Winter School Programs: Environmental Education

Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center's winter 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 the winter season.

Winter School Sign Ups!

Please join us this winter for one of the many field trip opportunities offered for schools and organized groups. Our goal is to provide quality learning experiences that are both educational and engaging, using the outdoors as the classroom. Please note that our fee waiver policy sets aside limited funds for individual students. Classes are offered on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Please call (413) 659-3714 or (800) 859-2960 to register.

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Please also visit the Fall and Spring school program pages.

All environmental school programs support the Massachusetts Science Frameworks. For more information contact Kim Noyes, School Environmental Programs Coordinator: (413) 659-4462.

Environmental Education Programs

Winter World

Games, puppets, songs and a variety of hands-on activities are used to explore the world of winter. Using their senses, students will develop an awareness of winter and the challenges that this season poses to animal survival. A special focus of this program is on shelter and the challenge of staying warm.

This program, designed specifically for young children, takes place both indoors and outdoors. Pre- and post-visit materials are provided.

	Pre-school to Grade 1 Time Allowance: 1 - 1 1/2 hours (depending on grade) Group Size: 22 (groups up to 36 available on limited days) (10/1 student/adult ratio) Fee: $6/student; minimum $60/group Science and Technology Standards Applicable: Earth Science (Grades PreK-1) #3 Life Science (PreK-1) #1, #3, #6, #7, #8
Snowflake 7 by Wilson"Snowflake" Bentley

Pine Cones and Pizza

Finding food in winter is a challenging task, and it is often the key to survival. Games such as Eat and Run, Pizza Bingo and Hurry Up and Hunt introduce students to the difficulty of finding food during the cold season. This program takes place both indoors and outdoors and is a great follow-up to Winter World. The pre- and post-visit curriculum for Winter World serves this program as well.

Grades 2 and 3 Time Allowance: 1 1/2 hours Group Size: 24 (groups up to 36 available on limited days) (10/1 student/adult ratio) Fee: $6/student, minimum $60/group Science and Technology Standards Applicable: Earth Science (Grade 2) #3 Life Science (Grade 2) #1, #3, #6, #7, #8, (Grade 3) #1, #3, #7
	Winter nest by David Hoitt

Twigs and Tracks

The forests and fields at Northfield are alive with animal activity in winter. This program focuses on the adaptations that enable plants and animals to meet the challenge of winter survival. As twig and track detectives, students will search for signs of wildlife on snowshoes (snow permitting.) This program includes an indoor and outdoor session with a variety of hands-on activities. Snowshoes and pre- and post-visit materials are provided.

		Grades 3 and above Time Allowance: 2 hours Group Size: 25 (groups up to 40 available on limited days) (10/1 student/adult ratio) Fee: $7/student, minimum $70/group Science and Technology Standards Applicable: Life Science (Grades 3-5) #1, #2, #3, #5, #6, #7, #9
Photo Credit: Patty O'Donnell

The Hunter and the Hunted

This program focuses on predator-prey adaptations. What makes a predator a successful hunter and prey able to avoid capture? Through games, role playing and outdoor exploration we will study the ecological relationships between predator and prey. Using detective skills, we will learn how to interpret skulls and read the signs these creatures leave behind. This program takes place both indoors and outdoors. Weather permitting, snowshoes will be used. The pre- and post-visit materials for Twigs and Tracks serve this program as well.

Grades 4 and above Time Allowance: 2 hours Group Size: 25 (groups up to 40 available on limited days) (10/1 student/adult ratio) Fee: $7/student, minimum $70/group Science and Technology Standards Applicable: Life Science (Grades 4-5) #1, #3, #5, #6, #7, #9
	Red Fox Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Winter Recreation Programs: Skiing and Snowshoeing

Trail skiing provides an opportunity for school groups to experience the winter woods. We have many sets of cross country ski rentals which are available Wednesday through Friday.

Self-guided snowshoe hikes are also available for school groups. With minimal practice, students will be able to venture on the trails and experience winter from a different perspective. We have many sets of easy-to-use aluminum snowshoes which are available on a limited basis. Please call ahead for availability.

The prices listed below are available for schools and non-profit youth programs. Our rental equipment is available on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays excluding Massachusetts school vacations.

		FEES Trail Ski (own equipment) .................. $4 Trail Ski (rental equipment) ............... $6 Snowshoeing (own equipment) ........ n/c Snowshoeing (rental equipment) ..... $6
Smiling skiers