Natural History of Western, Massachusetts for Kids age 10+

A hands-on science class for explorers. Wednesdays 9am-1pm Sept-Dec 6 week session $550. (starts Sept 13, 2017)
Sept 13, 20 Oct 4, 11, 18, 25 Nov 15, 22, 29 Dec 6

Students will learn about the geological history of the Pioneer Valley, the biomes and ecosystems of western Massachusetts and gain an insight into the natural history and natural resource of the area. The course will include the principles of ecology, systems thinking, and basic geology, plant, mammal and bird identification skills. Students will study river and watershed systems, forest habitat and grasslands. Course includes both field studies and lab time. This course involves a fair amount of field work, being outdoors rain or shine, and a few 1-3 mile hikes. Classes will take place at Amethyst Brook Conservation area in Amherst, Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation in Deerfield, Fort River Wildlife Refuge in Hadley, Larch Hill Conservation area in Amherst, the Benenski Natural History Museum at Amherst College and in the Yurt classroom at my home. At each of these sites students will need to be dropped off and picked up at that location by a parent. (There may also be an optional extra kayak trip on the Connecticut for a small extra charge depending on availability and interest. TO REGISTER email beth@peacefrog.org