By Jessica Schultz
The modern environmental movement began with Rachel Carson’s book “Silent Spring,” about widespread contamination of land and water by DDT and other long-lasting pesticides. Developed in the 1940s, these chemicals went into wide use after World War II. But evidence mounted that they persisted in the environment and accumulated in animal and human tissue; as a result, DDT and most related pesticides have been phased out in the U.S. and elsewhere.However, another class of toxic compounds that were developed around the same time — perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS), with some of the same environmental and health concerns — continue to be used in a host of consumer products and building materials. They are now found in the bodies of virtually all humans and are considered to be ubiquitous throughout the web of life.When we think about what materials to incorporate into the construction of the places where we live and work, do we really want to use any product containing toxic, persistent chemicals?
By Casey Beebe
We were so pleased this past year to work again with local artist and writer Deborah Savage with support from an exhibit grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences. Deborah painted some beautiful, true to life, educational mural panels for our composting restrooms and background habitat paintings for our turtles and snake.
By Ted Watt
Our Living Building has zero-net-energy and zero-net-water systems that keep us functioning. As part of our on-going process of settling into the building we have been developing curriculum using the building’s features in our teaching. Our goal is teaching young people about alternative technologies that use fewer resources from the planet. Engineering design standards, featured prominently in the new (2016) science and technology frameworks for grades K-12, provide a terrific vehicle for this.
The Hitchcock Center for the Environment with designLAB Architects received the Boston Society of Architects’ (BSA) 2018 Honor Award for Sustainable Design, presented in Boston on January 17, 2019.
By Katie Koerten
On January 17 and 18, 2019 the Hitchcock Center hosted a talk called “Balanced and Barefoot” by Angela Hanscom, author of a recent book by the same name. Angela is a pediatric occupational therapist whose career has led her to creating an international outdoor play organization called Timbernook.
Education Director Colleen Kelley has been selected by women’s athletic apparel company Title Nine as one of two nationwide #GiftedWomen in recognition of her 35 years educating children and youth at the Hitchcock Center. Her $500 award will help to support the Colleen Kelley Discovery Yard at the Hitchcock Center, an engaging outdoor exploration and play space for children and their families.
By Marcus Simon Giving Tuesday is today, November 27th! Giving Tuesday is a global day of online giving – a chance to give back and strengthen our commitment to our […]
By Casey Beebe
The Hitchcock Center’s Casey Beebe and long time Hitchcock affiliate Pete Westover, Joe Anderson (Hamshire College’s Environmental Sustainability Alumni Fellow) and Tim Zimmerman (Jonathan Lash Chair and Assistant Professor of Environmental Education at Hampshire College) are working together to offer a new monthly Environmental Justice series.
By Jessica Schultz
What do you do if you are a high school student concerned about climate change? At the Hitchcock Center, we offer students the opportunity to attend the Western Mass Youth Climate Summit to grow their knowledge and prepare to take action within their school community.
By Katie Koerten
The Hitchcock Center for the Environment is excited to be weaving a birding theme through three programs this December to connect young people with the avian world.
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Hitchcock Center for the Environment
at Hampshire College
845 West Street | Amherst MA 01002 | 413.256.6006 | 413.253.2809 fax