FirstLight Power Resources Power Generation | Environmental Stewardship | Eagles Online
Careers | Press Releases | Contact Us
 
Environmental Stewardship and Northfield Recreation


Environmental Stewardship
Northfield Mountain
About Northfield
Brochures, Flyers & Maps
Camping
Canoeing and Kayaking
Cross Country Skiing
Eagles Online
Event Facility Rentals
Newsletters
Public Programs
Riverboat Cruise
School Programs
Turners Falls Dam Portage
Turners Falls Fishway
Links
Directions to Northfield Mtn.
Contact Northfield Mtn.




Public Programs: Winter/Spring 2010

northfield 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.

Public Program Registration

  1. Register by phone with your Visa or MasterCard. Call 800-859-2960.

  2. Register by mail with a check made out to Northfield Mountain. Please send a separate check for each program.

  3. Include program names, dates and participant names, address, telephone and email.

  4. Mail to 99 Millers Falls Road, Northfield, MA, 01360

  5. If unable to attend a program for which you are registered, please call as soon as possible so that others can take your place.

  6. Refunds will be made if we are notified at least one week in advance of the program date.

  7. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult on all programs.

Nautical Knife Lanyard Workshop with Tom Deam

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

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.

moon 

Family Moonlight Snowshoe

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

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.

Fairy Fun

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

fairy fun - photo by Ed Luschei
The beginning of March - will it be wintry and wild or warm with a hint of spring? Fairy Fun is an adventure
in the late winter woods
Photo By Ed Luschei


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.

crosscountry skiing 

New in 2010 - Wednesday Afternoon Sprint Series Races

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

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.

Sky Dance: Woodcocks at Twilight

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

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.

Woodland Fairy Fun

Woodland Fairy Fun

Fri., April 23; 1 – 3:30 p.m.
For ages 4 and older
Fee: $6 per child
Pre-registration required - call 800-859-2960

Fairies would love
it here!
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

Fascinating Frogs: Exploring Life Cycles
with Rachel Roberts

Sat., May 8; 10 – 11:30 am
Ages 4 and older
Fee: Free
Pre-registration required - call 800-859-2960

Gray Tree Frog - Photo courtesy of www.vernalpool.org

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.

Gray tree frog photo courtesy of www.vernalpool.org. Link to enature.com for green frog call

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.

Crabapple Blossom Fest Hike Along the Bikepath

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.

Fish Printing

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.

fish printing 
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. Gyotaku is a traditional form of Japanese fish printing used by fishermen to record their catches.

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.

Summer Evening Stroll

Thurs., June 17; 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Fee: FREE
For all ages

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.

Saturn, courtesy of NASA

Space-tacular: Solar System with Rachel Roberts

Sat., June. 19; 1 – 2 p.m.
For ages 5 and older
Fee: FREE
Pre-registration required - call 800-859-2960

Saturn Photo Courtesy of solarsystem.nasa.gov/
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.

Sunset-Moonrise Kayak

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

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.

Barton Cove paddlers 

Exploring Barton Cove Ferns by Boat and Foot
with Elizabeth Farnsworth

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

Paddlers search for ferns.

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.

Space-tacular: Starry Night with Rachel Roberts

Sat., July 17; 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
For ages 7 and older
Fee: FREE
Pre-registration required - call 800-859-2960

Rachel Roberts - photo by Ashley Sturm
Join educator Rachel Roberts at Northfield Mountain for this exciting program about constellations. Rachel Roberts -
photo by Ashley Sturm
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.

Blueberry Moon Hike

Sat., July 24; 6 – 9 p.m.
For ages 8 and older
Fee: $3 per person
Pre-registration required - call 800-859-2960

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.

Professor Richard Little 

Geologist Richard Little on the Riverboat

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.

Professor Richard Little and the rare Jurassic armored mud balls at Greenfield Community College
Photo: D. Koonz.
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/.

Unlock the Mysteries of Canning with Pat Shearer & Alison Wahlstrom

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

Canning Jar - Photo courtersy of wikipedia.com
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.

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.

Turners Falls Block Party – Pond Creatures

Sat., Aug. 14; 2—8 p.m.
For all ages
Fee: Free

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.

moon 

Astronomy Conjunction Shoots the Moon!

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.

Photo by Luis Argerich 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.

Back to Top

 


Power Generation | Environmental Stewardship | Eagles Online
Careers | Press Releases | Contact Us

© FirstLight Power Resources Copyright 2010