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Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center's programs offer unique opportunities for hands-on environmental education and recreation. Our experienced educators allow learners the opportunity to explore subjects and habitats through focused, inquiry-based programs, taking advantage of the magic of each season. To register, please call (800) 859-2960. |
For more information, please see the Spring/Summer 2010 Newsletter for a full list of all school and public programs or visit the Newsletters page. Click here to get your own
free e-mail news letter e-mailed directly to you. Newsletter e-mail lists are not shared with others.
- Register by phone with your Visa or MasterCard. Call 800-859-2960.
- Register by mail with a check made out to Northfield Mountain. Please send a separate check for each program.
- Include program names, dates and participant names, address, telephone and email.
- Mail to 99 Millers Falls Road, Northfield, MA, 01360
- If unable to attend a program for which you are registered, please call as soon as possible so that others can take your place.
- Refunds will be made if we are notified at least one week in advance of the program date.
- Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult on all programs.
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Sat., Feb. 27; 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
For ages 12 and older
Fee: $7 per person
Pre-registration required - call 800-859-2960
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Knots have been used for
centuries by sailors to make
practical and ornamental
items. Learn a few basics of
this decorative art while
creating a pocket knife lanyard.
Participants will learn
three knots and two braids
(called sennits), which can
be used for other decorative
applications like bracelets or
necklaces or practical applications
like dog leashes, bell
ropes, and wheel coverings.
A list of books and websites will be shared to help participants
continue to learn
on their own after the workshop.
Instructor Tom Deam
"learned the ropes" over 40
years ago in the Navy.
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Sat., Feb.27; 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
For ages 7 and older
Fee: $5 per person,
$12 with snowshoe rentals
Pre-registration required - call 800-859-2960 |
| Photo by Luis Argerich |
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A family adventure by the
light of the moon. Learn
how to navigate like nocturnal
creatures, pretend to be
predators sneaking up on
prey and learn about the
shocking scientific mysteries
rolled up in Wintergreen
Lifesavers! A cup of cocoa and snacks will warm us on
our return to the Center. No
previous snowshoeing experience
is necessary. Wear
wind pants or gaiters if you
have them and dress in
warm layers that can be
shed as we get moving.
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Sat.,March 6; 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.
For ages 4 and older
Fee: $5 per child
Pre-registration required - call 800-859-2960
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| The beginning of March -
will it be wintry and wild or
warm with a hint of spring? |
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Fairy Fun is an adventure
in the late winter woods
Photo By Ed Luschei
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The fairies know how to
have fun either way and so
do we! After reading Rose
Fyleman’s A Fairy Went a-
Marketing around the cozy
pellet stove, we’ll have an
adventure in the late winter
woods. Playing games that
fairies would like and fairy house building will be on the
agenda. Who knows what
else we’ll discover along the
way… tracks to follow or
maybe some fairy friends
like chickadees or red squirrels
to chat with? We’ll return
to the yurt to create our
own flower fairy dolls to
take home and warm up
with hot cocoa and snacks.
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Wednesdays in Jan. and Feb.
3:30 p.m. start
3:00 race registration on day of race
Preregister online before midnight Tuesdays at http://nordicsprint.eventbrite.com
Fee: $5 or $3 with Northfield trail pass
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Amherst Regional Nordic
presents the Wednesday
Afternoon Sprint Series.
These races will take place
on Wednesday afternoons in
January and February, snow
permitting. All are welcome;
Juniors, Seniors and Masters.
Registration takes place the day of the race at 3:00 p.m. or online at http://nordicsprint.eventbrite.com. It is requested that racers preregister online before midnight Tuesdays at http://nordicsprint.eventbrite.com. Races begin at 3:30 p.m. sharp.
The entry fee is $5 or $3 with a
Northfield Mountain trail
pass. Save money and sign
up for the series and pay
only $30 ($18 with season
pass.)
