"Hummingbirds of the World" at the Jones on May 10

An opportunity to learn about hummingbirds near and far comes to the Jones Library in a presentation by local naturalist John Root.  Please join us in the Woodbury Room of the Jones Library at 7 pm on Thursday, May 10, 2018.

This presentation is a visual one that features spectacular images of hummingbirds from around the world. Topics discussed include myths and legends about hummingbirds in different cultures, special adaptations for flight, co-evolution of hummingbirds and the flowers that they visit, courtship and nesting behavior, and migration. Information about attracting hummingbirds with feeders and hummingbird gardens is also presented. Comments and questions are welcome throughout the program.

This program is sponsored in part by a grant from the Amherst Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Free and open to the public.  For more information, please contact Janet Ryan at 413/259-3223.

LSSE’s WinterFest Amherst from February 3 to 10

WinterFest Amherst is the largest winter festival in Western Massachusetts, featuring over 40 events including music, food, sports, recreation and community activities. 

Among this year’s highlights are 10 events on the first day, including a Luminaria, sponsored by the Amherst BID, on the Town Common. Other highlights include the WinterFest Ice Hockey Challenge Cup, 5K Indoor Run, Men and Women’s Amateur Basketball, Food Demonstrations, Nature Hikes, Lectures and Discussions, Figure Skating, Winter Crafts for Kids, Painting for Children, Live Music, Winter Farmers’ Market, Movies and more. 

WinterFest concludes on February 10, with fireworks, beauty queens, and more at the Grand Finale at the Cherry Hill Golf Course. 

Click here for details or for the very latest updates visit WinterFest Amherst on Facebook.

Fort River Division/Silvio O. Conte Refuge presents Storybook Trail on September 16

All are invited to the Fort River Division of the Silvio O. Conte Refuge for a storybook trail Saturday Sept. 16th from 12:00-2:00pm. 

Throughout September, several kiosks will be along the 1.2 mile handicap accessible trail on 69 Moody Bridge, Hadley to tell the story of the Norwottuck people and other Algonquian Tribes who lived in the Connecticut River Watershed. On September 16th, US Fish and Wildlife Service members and Student Conservation Association interns will provide activities like arrowhead/projectile point making using clay and a archaeological excavation sandbox for children to uncover replica projectile points and pottery shards. Projectile points dating back 500-8,000 years ago will also be on display for visitors. 

Click for a printable flyer.

Fort River Division of Silvio O. Conte Wildlife Refuge "Migratory Bird's Egg Hunt" on April 15th from 12pm-2pm

The new Fort River Division of Silvio O. Conte Wildlife Refuge will be hosting monthly storybook hikes and other activities.  Our first activity will take place on April 15th from 12pm-2pm.  

Title: Migratory Bird's Egg Hunt at Fort River Division

Date: April 15th

Time: 12pm-2pm

Age Range:  1-100+, Trail is Handicap Accessible 

Contact Information: Tasha_Daniels@fws.gov or call (413) 548-8002 Extension: 8132

Location: Silvio O. Conte Refuge, 69 Moody Bridge Road, Hadley, MA

Cost: FREE

Facebook Page: Friends of Fort River Refuge

Join us at the Migratory Bird's Egg Hunt at Fort River Division. Not your traditional egg hunt! We will use Geographic Positioning Units (GPS) to find eggs! Each colorful egg has a bird inside that makes the Refuge its home for the spring and summer. The challenge is to read a fun story as you walk the trail, find all your colorful eggs, learn about the birds and decode the special message found within the golden eggs. There is an interactive worksheet to help you along as you hunt. Look for eggs as you walk the trail finding clues to fill in your hunt worksheet, then you put the clues back in the eggs so the next family can play too! So, at the end of the journey, if you can tell us the magic phrase, each child will receive a grab bag.

To RSVP Contact: Tasha_Daniels@fws.gov or call (413) 548-8002 Extension: 8132

Please download these FREE GPS App to your smartphone we will teach you how to use it:

IPHONE in Apps store search: EASY GPS by 2Kit Consulting

ANDROID in Google Play search: GPS Coordinates by WOOZILLI, LLC

Leapfrog – after school program for K-4

Join the Snowy Owls, a weekly after school program for K-4, and plunge into a wild world of nature exploration, crafting and feasting! Explore the woods, streams and trails while learning awareness, naturalist and survival skills!

This program meets once a week, participants picking a Tuesday or Thursday clan, from 3:45 to 5:30 at Amethyst Brook Conservation Land, Amherst. Begins Tuesday March 7, 2017.

Snowy Owls is offered by Leapfrog Programs. Leap frog Programs cultivates nature connection and education for humans of all ages in Western Massachusetts, offering during and after school programs and weekend workshops. We work to empower participants with meaningful and practical life-long relationships between each other, and the living land.

To sign up or to find out more visit us at: leapfrogprograms.weebly.com

With gratitude from The Compost Collective,

Margaret and Sara

https://thecompostcollective413.wordpress.com/

Hitchcock Center Migration and Fall Schedule

The Hitchcock Center for the Environment announces its Fall Migration south to the new building on the campus of Hampshire College! Click the link below for the fall lineup of incredible programs for kids and families! 

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1108742089083&ca=624f59e4-e45d-4b2c-bc61-b6cdfca693ae