Our class programs use the scientific process, hands-on activities, and outdoor experiences to aid in students’ understanding of a range of life, earth, physical and environmental science topics. Programs are designed with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) & EL Education in mind. All are adaptable to a variety of grade levels and can be customized to the season and location.
Classes are invited to visit Bonnyvale’s beautiful 60 acres in West Brattleboro. We boast an array of habitats including meadows, hemlock groves, a mature hardwood forest, woodland streams, a pond, and a spectacular vernal pool. Many of our programs can also take place in your classroom and the natural area surrounding your school.
Check out our School Programs Handout for an overview of our programs by grade and their curricular scope. See FAQs for Teachers for more practical information. We have specific programs planned for each grade and are happy to share this information with interested teachers. Please reach out to learn more.
Autumn Amble: Discover the autumn world of singing insects, falling leaves, and traveling seeds. We will explore the changing world around us and play games that mimic the autumn behaviors of animals.
Chilly Changes: Let’s investigate the changing forest. We’ll explore how the plants and animals are preparing for the long cold winter, and play games that mimic their activities.
Winter Woods: Discover the winter world around us through games, activities and exploration. We will explore winter survival strategies of animals, uncover stories by tracking wildlife, and mimic their winter behaviors.
Warming Days: As the world begins to slowly re-emerge from winter’s slumber we will explore what animals are doing and play games that mimic their activities.
Spring Stroll: Come explore and discover the spring world of bursting buds, returning birds, and emerging insects. Welcoming this magical time, we will also make nature art, and build fairy and gnome homes.
BEEC offers a Winter Outdoor Adventure program as a Winter Sports option for local schools during January and February. This program provides students with opportunities to explore the outdoors through hands-on winter ecology games and activities, and to learn about winter survival strategies. Through these activities students will deepen their connections to the natural world and develop a unique sense of place. Each week a new topic will be explored.
Each hour and a half or two hour session will take place primarily, or entirely, outdoors – depending on the needs of the group and weather conditions. Sessions can take place at BEEC, at your school, or at Living Memorial Park.
Winter World ~ Grades K-3/4
Let’s explore the amazing world of winter. We’ll investigate animal winter survival strategies, birds in wintertime, animal tracking, camouflage, finding shelter, animal relationships, and play games that mimic their winter behaviors.
Winter Outdoor Survival ~ Grades 4-6 or 5-8
Could you survive the winter living outdoors? What can we learn from animal winter survival strategies? Exploring the outdoors we will practice nature awareness, track animals, learn bird language, identify plants, build snow shelters and make a winter campfire.
Winter Adventures ~ Grades K-6
A blend of the above two programs that will best match the needs of the individual group.
BEEC is hosting the 4th annual Southeastern Vermont Solar Sprint on Thursday, May 29th 2025!
Last year, 100 students in the 7th and 8th grades participated from six different schools—Bellows Falls Middle School, Putney Central School, Dummerston School, Keene Middle School, Chesterfield School, and Twin Valley Middle School. There were 40 model solar cars that competed against each other in a double elimination race. Awards were given for 1st and 2nd place for Speed, Creative Engineering, and Kids Choice for the coolest looking car.
Many thanks to our sponsors who provided funds for materials to build the cars and for T-shirts for all of the students. Our sponsors included Chroma Technology, Southern Vermont Solar, Integrated Solar, Noyes Volkswagen and Commonwealth Dairy. Many thanks also to the Brattleboro Recreation and Parks Department who provided a great indoor space in the skating rink due to the rainy weather. The solar cars used battery packs to help them speed down the track.
Sponsors help make this event a success! If you are interested in sponsoring an event like this, please click here to access our contact form or message admin@beec.org.
Physical Location:
1221 Bonnyvale Road
West Brattleboro, Vermont
Mailing Address:
PO Box 2318
West Brattleboro, VT 05303
Trails open year round, sunrise to sunset
Office hours 10am-4pm Monday-Friday