The Sprint Series will be a
wave start format. The best
two advance. Consolation
round(s) for all others. Skiing
technique will alternate
with Classic skiing on the
first and third Wednesdays
and Freestyle on the second
and fourth Wednesdays.
For race questions, please call
Sully at (413) 259-1521
(before 9:00 p.m.)
For snow conditions, call
Northfield Mountain at
(800) 859-2960 or visit the
cross country skiing page.
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Wed., April 14; 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. (Rain date - April 15)
For ages 10 and older
Fee: None
Pre-registration required; call 800-859-2960
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As the sun begins to set, the stage is ready for the woodcock to perform his courtship flight. This unusual bird, also known as the Timberdoodle, performs an airborn dance accompanied by a variety of unique sounds. It is a spring ritual not to be missed! This program will begin with an indoor introduction, followed by a twilight walk to watch the flight of the woodcock. Dress warmly, wear boots and dark clothes, bring a blanket to sit on, and bring binoculars if possible. In case of rain, this program will take place on Thursday, April 15.
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Fri., April 23; 1 – 3:30 p.m.
For ages 4 and older
Fee: $6 per child
Pre-registration required - call 800-859-2960
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Fairies would love
it here! |
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This should prove to be a magical morning--spent in the woods and fields at Northfield Mountain in early spring. |
The morning includes a craft (making a flower fairy), reading fairy stories, playing games, building woodland fairy houses, and concludes with fairy snacks. The fairies never worry about a little dirt on their wings, so please wear clothes that can get messy and bring water for the trail.
"It’s so wonderful to be outside,
To swing on daisies and daffodil slides;
Of all the enchanted games to play,
Which are the ones we’ll choose today?"
by Marla Schram Schwartz
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Sat., May 8; 10 – 11:30 am
Ages 4 and older
Fee: Free
Pre-registration required - call 800-859-2960
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Join educator Rachel Roberts for this exciting program about life cycles. Together we will do a variety of hands-on science and art activities connected to life cycles with a focus on frogs. |
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Gray tree frog photo courtesy of www.vernalpool.org. Link to enature.com for green frog call
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There will also be a brief story time with a wonderful book about the life of tree frogs and time to look at books about other frogs and life cycles. This class will reinforce participants’ understanding of animal behavior and the cycles of nature around us all year long. If we are lucky, there will be live tree frog tadpoles and froglets to look at closely.
Weather permitting, there will be time to investigate the ponds and other wildlife outside together at Northfield (so dress appropriately). This workshop is free and intended for families with young children and is supported in part by a grant from the Northfield Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Sat., May 15; 9 a.m. – 12 noon
For ages 12 and older
Fee: Free
Pre-registration required - call 800-859-2960
We know the crabapples will be blossoming along the Avenue, but what other blooms will we discover on the river side of town? Join us for a brisk walk along the Canalside bike trail in Turners Falls from Unity Park to East Deerfield. Participants will be searching for blooms in a landscape that contains clues to the fascinating industrial history of the Village that still generates hydroelectricity to power local communities. The intersection of the built environment, the natural beauty of the river, and the hardy wildflowers that grow there, will make for a delightful morning. Walkers can choose to carpool for a 3.3 mile linear walk or walk out and back for a 6.2 mile trip. Bring lots of water and hearty trail snacks.
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Sat., June 12; 1 – 3 p.m.
Fee: FREE
For ages 6 and older
Fish print your very own T-shirt or artwork on paper and discover the intricate beauty and important function of fish fins and scales. |
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| Use scientifically accurate replicas of Connecticut River fish to learn about resident fish of the Connecticut River as well as the amazing migratory fish that return to the river each spring. |
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Gyotaku is a traditional form of Japanese fish printing used by fishermen to record their catches.
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Drop by the Turners Falls Fishway anytime between 1 and 3 p.m. and bring a T-shirt or other cloth item to use forfish printing. Fish Tee-shirts make great Father’s Day presents! Please wear clothes that can get stained.
