The Western MA Exchange Archive

We'll plan to lead excursions for a full day with mileage and difficulty level dependent on group interests, skills, and conditions. We will convene as a group in the morning and will likely have a few options for excursions, including a slower paced on beginner terrain and more moderate paced on intermediate terrain. Click here for details and to register.

I'm feeling very grateful for the volunteers who keep our Western MA AMC Chapter running with a variety of skills, experiences, and perspectives. What do I like most about being a part of it? It just feels good. I'm applying the skills I have to create something and move us forward, so it's fun and helps me grow into my potential as a person. Sound selfish? Maybe, but it's also a big part of why we do anything! And, having been involved with the AMC since 1989 or so, I can't imagine how I would have safely, enjoyably, and knowledgeably made so many outdoor discoveries without it, so giving back is another motivation. And that feels good, too. Want to experience it? Read on for a variety of ways you can join the team that helps Western MA Be Outdoors. Speaking of doing things for yourself, I'm reminding myself, too, when I encourage you to plan ahead and put that leadership training and AMC hut reservation on your calendar - read on for the juicy details! Your outdoor quotient will thank you! Diane Jones, Western MA Chapter Chair

Lend Your Skills to Help People Be Outdoors

Our dynamic Western MA Chapter has key volunteer opportunities in need of your valuable skills, and we'd love to chat with you about them! Our Executive Committee is known for its positive outlook and vibrant collaboration, and we're looking for fellow outdoors enthusiasts with aligned skills and diverse perspectives for accomplishing our goals. Treasurer - Our current Treasurer is excited to transition a committed member with accounting or bookkeeping skills into this important and collaborative role to support our Chapter activities. Membership Chair - Engage with people, appreciate members, and share what we do, all with the support of the Executive Committee. Secretary - Attention to detail and great listening skills? Create meeting minutes, update the roster annually, and team up to produce our Annual Report, showcasing the amazing work of our Chapter. Any of these sound like you or anyone you know? Just drop us a line at info@amc-wma.org to begin the journey and feel the satisfaction of making a difference.

Free Chapter Leadership Skills Training

Would you like to learn how to share your passion for the outdoors with others? We'd like to invite you to a free training to become an activity leader for the Chapter. This one-day training is on Sunday, March 24, 2024 from 8:30 to 4:30 at the Four Rivers Charter School in Greenfield. The training includes:

• Activity planning and management
• Screening of potential participants for an activity
• Risk management & leader liability, including AMC's Leadership Requirements & Guidelines
• Leadership approaches (formerly styles)
• People skills including group dynamics, interpersonal communication, and feedback
• AMC Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and accident scene management
• Leave No Trace & Conservation
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)

For those who wish to become a chapter leader, an additional day of hands-on learning in your chosen activity (paddling, hiking, mountaineering, etc.) will be required. Click here for details, contact information and to register.

Making Memories with AMC Hut Discounts

Parents, we know you're thinking about how to fill summer vacation, even though it's only February. Have you considered bringing your family to the AMC's White Mountain Huts? Backpacking with your kids can be a rewarding experience and create a lifelong love for the outdoors. And it's easier than you think! Check out the AMC Outdoors blog for 7 tips for backpacking with young kids. AMC extended their 30% off youth and child rates at the huts promotion through February 29. Click here to learn more and book - there are no blackout dates! - and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime.

The location of the camp changes every year ranging from Maine to Washington and many points in between. This year's camp is the majestic Santiago Pass at an elevation of 4600 feet where the Pacific Coast Trail intersects Route 20. Explorer Deschutes and Willamette National Forests, as well as the three Sisters and Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Areas. Join the AMC for a week of adventure. This year's camp dates are:

• Week 1: July 20 to July 27
• Week 2: July 27 to August 3
• Week 3: August 3 to August 10
• Week 4: August 10 to August 17

Learn more and register »

Whether you'd like to become a chapter leader, or just want to improve your leadership skills, you're invited to attend. Current leaders who would like to fresh, skills are also welcome. Training includes: activity planning and management; screening of potential participants for an activity; risk management & leader liability, including AMC's Leadership Requirements & Guidelines; leadership approaches (formerly styles); people skills including group dynamics, interpersonal communication, and feedback; AMC Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and accident scene management; Leave No Trace & Conservation; diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Visit the registration page for details. For those who wish to become a chapter leader, an additional day of learning will be required. AMC ACTIVITIES »

See what our committees have been up to over the last month.

