HMF Educators Jacob Hertz ’28 and Maya Thompson ’28 lead a group of 6th graders on a plant discovery walk. Being an Outdoor Educator at Hopkins Forest was one of the most collaborative, rewarding, and transformative experiences I’ve had. From the very first day, it was clear that this… Continue reading »
Trail cameras, also known as game cameras, are used by hunters, wildlife researchers, conservationists, and nature enthusiasts as a window into the unseen world of wildlife. These cameras, which can be left outdoors unmanned, allow us to observe animal activity and behaviors that would otherwise go unseen. Continue reading »
Early spring is a baffling season; it can be almost 70 degrees one day, and snowing the next. This seemingly confused time of year is often referred to as “stick season” or “mud season”. While both are usually true, if you look (and listen!) closely, you’ll see that… Continue reading »
I’m not sure were where the fall went, but an eventful one it was indeed. With the lifting of the previous Covid-related restrictions, we were able to get back to a full slate of research, teaching and public events after two years mired in a touch-and-go operational mode. Classes… Continue reading »
Regina identifying quartzite with fourth graders. One of the reasons I chose to come to Williams was for the opportunity to be a Hopkins Forest Educator. A formative part of my childhood was when my mom would drop me and my twin sister off at our local nature center… Continue reading »
A female spongy moth laying her egg masses. Lymantria dispar — formerly known as the gypsy moth but now more commonly referred to as the spongy moth — has been especially evident this summer, however it can be observed year-round in Williamstown. This past winter, you might have noticed… Continue reading »
Commemorating Earth Day in Hopkins Forest provides the opportunity for a look into a relatively little known episode of forest history. This stems from a coincidence of timing. The first Earth Day was observed in 1970, and though the holiday garners diverse reactions today — ranging from celebration, to apathy,… Continue reading »
Due to the coming Nor’easter, Maplefest has been rescheduled to this Sunday, March 13th from 11:00-2:00. Come out and tap a tree, see the evaporator in action, check out traditional boiling methods, enjoy a pancake, try sugar-on-snow, take part in a taste-off, learn how to make your own syrup, and… Continue reading »
After a year hiatus, the annual Fall Festival is returning to Hopkins Forest on October 23rd, from 10:00-1:00. Come out and take part in traditional fall and forest related activities — including cider pressing, apple butter brewing, cross-cut saw, shake splitting, canopy walkway, games and exhibits. There will be… Continue reading »
There were few signs of spring in the Rosenberg Center attic on a February afternoon, in 2020, working a caretaking shift. Midwinter air passed in through the window panes in the loose boards of the old barn, and the grey of the sky outside came with it — resting in… Continue reading »