Human technology has been shaping the land and waterways for generations in the Pioneer Valley. On Saturday, August 21 from 9 to 11 am, join us for a walking tour along both the South Hadley and Holyoke sides of the Connecticut River to learn about the cultural history of the historic canal systems located here…
Fall is a wonderful period of transition in New England. The air is crisp, the trees are producing some of the most brilliant natural colors in the country, and many feathered friends will be stopping in the Valley to refuel on their annual migrations to warmer climes. Join us on Saturday, September 25 at 7…
The Mount Tom Range is an iconic part of the landscape in the Valley. Rocky cliffs, scenic vistas, and miles of trails provide opportunities for everything from rugged hikes to hawk watching to family picnics. The area’s unique geology also provides critical habitat for wildlife and rare plant communities. Join us on Saturday, October 2nd…
In 2014, the Barstow family worked with Kestrel and the Commonwealth to place an Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) on 123 acres of their farmland, preserving it forever. The Barstows reinvested the funds from the sale of the APR back into their 215 year-old dairy farm to secure its future. They purchased robotic milkers, a tool…
As the days shorten, the temperatures drop, and many of us begin to "hibernate," there are still ways to enjoy the beauty and wonder of nature close to home. Join us on Tuesday, December 21 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm for an enchanting evening to celebrate the Winter Solstice at Silvio O. Conte National…
Begin the New Year by getting outdoors and connecting with nature! Join us for Kestrel's annual New Year’s Day walk on the east side of the Connecticut River at Buffam Brook Community Forest in Pelham on Saturday, January 1, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. (Is Pelham too far from home? Join us for our other…
Begin the New Year by getting outdoors and connecting with nature! Join us for Kestrel's annual New Year’s Day walk on the west side of the Connecticut River at Horse Mountain Conservation Area in Williamsburg and Hatfield on Saturday, January 1, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. (Is Williamsburg too far from home? Join us for…
On Saturday, Febuary 19, join us for the official opening walk at Kestrel's newest Neighborhood Nature Retreat: Whately Center Woods, a half mile from Whately’s historic town center. Neighbor and wildlife enthusiast Allison Bell will lead the way and share her intimate knowledge of this forest. Snow or no snow, we’ll explore plants and signs…
Woodlands teem with activity in spring, especially in vernal pools. These shallow, water-filled depressions are filled by snow-melt, providing vital breeding habitat for amphibians (frogs and salamanders) and macroinvertebrates (insects and crustaceans). Many of these species depend on vernal pools during this crucial period of their life cycles. On Saturday, April 9 from 9:00 am…
Want to brush up on your flower identification skills and take a deep dive into plant phenology? Join us on Saturday, May 7 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a wildflower and phenology walk with botanist Peter Curtis at Kestrel's Dyer Conservation Area in Hadley. The walk will be followed by a gathering with…
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