A.T. Management

Most recent meeting: 2024-Jan-08 ✧ Next meeting: 2024-Mar-04 ✧ Recent projects and activities: hazardous trees were removed at several overnight sites; wildlife transects and corridor monitoring are ongoing; trail projects will start up asap ✧ The 23rd annual Volunteer Gathering was held 27-Jan-2024. 70 people attended; 9 new volunteers signed up. Several people were recognized for service awards ✧ 2024 season will include 2 Greenagers projects ✧ Volunteer recruitment needs: natural heritage monitors, corridor monitors, shelter coordinator, and 2025 committee vice chair

Bicycling

Draft calendar for 2024 biking season is completed; initial distribution to leaders is in process

Communications

January was a huge month for Communications! We saw an unprecedented number of views on an unboosted Facebook post (Come Play with Us at Noble View on January 27th with 9497 views), and gained 32 new followers ✧ The website saw an increase of 38% in users and 10% increase in views ✧ We started to implement our 2024 goal by sending two ads to be published in Berkshire Magazine’s spring edition of their Outdoor Rec 413 Guide ✧ Facebook: 22 posts (Come Play with Us at Noble View) ✧ Instagram: 16 posts (top post: Announcement of new Conservation Chair) ✧ Newsletters: 1392 messages sent ✧ Website: 1) developed guidelines for photo submittals 2) developed website/mailbox orientation for new chairs 3) created Black Heritage Trail interactive map to promote Black History Month 4) prepped March interactive promotions

DEI

AMC Western MA and the Inter Chapter DEI Committee are sponsoring a DEI Speaker Series Zoom event with Sebastian Moreno, February 15th from 7-8:30 entitled Understanding Barriers: Bringing the Natural World to the People ✧ AMC Western MA and Women Outdoors have reserved Noble View for the third annual Women's affinity weekend, "Connecting Women, Connecting with Nature" for July 26th-28th ✧ The Grand Opening of the All Persons Trail at Noble View will be held during FallFest, October 5th, 2024. ✧ The Accessible Trail Bill has moved forward ✧ MA Indigenous Legislative Agenda reports that establishing Indigenous People's Day to replace Columbus Day is one of their top five priorities

Family Programs

We had two successful wildlife tracking hikes at Noble View Outdoor Center with AMC leader Jim Pelletier and co-leader Dawne Piers-Gamble

NET Management

Next NET Committee meeting is 09-Feb-2024 ✧ In process of planning 2024 work parties; site visits are ongoing ✧ The NET Coordinator is attending Hike The Hill in Washington, DC - an annual opportunity to advocate with congressional and federal agency leaders on hiking issues such as funding/land protection ✧ MassTrails Grants have been submitted for 2025 projects

Paddling

Previous meeting: 2024-02-06; next meeting: TBD ✧ Planning is currently underway for this season's paddling events, demos, leader training, workshops, and invasive pulls. Deerfield-Fife Class 2 outings are posted on ActDB

Training and Education

Committee last met on 02-Feb-2024 ✧ Updated and approved changes to chapter leadership skills training ✧ Chapter Leadership Skills Training is scheduled for 24-Mar-2024 in Greenfield, MA ✧ Updated and approved changes to WFA reimbursement ✧ Reviewed upcoming AMC SOLO WFA/WFR courses on ActDB (2024 Options) ✧ Taught Adult MHFA at Summit; more Adult MHFA and Youth MHFA training is being scheduled ✧ Planning continues for other training and education activities (summer) including Leadership Refresher Topics and Leave No Trace ✧ Volunteer Facilitator Training - for folks who are interested in improving facilitation skills - have been scheduled in NY and Boston

