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Feature Stories

Update on the Massachusetts Adaptation of the Next Generation Science Standards

Hitchcock Center educators have been paying close attention to the evolution of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) since the 2011 release of the Framework for K-12 Science Education, a key guiding document that elucidates the need for revising how and what we teach about science. We're particularly focused on the process in Massachusetts, so we can continue to offer high-quality, standards-aligned science curriculum to public schools in the Pioneer Valley, and beyond.

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The Hitchcock Center Collaborates with Girls Inc. of Holyoke

Nysha Sanchez, 16 and Kaylla Fairbanks, 15 spent the month of July working at the Hitchcock Center as "externs" from the Girls Inc. of Holyoke Eureka! Program. Read more...

Leadership Training Camp Kicked Off Its Second Season

A leader is someone who: is accepting of others regardless of differences; is trustworthy; has and shares enthusiasm; is respectful; has confidence; is willing to meet challenges. Read more...

Upcoming Programs and Events

Citizen Science: Autumn Colors and Leaf Drop

Observing trees, the coloring and dropping of leaves in autumn, helps increase our awareness of complexities and beauties in nature.
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Monarch Tagging

Help with this ongoing citizen science project and get up close and personal with Monarch butterflies. Fun for all ages! Two date options: September 20 & 24th.
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Morning Nature Walk
for Seniors

Join us for an easy walk in the woods! Two date options: September 24 & October 14.
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Exploring Larch Hill:
All Welcome Monthly Sunday Nature Walk

Come young, old, novice or seasoned and join one of our naturalists to see what you can see each month on our new fourth Sunday of the month nature walk around Larch Hill. Fourth Sunday afternoons from 1-3pm.
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Waugh Arboretum Tour

on the UMass Campus

Come learn about ornamentals and natives, evergreens and deciduous, and experience the wonderful diversity of temperate trees; and see the trees in their autumn colors.

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Mushrooms
Under the Microscope

You've observed mushrooms in the woods and may even be able to identify some. Here's an opportunity to investigate these fascinating and beautiful structures in the lab.
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Girls into the Wild Afterschool

Girls into the Wild brings girls together in a supportive environment that fosters creativity, nature skills and inquiry. Learn more...

Homeschool II
Dinosaur Explorers

Join us this fall as we travel deep into the past to explore the age of the dinosaurs. Learn more...

Nature Discovery
Preschool

This fall children will learn about dinosaurs through stories, songs, movement and crafts. Learn more...

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE Campaign Update

We are pleased to announce a new grant award of $50,000 from the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts (CFWM) for construction!
This award follows a grant from CFWM last summer to support design fees related to the project. This year's award is particularly exciting because it is a challenge grant. We must raise an additional $50,000 to secure this funding. The CFWM's award is an enormously important symbol of confidence in our project and Hitchcock itself. As a challenge grant it will leverage
select donations, allowing those donors to double the impact of their gift. We thank the Foundation for its generosity and enthusiasm for our project. Please contact Julie for more information about how you can double the impact of your gift with our CFWM Challenge Grant.
Join us for a New "Living Building" Site Tour! Tours are offered on the first Friday of the month 12:30-1pm: September 4, October 2, November 6, December 4.
Want to keep up with what's happening on site? Follow progress on our blog.

More News

Nature Summer Campers had fun this summer! Check out our new Nature Summer Camp gallery of camp photos.
Hitchcock Naturalist and Environmental Educator Ted Watt
co-publishes classroom curriculum
in Science and Children.
Hitchcock educators connect nature, scientific inquiry and language at Jackson Street School.
Hitchcock Center supports cross cultural environmental education.
Stay up to date with Earth Matters columns published in the Daily Hampshire Gazette.

About Us

The Hitchcock Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that works to inspire people to learn about our natural world through innovative, hands-on environmental education programs. We help people to explore the interconnections between the health of humans and ecosystems, reinforcing our innate bonds with our environment, and looking to nature as a model and measure to improve our quality of life.

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