The Margret and H.A. Rey Center in Waterville Valley is pleased to announce the start of our annual Tecumseh Overnights which began on Saturday, July 5th 2008 and will continue through the summer.  Tecumseh Overnights is a place-based, environmental education program that guides small groups up Mount Tecumseh in Waterville Valley every weekend, from Saturday at 1:00 pm through Sunday at 1:00 pm, July through August to investigate mountain ecology and climate, and to star gaze under Waterville Valley's dark skies.

The trip begins Saturday afternoon with a hike up Mount Tecumseh in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire.  The hike includes an informal discussion on northeastern mountain ecology, as well as the opportunity to become  "citizen scientists" by participating in the Appalachian Mountain Club's "Mountain Watch" program.  The program provides an opportunity for our guests to think about and examine how regional climate trends may be impacting the distribution of vegetation species across the landscape.

Saturday evenings are spent relaxing in the comfortable accommodations provided at the Schwendi Hutte located on the lower summit of Mount Tecumseh.  The Rey Center will provide guests with a "family-style" meal, and two short evening programs relating to the dynamic ecological tapestry that makes up the New England forested landscape.  The rest of the evening can be spent playing games, engaging in provoking conversation, or simply appreciating the remarkable scenery from the Schwendi Hutte deck overlooking Waterville Valley and the Sandwich Wilderness beyond.  On Sunday morning, our guests are treated to a hearty breakfast prior to the hike back down the mountain.  A different route down provides an increased possibility of spotting some of Hew Hampshire's better known mega fauna including moose and black bear, and the ever-present likelihood of flushing out a gaggle of wild turkeys.  We are usually down the mountain by noon on Sunday.

Margret and H.A. Rey, authors of the Curious George children's book series and former summer residents of Waterville Valley, NH, were artists and adventurers, historians and naturalists, gardeners and ardent environmental stewards. Today their spirit lives on in the Margret and H.A. Rey Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring the Reys' legacy through art, science, and adventure programs for all ages. Tecumseh Overnights is administered under an outfitter/guide permit through the White Mountain National Forest and generously supported by Booth Creek Holdings, Inc.

Program participation fees are: $40 per member, $55 per non-members; $75 per member couple, $105 per non-member couple, $140 per family of 4 members, and $200 per family of 4 non-members.  To register for this program or for more information please visit the Margret and H.A. Rey Center at http://www.reycenter.org or contact us at 603-236-3308.