Many years ago, Patrick Henry, a long-time trail adopter on Section 5 of the National New England Scenic Trail and frequent hiker on the trail, wrote a detailed description of the first nine sections in Massachusetts, from Section 1 in Southwick to Section 9 in Belchertown. We have recently complied this helpful information and some photos of the trail in a new flip book so you can take a virtual walk along the trail with us. You can also print out the descriptions and add the trail to your adventure list to section hike the trail. You'll be amazed at what you learn about the trail and the history of the surrounding area. You will also be treated to some fabulous views of the Pioneer Valley such as this one of Section 7 (aka The Seven Sisters) as seen from the lookout tower on Goat Peak at Mt. Tom (Section 6). Did you know that the NET was recently designated a national trail and is now part of the national park system? Enjoy the hike!

AMC RESOURCES »

Steve stepped up to fill a vacancy for treasurer at the end of 2022 to make sure that his AMC chapter was supported vis a vis financial management. Since then, Steve has conscientiously, diligently, and with great care made sure that the Chapter bills were paid and accurate records were maintained while ushering us calmly and easily through the annual budget process. Many know Steve as an enthusiastic AMC cycling leader for over 20 years and an AMC hiking leader since last year. He says that leading activities "puts a smile on my face". Thanks Steve, for sharing your skills, experience and passion with us! View Steve's bio and meet some of our other volunteers on our volunteers page.

NOBLE VIEW CARETAKER »

Congress is taking action to make outdoor recreation more inclusive for all Americans as the House of Representatives recently introduced the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act with strong bipartisan support. Similar legislation has also been introduced in the Senate, known as the America's Outdoor Recreation Act (AORA). The EXPLORE Act and AORA (H.R.6492/S.873) include many AMC priorities, including provisions of the Outdoors for All Act, to reduce barriers for disadvantaged communities to access Land and Water Conservation Fund dollars. This bipartisan outdoor recreation package also includes many other AMC priorities such as supporting sustainable long-distance biking trails, improving the federal recreational permitting system, and protecting wilderness climbing, while boosting the recreation economy and making it easier for people with disabilities to get outside. Click here for details and to send a message of support to your representatives in Congress.

February's Storywalk features "Let's Go! Animal Tracks in the Snow!" by Diane Polley. Bring the kids up to Noble View to walk a short hike while learning how to identify animal tracks. While you're at it, bring some sleds or tubes to glide down the hill near the cottages. We have a few you can borrow. A fantastic February vacation outing!

FACEBOOK »

In honor of Black History Month, we have added an interactive map of the Black Heritage Trail, a 1.6 mile walk through the heart of Boston's Beacon Hill neighborhood to our widgets page. Most sites along the trail are private residences, however, the final two stops — the Abiel Smith School and the African Meeting House — are part of the Museum of African American History which is open to the public. Please join us as we celebrate Black History Month by taking a virtual tour of the Black Heritage Trail.

AMC »

The Tuesday hiking group enjoyed a beautiful snowshoe hike at Alford Springs yesterday in Great Barrington. Did you know we lead a hike every Tuesday somewhere in western Massachusetts? We also have lots of other fun winter activities coming up, including cross country skiing, ice climbing, winter tracking hikes, and wildlife transects. Click here to see all upcoming events.

Much of Notchview sits above 2,000 feet; Judge's Hill, the highest point, is 2,297 feet, which is why the conditions are some of the best in western MA. Register here.

By measuring the snow as folks ski, hike, or snowshoe, they're able to provide researchers with critical information about snowfall and runoff across the landscape. Together we can improve snow models, reduce flood and avalanche danger, and investigate the impacts of changing winters on backcountry recreation here in the Northeast. The person who submits the greatest number of observations anywhere in the Northeast throughout the month of February will win an L.L. Bean hiking backpack. Simply download the Snow Scope app and create an account. Then go have fun in the snow and record snowfall depth.

