA. An avid amateur photographer, he spends every opportunity to capture the beauty of our ever changing New England skies.
Opening reception January 31, 4:30-6:30pm
On exhibit January 20 – March 31, 2020

Second Saturday Family Science: The Great Grey Squirrel
2020-02-01 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.
February 1: The Great Grey Squirrel
Note: February’s Saturday Family Science will be held on the 1st Saturday.

Although you probably see them everywhere, in cities, in forests, and right in your own backyard, how much do you really know about them? Come appreciate the greatness of the grey squirrel and all the adaptations that allow it to survive all year here in New England.
Saturday Family Science programs are generously sponsored by Pelham Auto Service.
Second Saturdays, 10-11am
September – June
Members: Free/Non-members: $10 per family
Register here
Groups of 6 or more please call ahead.
