Exploring the wild in Easthampton, Massachusetts

The Mountain’s Edge Nature & Play Preschool is a unique institution located at 106 East Street in Easthampton, Massachusetts, United States. This school invites young children into relationships of love, care, and interdependence with the natural world, with one another, and with all humans. Inspired by the words of Robin Wall Kimmerer, the preschool recognizes the importance of viewing plants and animals as individuals with self and intention. Through their program, toddlers are encouraged to see the world as interconnected and to develop compassion for all living beings. The Mountain’s Edge Nature & Play Preschool offers a nurturing environment where children can explore and learn through play in nature. The institution believes in fostering a deep connection with the environment and instilling a sense of responsibility towards the Earth. In addition to their regular program, the preschool also hosts Family Nature Play Mornings for children birth to age 4, where older siblings are welcome to join in the fun.

Located at 127 Combs Road in Easthampton, Massachusetts, the Mass Audubon Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary is a stunning park and tourist attraction that spans across Easthampton and Northampton. The sanctuary's diverse terrain, including forests, meadows, grasslands, marshes, and wetlands, provides a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors can also enjoy a vibrant display of wildflowers, thanks to the sanctuary's nutrient-rich soil from the Connecticut River floodplain. One of the highlights of the sanctuary is the opportunity to explore nature with Nicole Marcotte, the Conservation Restriction Stewardship Specialist. Visitors can also check out the "On the Wild Side" exhibit at the sanctuary to learn more about the local wildlife and ecosystem.