Adin Maynard is owner of HIS & HERS Energy Efficiency, an energy efficiency consulting firm in Northampton. Adin works with builders, architects and home-owners to examine specific energy challenges. He will welcome specific questions from audience members on home performance flaws in their home. Donations appreciated

Smith’s Bechtel Environmental Classroom designed by Coldham&Hartman is one of 5 buildings in the world that has successfully completed the Living Building Challenge, a rigorous green-building standard overseen by the International Living Futures Institute. The Hitchcock Center is planning to build its own Living Building Challenge building, come learn more about this revolutionary new way to design for sustainable living. Registration appreciated.

with Nancy Goodman

For nearly half the year, bark provides the best clue to tree ID, we will be keying out the trees to see what we can learn. Become familiar with the characteristic bark of different trees in different habitats and at different stages of growth. We will delve into the reasons why we find different trees and other plants and where even within the larger habitats we might find micro habitats with different trees & plants. This is an interesting spot as we will be walking along a dry bike path but we are actually going thru a swamp in many places. We also have some dryer areas which will make for an interesting mix of trees in different habitats. Bring binoculars, water, warm clothes in many layers as we will not be walking much if cold, Rain gear, lunch, warm waterproof boots, and the book Bark by Michael Wojtech if you have a copy. Members $18/Non-members $22 Space is limited, registration required.

with John Rogers
Tuesday, April 14, 7pm

John has maintained a trail of bluebird nest boxes in central NY north of Syracuse for 4 decades and has fledged over 13,000 bluebirds in boxes he personally monitors. He has done programs and workshops for hundreds of groups in 11 states and 2 Canadian provinces. John was a co-founder of the New York State Bluebird Society and has received numerous awards for his bluebird conservation work. This presentation includes the life history of the Eastern Bluebird, other birds that nest in bluebird boxes, nest box management, and more. The focus definitely is on bluebirds, but John also shares his passion for the natural world in hopes the audience will take in some broader and deeper messages about nature - and life. The program has variety, feeling, and is thought provoking. Sprinkled throughout are just a few wildflowers, butterflies, and quotes by some of the great naturalists of the past. With beautiful photographs, sounds, and a sincere, enthusiastic presentation style, this program is of interest to anyone who appreciates nature. Donations and registration appreciated.

Come learn about some of the cutting edge sustainable building practices and systems the Hitchcock Center’s will be using in our new Living Building Challenge building.

with Charley Eiseman

As you may have heard the Hitchcock Center is moving down the road to Hampshire College. Near the site of our new building is a beautiful vernal pool/wetland that we intend to incorporate as part of our network of trails. Join expert Charley Eiseman to explore this new spot and inventory and discover what’s there at the peak of amphibian spring activity.
Space is limited, please call to register.

with John Green

Join naturalist John Green on a bird walk at the new Trustees of Reservations property at Mt. Warner. Spring Migration will just be getting started and John has a great ear so you are sure to hone your birding by ear skills. This program is cosponsored by The Trustees of Reservations.
Members $15/Non-members $20 Space is limited, registration required.

with Scott Surner at 7AM on Sunday, May 3rd in Hadley OR
with John Green at 7AM on Friday, May 8th in Belchertown

Join two of our most popular birders and naturalists for new one-time outings in support of the Hitchcock Center's Biothon! Scott Surner's birding classes are amongst our most popular courses each year; this year Scott's course filled up in just 20 minutes after opening for registration! During John Green's sold-out field walks, he shares his years of knowledge with adults of all ages to explore life around us and deepen our powers of observation. As a member of Scott's or John's "Biothon team," your outing will focus on spotting and documenting as many different species of birds as possible within a 3-hour period. And, help support the Biothon by collecting pledges in support of your outing, and receive a free custom-designed Biothon 2015 t-shirt when you reach $100 in pledges! Registration required.