This week, I'm reminded of the magic of layers. You know, those heat-retaining, moisture-wicking saviors of winter adventures. The very things that get us from "Uhh, I think I'll stay inside and use the treadmill." to "It's so glorious to be outside! In the crisp cold, but not being cold. So glad I layered up and got out!" You have your layers (AMC advice here) and we have activities for you that you - and your budget - will love. See below for AMC Noble View Outdoor Center winter sports offerings (gear included!). And, for that part of us that's looking toward Spring, we've got fun opportunities in April for getting out on the water and honing your paddling skills. How does this all happen? Volunteers! Read on for the results of our Executive Committee 2024 planning meeting, and explore how you can be a part of the fun of creating activities that get us together outdoors. See you outside! Diane Jones, Western MA Chapter Chair

Come Have Fun With Us At Noble View

You don't have to go to New Hampshire or Maine to visit an AMC lodging facility. We have our own AMC facility right here in western Massachusetts. The AMC Noble View Outdoor Center is perched on a mountain 1100 feet above the Connecticut River Valley in Russell with a beautiful view to the east of Westfield, Springfield and the surrounding forest and farmlands. Noble View has two self-serve cottages for winter rental with cozy wood stoves and a classic front porch looking east. There are fields for sledding (bring your own or borrow ours) and miles of trails for hiking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. We also have a Storywalk® installation each month so you can walk a short trail with a seasonally appropriate story to read along the way. This month's story is "Ten Ways to Hear Snow" by Cathy Camper. Come up for the weekend with family and friends, or just a few hours to play. Click here for photos, a history of Noble View, and a link to register for lodging.

Setting Goals for 2024

During the region's first major snowstorm earlier this month, the Executive Committee met to develop goals and an action plan for improving how we serve you, the AMC members who call Western Massachusetts home. After looking at what went well last year and outlining ways we can do better, we started to create goals as a Chapter and by committee. We would like to plan more activities and recruit more leaders, increase our membership and make our activities more accessible to underserved populations. To help us articulate an action plan, we also want to hear from you. It would be great to know what you have enjoyed about being an AMC member and how you think we can improve. We also would like to invite you to get involved in our mission of making the outdoors accessible to all. If you have any suggestions or comments for us or would like to get involved as a leader or in any of our other volunteer opportunities, please email us at info@amc-wma.org so we can chat. We'd love to hear from you!

River Canoe Instruction Program

The Western MA Chapter is collaborating with the New Hampshire Chapter to offer a Canoe School, providing instruction in flat water, moving water, and Class 1 and mild Class 2 whitewater. Prior experience in flat water and/or quickwater is helpful. Instruction includes paddling strokes and maneuvers, as well as safety information and training. Day 1 is flat water and moving water; Day 2 covers Class 1 and mild Class 2 whitewater. People can sign up for one or both days, with Solo or Tandem instruction. Some canoes will be available to borrow. Click here for details and to register. We hope to see you on the river!

AMC is honoring Dr. King's legacy by a strong commitment to fostering DEI- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, in all aspects of our activities. The AMC mission statement reflects this commitment: "AMC is inspired by the untold diversity of our members and friends. We aim to be an inclusive, equitable, and kind community. At AMC we are united in our adventures by mutual trust, collective safety, respect for the natural world, and appreciation for our time together outdoors. We pledge that AMC will always provide a welcoming and respectful environment." AMC has been collaborating with DEI Outdoors to help us continue to improve the ways we can become more inclusive. Here in Western Massachusetts we have a very active and vibrant DEI committee and we regularly update the DEI page of our website with resources, places to visit, and ways to get involved in supporting this mission.

