School Programs

The Peabody Mill Environmental Center, part of the Amherst Recreation Department, is located at the end of Brook Road in Amherst. The PMEC is adjacent to 600 acres of conservation land, with about 12 miles of well marked trails, ample parking, picnic tables, streams and ponds, a nature center with hands-on exhibits and the historic Peabody Mill foundation and sawyer’s cottage.

Amherst Recreation Department endevors to partner with local schools to teach environmental and science education through our qualified educators at PMEC.

Field Trips to the PMEC

PMEC and its grounds are utilized as an outdoor classroom for many area elementary and middle schools. We have hosted groups of all ages, preschool through high school. Parking can accommodate buses with additional cars. 

PMEC in the Classroom

PMEC can send a teacher to your classroom. PMEC teachers have been part of the Amherst and Mont Vernon schools for years, among other area schools. Most of our science and nature lessons are geared toward grades K through 4, but we can customize programs to accommodate any grade through high school. 

Pre-School Classes

Our "I LOVE Nature!" series for 3-6 year olds is focused on exposing our yougest residents to the beauty and wonder of nature. Each month is a three week series with a unified theme. Particpants will have indoor and outdoor time which will include crafts, songs and a hike. Find more inforamtion and registration HERE

Please contact us at 673-6248  for more details on our school programs.



Conducting experiments in the classroom


Discovering pond life at PMEC


Enjoying an I Love Nature! class