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Thurs., June 17; 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Fee: FREE
For all ages
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Enjoy an evening walk along the Canalside Bike Trail in Turners Falls. Take advantage of the extra daylight hours and get some exercise after dinner. Along the way, we’ll explore the historic village of Turners Falls and the watchable wildlife opportunities along the river including migrating fish and nesting bald eagles. Meet at the parking area for the bike trail on First Street, next to the river at the north end of the trail.
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Sat., June. 19; 1 – 2 p.m.
For ages 5 and older
Fee: FREE
Pre-registration required - call 800-859-2960
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Join educator Rachel Roberts at Northfield Mountain for this exciting program about our solar system and get to know our planets! |
Together we will do a variety of hands-on science and art activities connected to the planets in our solar system. There will also be time to look at books about planets and space exploration. This class will reinforce participants’ understanding of the outer-space that surrounds us! This workshop is free and intended for families and is supported in part by a grant from the Northfield Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
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Fri., June 25; 5:30 – 9 p.m.
For ages 12 and older
Fee: $5 with own kayak; $30 with kayak rental
Pre-registration required - call 800-859-2960
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Float into the sunset and almost full moon on a leisurely 5½ mile paddle from Riverview to Barton Cove. Travel past sites rich in cultural and natural history as we enjoy quotes from past river lovers, such as adventurers and log drivers, who have had a connection to this stretch of the Connecticut. Hopefully current river residents like the Barton Cove eagles will have their own comments to add to this magical evening on the water. We’ll stop along the way to enjoy our own brown bag dinners. Confirmation letter sent to registered participants.
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Sat., July 10; 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
For ages 12 and older
Fee: $25 per person includes canoe or kayak rental
Pre-registration required - call 800-859-2960
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| Paddlers search for ferns. |
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Who better to explore Barton Cove with than Elizabeth Farnsworth, co-author of both the Connecticut River Boating Guide and the Peterson Field Guide to the Ferns of Northeastern and Central North America?
Barton Cove is well known for its scenic beauty and nesting bald eagles and, with any luck, this paddle will allow us glimpses of both. Botanists also know this area as one rich in diversity of fern species. Participants will paddle to two locations along the peninsula and take short hikes in search of ferns of woodland and rocky habitats. Please bring lunch and drinks to enjoy along the way.
Program co-sponsor, the Connecticut River Watershed Council, is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to celebrating and protecting the four-state watershed. Their updated Boating Guide (co-authored by Elizabeth) was published in 2007. Program is also co-sponsored by the New England Wild Flower Society who’s mission is to protect the region’s native flora.
Elizabeth Farnsworth is Senior Research Ecologist with the New England Wild Flower Society. Her unique background as a botanist, professor, illustrator, author, boat builder and kayaker provide her with a wealth of information to share during this exploration of the Cove.
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Sat., July 17; 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
For ages 7 and older
Fee: FREE
Pre-registration required - call 800-859-2960
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| Join educator Rachel Roberts at Northfield Mountain for this exciting program about constellations. |
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Rachel Roberts -
photo by Ashley Sturm
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Together we will do a variety of hands-on science and art activities connected to the viewing, science, and mythology of stars. There will also be time to look at books about space, constellations, and mythology. This class will reinforce participants’ understanding of the vast and beautiful outer-space that surrounds us! You’ll be able to use your new constellation knowledge to view stars on a clear summer night.
This workshop is free and intended for families and is supported in part by a grant from the Northfield Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
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Sat., July 24; 6 – 9 p.m.
For ages 8 and older
Fee: $3 per person
Pre-registration required - call 800-859-2960
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July is a berry nice time of year for a sunset/moonrise hike. Come search for all kinds of berries and look for signs of other berry eaters on this three mile round trip hike. The "high point" of the evening will come atop nearby Crag Mountain where we’ll pick wild blueberries in the sunset and enjoy them over ice cream as the almost full moon rises. Participants should be in moderate condition and comfortable with a small amount of rock scrambling on steep slopes. Bring water, a cup or bowl, spoon and flashlight. Confirmation letter sent to registered participants.
