Science and Art Program during April School Break

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SOUTH ERGEMONT, Mass. — Flying Cloud Institute and Greenagers will hold a science and art exploration program during the April school break. 
 
The program is geared for children aged 7 to 13 years and runs April 15-18, 2024, from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm (with early drop-off at 8:30 am), at the April Hill Education and Conservation Center in South Egremont. 
 
Participants will engage in science investigations, art projects, engineering challenges and nature explorations. During February Break, students explored material science by making phosphorescent (glow-in-the-dark) polymers and learned about sound by making oscilloscopes. Students also took part in an engineering challenge by using sticks, marshmallows and straws to design structures, and were introduced to TinkerCad design software and 3D printers. They learned about sheep, observed wool and other fur samples under the microscope, and created felted wool projects. The program concluded with an outdoor walk, scavenger hunt, and showcase of creations.
 
The April vacation week program will once again be located at April Hill Education and Conservation Center, which serves as the headquarters for Greenagers, as well as a resource for community gatherings and education. The nearly 100-acre property has nature trails, vegetable gardens, orchards, pastures and hayfields, and abuts the Appalachian Trail. 
 
"Flying Cloud Institute is pleased to partner with Greenagers on another exciting adventure! We look forward to engaging young scientists, artists, explorers and engineers with experiences that ignite their creativity," said Maria Rundle, Executive Director.
 
The cost is $220 for the four-day program and financial aid is available. To register, visit flyingcloudinstitute.org or call (413) 645-3058 with questions.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Butternut Fire 40 Percent Contained

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Butternut Fire is 40 percent contained and the command post has been moved to Butternut Ski Area.

Tuesday brought welcome rain and first responders operated with a smaller crew focused on observing. One week into the wildfire, officials maintain that conditions are improving and the public should not be alarmed.

"After additional data gathered yesterday and compiled overnight, we can say with confidence that the fire is 40 percent contained," the Great Barrington Fire Department wrote on Tuesday morning.

"We expect that this containment number will grow rapidly as more verification data is obtained. Do NOT get hung up on the numbers — the fire is controlled and we have not lost any ground — this is simply a number that is used for official reporting. Let us say that again — the fire is controlled."

The department is collecting data and getting more accurate measurements and GPS locations of the burned area, expecting that the acreage involved will grow.

"Let us be clear – the fire did not grow; the data became more accurate," GBFD clarified.

"The perimeter around the fire is expected to be as much as 10 miles. To put the acreage involved in perspective, if the marking on the perimeter moves 1 foot, you have added 1.2 acres. 100 feet (less than 1/3 of a football field) would add 121 acres."

They reiterated that the area is dangerous and the public should stay clear. The smell of smoke will continue and is not a cause for alarm but if air quality deteriorates, the Department of Public Health will provide updated guidance.

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