Our philosophy starts with the simple belief that kids are capable of incredible things. Our job is to nurture that ability; our goal is to support kids' healthy development. Play is how kids learn--here, it is in both a STEM-rich environment and inviting outdoor experience.

I joined Discovery Museum as the Outdoor and Environmental Educator after completing my PhD in Environmental Conservation and Policy at UMass-Amherst. My passion has always been to provide opportunities for people to connect with nature! I love how easy it is for children to engage with nature, and how they show me new and amazing things about the outside world.
Recent posts by Rachel Danford
I am trying to look calm and cool on the outside but inside, my heart is pounding. “Watch this, momma!” my 4-year-old daughter squeals as she swings from a branch and just barely catches the boulder with her feet. Thankfully, as the... READ MORE
So it’s raining, it’s been raining…sometimes Spring in New England feels like maybe it will rain forever! Home with a rambunctious 3-year old I found myself searching the internet for fun rainy day activities for little ones. I found, “10 indoor... READ MORE
One of the main goals we had for Discovery Woods and our accessible Treehouse was to tempt families to get outside, and then encourage them to also explore the 183 acres of the Great Hill conservation land that abuts our property. Since the grand... READ MORE