Megan has a Bachelors degree in Environmental Science and a Masters degree in Public Policy. When asked why she is interested in being the Conservation Chair, she replied, "Having a vision for an environmentally sustainable future, I have used my time during my undergraduate and postgraduate careers to study the delicate balance of a growing population and the sustainability of the world around us." Megan started at AMC when working as a forest ranger in Granby, CT and is looking forward to getting more involved in conservation efforts in the area and engage with people who have a similar love of the outdoors. In her free time she loves to hike, ski and golf. We are thrilled that Megan has agreed to share her passion and skills with us!

NOBLE VIEW CARETAKER »

NOBLE VIEW CARETAKER »

THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE »

Winter unveils wildlife habits like no other season. Footprints, gait patterns, and other signs not only reveal the inhabitants of the forest, but the behaviors of wildlife we seldom see. Come learn the art of tracking and spy on wildlife foraging practices and travel corridors. AMC leader, Jim Pelletier shares tips on identification techniques and where to look for wildlife activity. Jim is an experienced tracker and naturalist who makes hiking and seeking tracks fun. This family program will run from 10:00 AM to 12:00PM. Family tracking will be followed by a story, games and cocoa with Dawne. If it is a nice day, bring lunch and enjoy the view. The adult program will run from 1:00-4:00 PM. Please indicate on registration if you prefer the Family 10:00 AM or Adult 1:00 PM program. Please indicate the first names and ages of children in your family group when you register for the family tracking hike. AMC requires all children under 18 to be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entirety of this program. Dress in layers for cold winter conditions(hats, gloves). Please wear warm socks and proper footwear (sturdy, closed-toe shoes, waterproof hiking boots are the best choice), rain/snow gear (if forecast calls for precipitation). Avoid cotton as it does not retain warmth once damp. Hiking poles are recommended if you use them. When there is snow or ice on the trail, MICRO-spikes or snowshoes may be required. Let us know if you need some. AMC ACTIVITIES »

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES »

WCJB »

Become a catalyst for change in outdoor organizations with the DEI Outdoors Practitioner Certification. Elevate your expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion as you explore strategies to foster social justice, facilitate impactful discussions, and drive meaningful transformation in outdoor education and recreation. Through this six-week program, participants gain the skills necessary to drive systemic change in their organizations. By the end of this course, participants will be well-prepared to lead transformative journeys that make outdoor spaces more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for all.

On January 1, 2024 the AMC Maine Chapter will begin accepting applications for our Peter Roderick Trail Scholarships and John Mullen Trail Fellowships. Whether you're new to trail work or have experience and aspire to take on leadership roles, there's something for everyone.

Peter Roderick Trail Scholarships

If you've never tried trail work, our Chapter-sponsored trip to the Maine Woods is the perfect opportunity. Named after the dedicated volunteer Peter Roderick, this scholarship covers all costs for overnight lodging and food during one of four trail work weekends. We're offering multiple scholarships, with three spots available for each trip. Apply and join us in preserving the beauty of AMC's Maine Woods.

John Mullens Trail Fellowships

For those with trail work experience and a desire to deepen their involvement, the John Mullens Trail Fellowship is designed for you. Named after the devoted volunteer late John Mullens, this fellowship is for individuals committed to taking on a leadership role in trail work parties and obtaining advanced trail maintenance skills. If you're ready to make a lasting impact in the Maine Woods, we want to hear from you.

Application

To learn more and apply, visit our website. This link will activate on 01-Jan-2024.

Important Details

For those unfamiliar with trail work at the Maine AMC lodges, each trip begins with Friday evening dinner and concludes after lunch on the Monday. Three nights of bunkhouse accommodations, meals, and trail work equipment are provided at no cost to selected recipients. Don't miss this chance to experience the beauty of the Maine Woods while contributing to AMC's mission. Applications will be accepted until the deadline or until all slots for each trip are filled. Decisions for all 2024 trips will be made on a rolling basis. This program is open to any new or current AMC member who shares a passion for working outdoors. If you're not already a member, join now to be eligible for this unique opportunity. For those interested in one-day trail work opportunities or seeking more information, email us at trails@amcmaine.org. We look forward to seeing you on the trail! Phil Coyne
Trails Chair

Our Tuesday Hikers, led by Chapter Chair Diane Jones, visited Mineral Hills Conservation Area last week. There are lots more hikes coming up in the new year. View upcoming activities on our activities page.

