Friends of The Great Falls Discovery Center
The Great Falls Discovery Center hosts community programs and events, rotating art exhibits in our Great Hall and a Coffee House hosted by the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center.
Help us create a “We the People” banner together inspired by the United States Constitution. Pick out core statements, phrases or meaningful words from our Constitution and place them on the banner. You are also invited to place your handprint on the banner (non- toxic washable paints). Come learn about the Constitution, how our government […]
Easy-paced, 1- to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for older adults, but open to all. Enjoy some natural and local history along the way. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the main entrance.
Come meet local author Brad Timm in a special nature education program just for kids! Built around Brad's children's nonfiction book America is Wild! we'll explore different activities that get us moving while learning all about animal behaviors, wildlife adaptions, predator/prey relationships, ecosystems, and much more! Registration is required. This program is ideal for 2nd-5th graders. About […]
Learn more about our wildlife neighbors in the Connecticut River Watershed. Program includes a story, activities, and crafts. Activities are indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. Siblings and friends are welcome. Meet in the Great Hall. For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. 9/18: Snakes 9/25: River Otters
Location: Herman Covey Wildlife Management Area, Belchertown. Saturday, September 19, 2026, 9:30 – 11 a.m. Join MassWildlife experts for a walk to explore the surprising world of invasive species. Learn how to identify the spotted lanternfly, tree of heaven, and other invasives while discovering the impacts they have on local ecosystems. Along the way, you'll […]
Hard work, real fun, true impact: the annual fall trash cleanup of the Connecticut River and its tributaries. Join DCR staff to clean up the Canalside Rail Trail. To register, visit sourcetoseacleanup.org/event/dcr-canalside-rail-trail-cleanup-group/, or contact DCR staff at (413) 863-3221 for more information. Meet at the main entrance. For ages 8 and up.
Meet the artist, Kerry St. Laurent, who created a unique journey through the Seven Sisters of the Holyoke Range through art. Light refreshments. Meet in the Great Hall.
Discover nature through story, poetry and art in our series of free art programs. With instruction and technique, you create an art piece to take home inspired by autumn using paint, paper, gel and even leaves for adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up. Free. All art materials provided. Meet in the Great Hall […]
An informal group of musicians gathers to play the enchanting traditional dance music from France and Brittany, commonly known as bal folk. This is not a performance but rather a coming together of musically minded friends. The event is free and open to the public to come and go at will. For all ages. Meet […]
Easy-paced, 1- to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for older adults, but open to all. Enjoy some natural and local history along the way. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the main entrance. Note that there is no […]
Check out the annual draining of the Turners Falls canal, take a stroll along the Canalside Rail Trail, and absorb local history with Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center staff and DCR staff. Meet at the entrance of the Center for this free two-mile walk on flat terrain. Meet at the main entrance. For adults […]
Learn more about our wildlife neighbors in the Connecticut River Watershed. Program includes a story, activities, and crafts. Activities are indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. Siblings and friends are welcome. Meet in the Great Hall. For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult.