In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. ~ John Muir
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Personalized Programs: A program of your choice with a naturalist, just for your family group.
Ideas for nature watching in your neighborhood: Nature from Home
Find recordings of webinars here.
At BEEC we believe that everyone deserves to be able to access, enjoy, and engage with nature and the natural world. If you would like to participate in a program, but costs are are prohibitive, please contact us to discuss options.
Questions about programs? Call 257-5785 or email .
Upcoming Programs:
January 18th: Café Botanica Ethnobotany Workshops with Dr. Jessica Dolan
February 9th: “Dear Earth, Will you be my Valentine?”
February 10th: Mud Season Speaker Series: Discover the Power of Community Science
January 26th, February 16th, March 2, & March 30: Mammals of Winter: In the Classroom and the Field
March 15th, April 26th, May 17th: Trail Tech for Dummies
March 27th: Field Forum: Climate Change: How to Talk to and Engage Youth
Café Botanica Ethnobotany Workshops with Dr. Jessica Dolan
Saturday, January 18th, 2-4p at BEEC: Tough Mudders & Early Risers
This program is sold out! Email to be added to our waitlist.
April, June, & September dates TBD – stay tuned!
$40 for members, $45 for non-members
Dr. Jessica Dolan’s Café Botanica Ethnobotany Workshop will be a four-part series on wild edible and medicinal plants of the Eastern Woodlands landscapes of Southern Vermont. Each session will provide plant identification for over 20 species, seasonality, methods for their sustainable harvest and caretaking of plant community regeneration, uses, resources for learning more, and fun! We will also sample foods, teas and other confections made out of the species featured, including foods made by local farmers and harvesters, to promote awareness about Windham County wildcrafters and food producers.
The January session of Café Botanica will be about edible and medicinal plants that can be harvested in the winter, and those that “wake up” and bloom surprisingly early in the year. We will cover over 20 plants and trees whose fruit, bark, seeds, nuts, sap, and leaves can be harvested through the winter for nutritious and nourishing foods and medicines. Dr. Dolan will share the botany, plant identification characteristics, and sustainable harvesting practices. We will sample fir needle cookies and teas.
Space is limited and advance registration is required. Please register early to ensure your spot.
Register
This program is sold out! Email to be added to our waitlist.
“Dear Earth, Will you be my Valentine?”
A sensory-based nature immersion, for the love of Earth.
Sunday, February 9th, 1-3p at BEEC
$20 for members, $25 for non-members
This Valentine’s Day, connect with your love for Nature through a sensory-based practice inspired by shinrin-yoku, “forest bathing.” Experience Nature through all of your senses: the five external senses and your internal, heartfelt senses such as wonder, awe, curiosity, imagination and gratitude. This meditative and immersive exploration offers prompts, or “invitations,” to guide an experience of heart-centered and sensuous connection with the land. Share your love for Earth, and enjoy peaceful relaxation as you learn new ways to experience the delights of Nature that can be integrated into your own future time with Nature.
There will be a combination of sitting, hands-on interaction, and walking less than a mile on hilly terrain. Suitable for adults and youth able to participate in mindful stillness.
This program is offered in partnership with Amanda Kenyon, Nature Therapy & Meditation Guide. Feel free to contact Amanda at Landkind Guide with any questions: or text/call (802) 289-0108.
What past program participants have to say:
“A magical meditative journey into the forest through our five senses.” – David
“Amanda’s carefully crafted invitations awakened my senses, bringing up emotions of deep connection, gratitude, wonder, and joy. I left refreshed, grounded, and with renewed appreciation for nature’s restorative power — testimony to Amanda’s gift of facilitating profound reconnection with the here and now.” – Christian
“Amanda was guiding us gently, opening our senses to the elements surrounding us. We ended the walk very relaxed and in connection with mother nature. We definitely want to experience this more often!” – Estelle
Space is limited and advance registration is required. Please register early to ensure your spot.
Register
Mud Season Speaker Series: Discover the Power of Community Science
Monday, February 10th, 6:30-8p
Brooks Memorial Library, 224 Main Street, Brattleboro
Future dates and speakers TBD
This series is free and open to all!