Pinch me. Since becoming more involved in AMC, and our local chapter, I've been having experiences that I wouldn't otherwise. I get to: support the inspired and dedicated Committee Chairs on the Executive Committee as they keep the vibrant AMC offerings going in our area; explore all kinds of trails and landscapes in western MA and AMC destinations, and lead others into these adventures; be excited to attend the Annual Summit in January and enjoy current and new connections; get involved and give input on AMC-wide initiatives; to learn more about the opportunities and impact of this beloved organization that has pulled me in since around 1989. I just led a hike today with a passionate group that came together to make it all about being outdoors in community. Find all that anywhere else? Actually, you can find it all as you read on and jump in. It's opened up worlds for me. See you outside! Diane Jones, Western MA Chapter Chair

Welcome New Executive Committee Members!

We'd like to warmly welcome the new members of the Western Massachusetts Chapter Executive Committee that have been recently voted in. Kathy Martin, our former Hiking Chair, has transitioned into her new role as Vice Chair; Debi Garlick has jumped in as our new Hiking Chair, having previous experience in the Worcester Chapter; and Sue West is embarking on a new adventure as a Member-at-large. Kathy, Debi, and Sue are bringing many years of experience in outdoor adventure, conservation, and volunteering, and we are thrilled that they have chosen to share their passion and skills with us. If you are interested in sharing your love of the outdoors with us, please consider joining our Executive Committee. We currently have the following positions open: Secretary, Membership Chair and Conservation Chair. Go to Volunteer Activities on our website to see the role descriptions, as well as other volunteer opportunities, and come join our team! Explore these opportunities and get to know us by contacting us at info@amc-wma.org.

148th Annual AMC Summit in January

There's still time to register for the AMC Annual Summit at the Four Points Sheraton in Norwood on January 20, 2024. Get ready for a day of fun learning experiences across four tracks - Volunteer Leadership, Conservation and Research, DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion), and AMC Updates. This one-day event will feature a full schedule of workshops, a delicious lunch, a social hour, and an annual business meeting for members. Financial assistance is available for those who wish to attend but face financial obstacles. Lodging is available at the Four Points. Click here for details and to register. We hope to see you there!

Exciting New Winter Activities Coming Up!

Winter is here and we have some exciting, new activities on the schedule. If you are interested in cross-country skiing, sign up for our outing on January 24th at Notchview in Cummington, or you can challenge yourself with our winter hike on Mt. Ascutney in Vermont on January 18th. The Mt. Ascutney hike is one of four winter mountain summit hikes being led by Paul Glazebrook, a retired Maine Guide and an experienced four-season upcountry trips leader in hiking, backpacking, and wilderness canoeing. The other three events in our winter mountain summit hikes series are: Mt. Cube on February 18, 2023 (4.5 miles/1,500 feet of elevation), Mt. Monadnock in March 2024 (5.2 miles/1,800 feet of elevation), and Mt. Moosilauke in April 2024 (8.0 miles/3,200 feet of elevation). Go to our Chapter Activities for details on these events, and all upcoming outings.

CBS NEWS »

Chaya Harris most recently served as the National Program Director at Outdoor Afro after serving as a volunteer leader with the organization for five years. She has helped plan outstanding events and expand the network as a Regional Lead in the Northeast, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro with other leaders, and has had several women-led expeditions in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest. AMC ACTIVITIES »

See what our committees have been up to over the last couple of months.