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Sat., Aug. 7; 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
For ages 10 and older
Fee: $12 adults, $11 seniors, $6 children
Pre-registration required, call 800-859-2960
Plan to pick up Riverboat tickets at the Visitor Center.
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Professor Richard Little and the rare Jurassic armored mud balls at Greenfield Community College
Photo: D. Koonz. |
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Geology comes alive through the clear and often humorous stories of Professor Richard Little. This relaxing cruise on the Connecticut River will be filled with tales of drifting continents, earthquakes, dinosaurs, glaciers and Lake Hitchcock, that are part of the creation of our idyllic Valley. |
Professor Emeritus of Greenfield Community College, Little has published three editions of Dinosaurs, Dunes, and Drifting Continents: The Geology of the Connecticut Valley and created videos about the rise and fall of glacial Lake Hitchcock and the 500 million year history of the Connecticut Valley. Professor Little continues his passion for educating about geology through field trips to internationally significant geologic areas like the Canadian Rockies and Iceland.
Don’t miss this overview of the great geology of our region by one of our greatest geology educators. More information about Richard Little’s tours and publications is available at: http://www.earthview.pair.com/.
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Sat., Aug. 7; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
For ages 12 and older
Fee: $20, includes cost of all supplies and use of church kitchen
Pre-registration required - call 800-859-2960
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Learn basic techniques by canning tomatoes and peaches with mother-daughter team Pat Shearer and Alison Wahlstrom of Northfield, MA. Other food preserving methods, like drying, will also be discussed and samples of dried and canned foods will be shared.
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Invented in the early 1850s, canning jars make it all possible! Image source: http://en.wikipedia.org/ |
Pat is a long-time home canner, grandma and award winning 4-H leader. Daughter Alison was the 4-H national winner of Foods and Nutrition in 1984. Her nursing background and years of home canning experience make her well versed in both food safety and process efficiency. These delightful women will share their stories around the kitchen stove at the Trinitarian Church in Northfield, MA. Participants will leave with samples of both products and the confidence to go forth and plan canning parties in their own home kitchen. A list of what to wear and bring (including lunch) will be shared upon registration.
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Sat., Aug. 14; 2—8 p.m.
For all ages
Fee: Free
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Come meet Northfield Mountain pond creatures, like dragonfly nymphs, at this family friendly event in Turners Falls. Live music, yummy street vendor food and lots of fun activities make for a great way to connect with community members from this lively and artistic Town. The 2009 event included the ever popular afternoon parade featuring dogs (and their human companions), a precision lawn-chair drill team and marching zombies in all their ghoulish glory. The early evening Fabrication Fashion Show featured recycled items repurposed into dramatic fashions — like a Samurai costume. What will those wacky RiverCulture folks think up for 2010? It’s sure to be fun.
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Fri. & Sat., Aug. 20 & 21
For ages 12 and older
Northfield Mountain will host the 28th Annual Connecticut River Valley Astronomer's Conjunction. Enjoy the camaraderie of amateur astronomers learning and observing together at Northfield Mountain.
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| Photo by Luis Argerich |
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Usually held under dark skies, this year organizers have chosen a date just before the full moon. |
As in past years the weekend will be jam-packed full of slide presentations, talks, and Friday and Saturday night sky viewing through telescopes of all shapes and sizes. Of course this year many presentations will have a moon related theme.
Check out the conjunction website at: http://www.philharrington.net/astroconjunction/. Or, to request free information and a registration form contact: Jack Megas, Astronomy Conjunction, 311 Surrey Road, Springfield, MA 01118 or e-mail Richard Sanderson at RSanderson@springfieldmuseums.org.
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