Events

Have you ever looked at a tree in winter and wondered what it might be? For nearly half the year bark provides the best clues to tree ID. We’ll be keying out the trees using bark characters, among others, to see what we can learn. Poet’s Seat is a dry ridge top with a variety of habitats. We’ll hike up the paved access road, with a mostly gentle up-hill grade, heading to the tower and the top of the cliffs. This area was named by Frederick Goddard Tuckerman, a poet, who spent many hours writing and being inspired by the location. This is one of the most visited sites in this area and the west view across the valley to the Berkshire foothills is spectacular.

Join Ted for a hike up Mount Holyoke in Skinner State Park. We’ll meet at the entrance gate and hike the auto road part way and then take the New England National Scenic Trail to the summit of the mountain. Along the way we’ll look at geologic formations and discuss the formation of our Valley and the many forces that have acted on this area over time. At the summit we’ll enjoy the panoramic view and make geologic sense of what we see. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and dress for the weather; some steep sections of trail families welcome; recommended for young people fourth grade and up.

with John Green, naturalist Wednesday, October 14, 9am-11am FREE • Registration required • Space is limited, location provided with registration

Join Dianna for a fascinating glimpse into the diversity of fungi in our autumn woods. She is a walking field guide to our myriad fungi and will identify, complete with latin name, all we can find. She knows the fungi's habitat preferences, plant associates, fruiting period and so much more. Her style is accessible and supportive of whatever level of knowledge you bring to the walk! You will leave knowing so much more about our native fungi!

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. Lisa will begin with an overview of mushroom anatomy and then assist us with observing various diagnostic features of mushrooms using microscopes. Lab observations will include spore shape, reactions of mushrooms to reagents, hyphal type, etc. Lisa will provide instruction on how to be successful with compound microscopes. We will provide microscopes and relevant mushroom dyes. Bring your curiosity, questions and any fresh mushrooms you want to identify!

John Green, naturalist Thursday, September 24, 9am-11am FREE • Registration required • Space is limited, location provided with registration

Tim has been developing new methods of submitting citizen science data using the internet. We are very excited about the possibilities of expanding public awareness about environmental issues and deepening connections to the natural world using these technologies. Observing trees, the coloring and dropping of leaves in autumn, helps increase our awareness of complexities and beauties in nature. Recording our observations online can contribute to a deeper understanding of some local effects of a changing climate. Come learn about this project and how you can get involved. All you need is a tree (one or more?) and the ability to see colors.