Spring in Vermont means one thing: mud season! It’s also a perfect time to discover how you can meaningfully contribute to science and conservation in our community. Join Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center for an inspiring Mud Season Speaker Series at the Brooks Memorial Library in Brattleboro featuring experts and enthusiasts who will share stories, tips, and inspiration for getting involved in community science. Explore how people like you are making a difference by observing wildlife, eradicating invasive plants, and assisting in BEEC’s annual Salamander Crossing initiative and Beaver Brigade action team.
Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or a curious beginner, you’ll leave inspired and equipped to make a meaningful impact. This event is a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and find meaningful ways to engage with the natural world and with BEEC, our community’s nature sanctuary.
February 10th: Conservation Discovery in Vermont: How Engaging in Community Science Can Have a Big Impact with Dana Williams
Come along on the adventures of scientists and community members in Vermont who have participated in research with the Vermont Center for Ecostudies. Learn about the important conservation successes their work has achieved and how you can participate in the ongoing efforts to conserve Vermont right from your backyard!
Dana Williams is the Community Science Coordinator at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies, where she helps community members contribute to conservation efforts across the state of Vermont. Previously, she worked in nature education for all ages as the programs director at Williamstown Rural Lands, a small land trust in Massachusetts. She holds a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles, where she researched the social relationships of animals.
Future dates and speakers TBD – stay tuned!
Register
Registration preferred but not required; walk-ins are welcome.
Mammals of Winter: In the Classroom and the Field
Back by popular demand!
Sundays: January 26, February 16, March 2, & March 30
12:30-4p
$35 per session/$30 BEEC members
All four: $105/$90
Register
Join BEEC naturalist Patti Smith to learn about her favorite subjects in her favorite season—mammals in winter. This dive into the lives of wildlife, in the classroom and in the field, will serve as a springboard for those who want to become more familiar with our mammalian neighbors using tracking and field observation skills. Each session will cover a group of winter-active mammals. We will begin with photos, videos, slides, and artifacts in the BEEC farmhouse. We will then drive to a field site or two to look for tracks and sign and develop the skills needed to read them.
The Long and Low — Sunday, January 26
We dedicate an entire session to the mustelid clan: the long-tailed and short-tailed weasels, mink, fisher, and otter. These ever-active carnivores have distinctive ways of moving and create some of the most interesting trails to follow.
The Leggy League — Sunday, February 16
The Small and Speedy — Sunday, March 2
We begin in the basement of the winter world with a look at the mammals that survive mainly beneath the snow: shrews, moles, mice and voles. Learn about the subnivean realm and how these animals meet their needs there. We move from below the snow to the arboreal realm, the home of four species of tree squirrels. The final pair in this grouping are the eastern cottontail and the snowshoe hare. Which of these has the most sensitive tactile organ? Which sings to woo a mate? In the field we will look for tunnels, middens, latrines, and tracks. Don’t overlook this often under-appreciated set of creatures.
The Corpulent Clan — Sunday, March 30
BEEC’s Trail Tech for Dummies series will introduce nature enthusiasts of all ages to the power of digital tools that enhance outdoor experiences and connect you to the world of citizen science. Whether you’re a beginner or hoping to enhance your skills, these hands-on workshops will empower you to use technology to explore, observe, and learn about nature in real-time while contributing to important conservation efforts. Join us in the field, and let’s discover together!
Each of these workshops is designed with beginners in mind, so don’t worry if you’ve never used these tools before! Come with an open mind and curiosity, and leave with the knowledge and skills to explore nature in new and exciting ways. See you out there!
Register
March 15: Trail Cameras – A Window into the Wild
Workshop Overview: Learn how to set up and use trail cameras to capture wildlife in action. These cameras provide a behind-the-scenes view of the natural world—revealing nocturnal animal behavior, seasonal changes, and the hidden life of our forests and fields. Whether you’re interested in tracking local wildlife or simply want to learn how to better capture outdoor moments, this session will help you get started with basic trail camera skills.
Why You Should Attend: Trail cameras are a powerful tool for nature observation, and in this workshop, we’ll teach you how to use them with ease. No prior tech experience needed!
What You’ll Learn:
- How to set up and position a trail camera
- Understand camera settings and how to get the best shots
- Basics of interpreting the images and data captured
- How trail cameras contribute to wildlife monitoring and conservation efforts
- Beginner tips for troubleshooting and maintaining your trail camera
April 26: iNaturalist at the Vernal Pool – Exploring Seasonal Wonders
Workshop Overview: Join us at BEEC’s vernal pools and learn how to use the iNaturalist app to identify plants, amphibians, insects, and other creatures. Vernal pools come alive each spring, and iNaturalist willl help you capture and document your discoveries while contributing to research. This workshop will teach you the basics of identifying species and using iNaturalist to map your observations.
