Inspiring Lifelong Connections with Nature

Bonnyvale Environmental
Education Center

Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center (BEEC) is situated on a picturesque old farm in West Brattleboro, Vermont. This peaceful setting, removed from the bustle of modern life, is the place where we carry out our mission: to foster experiences that inspire connection to the natural world and its many inhabitants.

Today, the former farm buildings shelter campers and school groups. The pastures and forests offer natural beauty to those who walk our trails and provide outdoor education opportunities for those who attend our programs. Open to the public year-round, there’s something to discover in every season, and the sweeping view from Heifer Hill is not to be missed!

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Upcoming Events

BEEC News & Nature Journal

Voles

Meadow voles, though likely the most abundant mammal around, are not well-known. Many people have never seen one. They thrive in grassy places where they maintain runways and reproduce prodigiously. Also called meadow mice, meadow voles can be a bit larger than true mice. They have smaller eyes and ears [...]

Woodchucks, Groundhogs, Whistlepigs

When woodchucks live nearby, you may need to solve two kinds of problems: they will often raid gardens, and their burrow systems can be large enough to threaten old stone foundations. Here are some suggestions from the Humane Societyof the United States for encouraging woodchucks to relocate, keeping in mind that female [...]

Squirrels

Squirrels are industrious, acrobatic tree farmers. They can be noisy, gnawing tenants if they move into our homes and they annoy the heck out of some feeders of birds. In the latter case, you may save yourself a great deal of frustration by becoming a squirrel watcher. Watch this video [...]

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Conservation Corner

We are fortunate to be located in an area rich in natural beauty and biodiversity, but it’s not something we take for granted. Our naturalists are making direct contributions to wildlife and land conservation efforts in the region. BEEC works with municipalities to strategize conservation initiatives and enhance relationships with beavers. We train people to ferry amphibians across roads on rainy spring evenings. We are on-call for people with wildlife emergencies. Here are some ways you can take part in this meaningful work:

Hear from our supporters

"It is always great to attend a program and leave with information, answers, a deeper connection to the natural world, and new techniques to use to understand and appreciate what is just outside my door."

- Community Program Participant

"I’m grateful for the chance to learn from such knowledgeable instructors and to be part of a community dedicated to thoughtful, effective conservation work."

- Beaver Camp Participant

“BEEC understands that children thrive in nature and that this can especially be true for children who do not thrive at school. The programming is developmentally appropriate and honors children as people.”

- Parent of Day Camp Participant

"So glad that programs like this are available for citizens. My 11-year-old is pumped to record Putney's first Atlas record of a Fowler's toad."

- Community Program Participant

"My child loves it. I was showered with stories all week and for the following days of the adventures at camp and all to be learned. It is, by far, the favorite of any camp my child has ever attended."

- Parent of Day Camp Participant

"This program was so positive. Something we needed in today's world."

- Community Program Participant

"BEEC is doing a tremendous community service in all they do and the Mud Season Speaker Series is helping to get the word out in a wonderful way."

- Community Program Participant

"I so enjoy having BEEC visit us at school. Students are engaged and involved with hands-on activities that help them grasp the focus of the program. Thank you for a great program!!"

- 2nd grade teacher

"I love that BEEC programs are creative, fun, lots of outdoor time, great staff & good vibes! After summer camp this year, my daughter said that she wants to do BEEC camp all year long! She had an awesome time."