Editor’s Note: Listings in Trail Mix are free. Email: outdoor@recorder.com. The deadline is Thursday by noon. Questions? Call 413-772-0261, ext. 276. Weather may cancel or force the rescheduling of some of these events.
Great Falls Discovery Center
Kidleidoscope Fridays: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. of Fridays. Come each week to learn about our wildlife neighbors who share our home in the Connecticut River Watershed. Kidleidoscope is a free child-friendly, hands-on environmental experience for young children. Upcoming topics include bobcats on March 8. Each topic includes a story, interactive activities and a craft to introduce you and your child to the natural world. For ages 3 to 6. For more information, call 413-863-3221.
Half Day Discovery Day: Precipitation: Wednesday, March 6, 1 to 2 p.m. Gill-Montague Regional School District students get a half day off. Join two members of the Student Conservation Association to learn about the flow of the water cycle and the different forms that water takes. For ages 6 to 12, accompanied by an adult, but all are welcome to join for stories, activities and crafts.
Northfield Mountain
“Secrets of the Quabbin Watershed”: Thursday, March 7, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Join author and photographer Dale Monette for an evening of wildlife images and engaging narrative. Monette will share his unique familiarity with the land and animals of Massachusetts and the Quabbin watershed, from eagles and loons, to otters, bears and more. His newly released book, “Secrets of the Quabbin Watershed” is the result of thousands of hours spent photographing wildlife. Monette is an expert in the nature and history of the Quabbin, where he worked 25 years as an educator and naturalist. For a preview of his photography, visit northquabbinphotography.com. Free. No registration required.
Greening Greenfield
“Exploring the Montague Plains”: Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m. to noon. Naturalists Pat Serrentino and Ted Watt will lead a hike and exploration around a portion of the Montague Plains. This Massachusetts Wildlife Management Area is an example of a unique pitch pine/scrub oak community that supports many rare and uncommon species. Look for species of wintering birds, and discuss the history of the plains and why they’re important to maintain. Co-sponsored by the Hitchcock Center for the Environment in Amherst and Greening Greenfield. Binoculars are recommended, but not required. Dress warmly in layers. The walk will be on easy terrain; participants should be ready for muddy and/or snowy conditions. The walk is free, geared toward adults and children ages 10 and up. Limited to 12 participants. Heavy rain or snow cancels. Register with Nancy Hazard by phone at 413-774-5667 or by email at nancy.hazard@worldsustain.net. Directions and carpool information will be sent on the Friday before the event.
Wendell State Forest
All Out Adventures: March 9, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy outdoor ice skating, gentle sled hockey, cross-country skiing, sit-skiing, snowshoeing, kicksledding and snowmobile rides, as weather conditions permit. Bring a lunch. Free, but advance registration is required by calling 413-577-3840 or emailing jackie.brown@mass.gov.
Hitchcock Center for the Environment
Second Saturday Family Science Series: 10 to 11 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month. Designed for children with their parents, these programs will explore cool topics in nature. Upcoming topics include wind and air on March 9, sounds of spring on April 13 and ladybugs on May 11. Free, but registration is encouraged at bit.ly/2zof6XW. Groups of six or more should call ahead at 413-256-6006.
Homeschool Discovery Days: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on one Tuesday each month. Explore science and nature topics with Katie Koerten and Jeff Mazur, meet science experts and sometimes go on field trips. Upcoming topics include the life of a tree on March 5, composting with worms on April 2, mountains and valleys on May 7, and life in a pond on June 11. Designed as a drop-off program for children ages 6 to 12. Limited to 12 participants per program. Register at bit.ly/2ECwLQF. $45 to $55.
