Science and Nature
Berkshires and Pioneer Valley are home to nature and science centers
12 listings
Turners Falls, MA
Turners Falls Fish Ladder
Turners Falls Bridge 413-659-3714Visitors to this site can observe salmon as they swim upstream to spawn at a power company dam. Open only in the spring. There is an admission charge.
Wales, MA
Norcross Wildlife Foundation
30 Peck Road 413-245-1264The sanctuary encompasses 8,000 acres of forests, meadows and gardens; Many learning programs in biology and horticulture are offered through the year, for children and adults. Hundreds of plant species can be found in the various gardens of the sanctuary. The public is invited to classroom programs (September-June), bluebird nest box activities for kids (January-March); year-round naturalist’s programs for adults and children, a winter Lecture Series for adults, and guided tours on foot and by vehicle.
Hours: Year-round, Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. except holidays
Easthampton, MA
Arcadia Nature Center and Wildlife Sanctuary
127 Combs Road 413-584-3009This nature sanctuary, operated by Mass Audubon, touches upon the towns of Easthampton and Northampton, spreading a diverse terrain of forest, meadows, grasslands, marsh, and wetlands. The Connecticut River floodplain supports a glorious population of wildflowers. Among the offerings here are many walking trails, guided bird walks, and summer camps for children. - Trail Map (PDF)
Hours: Open Daily dawn to dusk. Nature Center is open Mon-Fri 9am - 3pm, Saturday 9am - 4pm and Sunday 10am - 2pm.
North Adams, MA
Natural Bridge State Park
McCauley Road, off Route 8 413-663-6392Park rangers are available in summer to guide visitors through this park, with the only naturally formed white marble arch and man-made white marble dam in North America. The park has a beautiful deep gorge formed the Hudson Brook and an abandoned marble quarry. There is a walkway above and through the chasm.
South Hadley, MA
Nash Dinosaur Tracks
Amherst Road 413-467-9566A display of dinosaur footprints and bones that were found on the site. Open seasonally.
Belchertown, MA
McLaughlin State Fish Hatchery
East Street, Route 9 413-323-7632Learn about the raising of fish at one of the largest hatcheries on the East Coast. Wildlife area covers 1,400 acres. Open seven days a week.
Lenox, MA
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
472 West Mountain Road 413-637-0320Visitors will enjoy seven miles of walking trails covering nearly 1,400 acres and featuring beaver ponds and a hummingbird garden. Public programs are offered. Open year-round.
Hampden, MA
Laughing Brook Education Center and Sanctuary
793 Main Street 413-584-3009The 18th century house owned by children’s author Thornton Burgess highlights the 354 acres of walking trails and natural beauty. A library and exhibits offered. - Trail Map (PDF)
Hours: Trails are open daily, dawn to dusk
Northampton, MA
Botanic Garden of Smith College
16 College Lane 413-585-2742Stroll through a floral wonderland of thousands of plants! Specialty gardens and pressed flowers await plant lovers in the herbarium, and this is the prime place to learn about gardens, conservation, and science.
Amherst, MA
Beneski Museum of Natural History, Amherst College
Amherst College, 11 Barrett Hill Road 413-542-2165Exhibits at this museum focus on dinosaurs, minerals, and crystals. The 80,000 holdings cover historical and scientific topics.
Amherst, MA
Hitchcock Center for the Environment
525 South Pleasant Street 413-256-6006Exhibits, programs and nature trails focus on the environment, ecology, and natural history. There is also a library on the property.
Stockbridge, MA
Berkshire Botanical Garden
5 West Stockbridge Road 413-298-3926This very old and respect botanical garden is a place of learning as well as pleasure. Classes and lectures are offered on many aspects of gardening and horticulture.