Elachee Nature Science Center will be open to the public each Saturday through July as a continuation of the center’s Discovery Saturdays at Elachee programming.
Discovery Saturdays began in January as a way to safely allow families to visit the center during the COVID-19 pandemic. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, paid guests and Elachee members receive access to the Visitor Center and exhibits, which are normally closed to the public. Many of the activities during Discovery Saturdays are self-guided and designed for independent exploration, which allows the event to be COVID-safe and family-centric.
Other parts of the Discovery Saturdays line-up include Live Animal Showcases and guided tours of Elachee’s live animal exhibits. Nature programs for adult learners requiring pre-registration are also offered many weeks, such as guided hikes in the Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve and the Stars Over Elachee telescope program.
“After being closed for public programming for much of 2020 due to the pandemic, it’s been a joy seeing people out and about at the Nature Center again,” Elachee Camp and Programs Manager Maranda McGaha said in a statement Friday. “Since January 2021 we have been offering Discovery Saturday programs and it is clear to me that Elachee provides the local community with a safe, fun place to bring friends and family. I am looking forward to warmer weather, the emergence of spring wildflowers and seeing even more visitors of all ages at our upcoming programs.”
Admission to Discovery Saturdays at Elachee is free for Elachee members. General admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 2 to 12.
The schedule for each Saturday can be found on Elachee’s online calendar. More information about Elachee Nature Science Center and Discovery Saturdays at Elachee is available at www.elachee.org.