Why You Should Attend: Whatever your skill level, iNaturalist is a fun and easy way to learn more about the plants and animals you encounter. In addition, your observations help scientists monitor biodiversity!
What You’ll Learn:
- How to use the iNaturalist app to identify species in the field
- How to record observations, take photos, and upload them to the app
- The importance of vernal pools and how they support biodiversity
- Best practices for engaging with the iNaturalist community and contributing to community science
- How your observations can help track seasonal changes and rare species
May 17: Birding with Merlin & eBird – Unlock the World of Birds
Workshop Overview: In this workshop, we’ll introduce two powerful tools for bird enthusiasts: the Merlin Bird ID app and eBird. Merlin helps you identify bird species based on location, size, color, and behavior, while eBird is a global platform for tracking and sharing bird sightings. Whether you’re an aspiring birder or a longtime enthusiast, we’ll guide you through the basics of using these apps to enhance your birdwatching experience and contribute your sightings to the larger scientific community.
Why You Should Attend: Birding is an exciting and rewarding hobby, and with the help of Merlin and eBird, it’s easier than ever to start identifying and tracking birds. This workshop will give you the tools to expand your birdwatching skills while helping researchers track bird populations and trends.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to use the Merlin Bird ID app to identify birds by their physical features and sounds
- The basics of recording and submitting bird sightings to eBird
- How to track your birding progress and discover new species
- The importance of citizen science in bird conservation
- Tips for improving your bird identification skills in the field
Professional Development Opportunity
Field Forum: Climate Change: How to Talk to and Engage Youth
Wednesday, March 26, 5:30-7p
Free event!
Join BEEC’s Americorps member Jill DeVito and Marla Goldstein from Vermont Afterschool for a Field Forum addressing climate change in our area. Jill is skilled at talking about climate change, particularly the flooding events we’ve seen here in Vermont. Marla will offer some SEL-standpoint tips on how to talk to and engage with children around this sensitive topic.
Register
Are you looking for a unique gift for a nature-lover? Would you like some inspiration to deepen your connection with the natural world? BEEC naturalist Patti Smith will take you to her favorite places or join you in yours. Because these programs are just for YOU, they can be adapted to your level of fitness, adventurousness, and particular interests.
The per hour rate is $75 for BEEC members / $95 for non-members. Gift certificates are available.
Email with questions or to arrange a program.
Purchase a gift certificate here
Know the Night
Evenings
Would you like to feel more comfortable in the night forest? There is much to enjoy! Patti has spent countless hours in the woods after dark and looks forward to sharing these pleasures with you. Learn some navigation tricks and find out what to bring to feel safe and comfortable. We will take a hike, tell tales of nocturnal creatures around a campfire, and finish up with some star-gazing from the summit of Heifer Hill. E-mail to schedule.
By the Shores of Moose Meadow Pond
Evenings
Night-singing insects
Evenings, August-September, 1-2 hrs
Beginning in August, the songs of birds give way to the songs of insects. Meet Patti at Heifer Hill at dusk to listen to some of the many singers. We will work our way to the summit of Heifer Hill listening to and looking for katydids, tree crickets, ground crickets, and more. Using insect nets and magnifying boxes, we will get a close-up look at these musical insects. We’ll tell the temperature from the rich chirps of a snowy tree cricket and admire the antennae of a sword-bearing conehead. Which one is the “Nixon bug?” Learn to recognize the songs of some of the most recognizable species and you will hear them in your own backyards. If you choose the right date, you might also watch the moon rise from the summit of Heifer Hill.
What’s in YOUR Woods
Anytime
Naturalist Patti Smith will join you for an amble in your woods (or another favorite place). Arrange a trip during snow season to find tracks and other wildlife sign. Which birds are there and what are they up to? What trees and plants grow there and why? Patti has spent a lot of time in a lot of different woods in our regions and would love to find out what’s unique about yours. We can tag plant species you’d like to remember. You will receive a digital map showing the walking route and what was found where. E-mail to schedule.
Porcupines in Winter
Evenings, January through mid-April
Visit porcupine den sites and feeding areas to learn about these charming creatures and how they manage in the season of ice and snow. Meet one of Patti’s study porcupines? Possibly.
