Ethel Dubois founded the Long Plains Nature Center in 1962 to provide urban youth the opportunity to experience the natural world and to develop a sense of wonder about it. Located on Ms. Dubois farm in Leverett Massachusetts, the Center offered nature programs and summer camps. In 1971 the Hitchcock Center was incorporated as a nonprofit organization dedicated to the exploration of science and nature. In 1975, it moved to its current location on the Larch Hill Conservation Area in Amherst, Massachusetts. The Hitchcock Center has emerged as one of the leading science and environmental education organizations in western Massachusetts. The Hitchcock Center has a dedicated professional staff who do everything from running the day to day business to lecturing, teaching, and programming. In addition to individual projects, staff members collaborate with local experts, professionals, and volunteers to bring a wide variety of activities to the public. Click here to learn more about our Education Staff.