A.T. Management

Most recent A.T. Committee meeting: 2023-Nov-06 ✧ Next A.T. Committee meeting: 2024-01-09 ✧ Wildlife transects and corridor monitoring - ongoing ✧ Hazardous trees removed at several overnight sites ✧ Annual volunteer recognition gathering scheduled for 2024-Jan-27 at Lee Middle/High School (9:00 AM) ✧ Lisa Taylor has agreed to be our new Secretary ✧ 2024 season will include 2 Greenagers projects ✧ Volunteer recruitment needs: natural heritage monitors, corridor monitors, shelter coordinator

Bicycling

Attended the Western MA Chapter's Annual Business Meeting on behalf of the Bicycling Committee (2023-Nov-02) ✧ Bicycling budget was approved for 2024 (2023-Nov-13) ✧ By the end of January, will have reached out to bike trip leaders to begin planning for the 2024 season ✧ By mid-March, will have a draft calendar of early spring rides on the AMC Western MA Chapter's Bicycling web page and listings on ActDB

Communications

Facebook: 19 posts (top post: Story Walk at Noble View promotion – reach: 992 accounts) ✧ Instagram: 18 posts (top post: Tuesday hiking trip in Northfield on 2024-Nov-18 – reach: 228 accounts) ✧ Newsletters: 1406 messages sent ✧ Website: Created draft flip book "Walking the NET in the Pioneer Valley" with Pat Henry (in review); created National American Indian Heritage Month interactive map; created Western MA timeline; consolidated ExCom volunteer positions with activities; created MVL slideshow; conducted semi-annual maintenance

Family Programs

Had a successful Natural Holiday Decorations Workshop at Noble View, with a great turn out of local folks and a contingent of students from URI who were staying in the cabins ✧ New StoryWalks^® installed in collaboration with the Hilltown Family Center were The Apple Pie Tree (October), We Are Grateful (November), and The Mitten (December). StoryWalks^® are found on the Link Trail at Noble View Outdoor Center ✧ Research started to make more substantial signage for the StoryWalk^®, similar to AMC Cardigan Lodge ✧ Met with AMC Volunteer Relations representative and other FallFest volunteers to follow up on the FallFest 2023 successes and ideas for improvement ✧ Represented Family Programming at Western MA Annual Meeting ✧ The Family Programs schedule for Winter and Spring 2024 is nearly complete. Planning continues for new and ongoing collaborations and initiatives

Hiking

Trips: 10/01 Riverwalk with Alice; 10/03 NET with Debi; 10/06 thru 10/08 Women's weekend hikes with Dawne and Kathy; 10/10 Anniversary Hike with Peggy; 10/17 Mt. Monadnock with Margot; 10/24 Mt. Tom with Patty; 10/31 Granville State Forest with Kathy; 11/07 Mt Toby with Dave; 11/14 NET with Debi; 11/21 Noble View, planned by Laura and led by Kathy and Dave; 11/28 Pittsfield State Forest with Trish; 12/02 DAR State Forest with Margot; 12/05 Monument Mountain with Debi; 12/12 Horse Mountain with Jan ✧ Recent activity and plans: Welcomed Debi Garlick as new Hiking Chair in December

Paddling

Previous meeting: 2023-09-26; next meeting: 2024-Feb-06 ✧ Deb attended NH Paddling Committee annual meeting on Nov 5 as we collaborate with this chapter on whitewater instruction trips ✧ Deb joined NH Canoeing Subcommittee to plan and assist with a 2-day moving water canoe instruction event in April. That subcommittee is focused on skills needed for wilderness canoe tripping and will offer additional skill-building trips ✧ In need of more paddle leaders and committee members ✧ Planning continues for 2024 whitewater and flatware paddling events

Training and Education

Training completed: In-Person Training (2023-Oct-15) and two Applications (role plays) days (2023-Nov-12 and 2023-Nov-18) ✧ Completed 7 new leader candidates ✧ Approved new member of the committee (Kayla Crowe) ✧ Invited to OLDC Chapter Leadership/Education Chair Meeting scheduled for 2023-Dec-14 ✧ Reviewed changes/updates to WFA courses: 2024 options are SOLO and WFR ✧ Facilitating MHFA training at AMC's 148th Annual Summit

This hike starts in Hatfield and goes into Williamsburg. There is a section that is relatively steep which we will go both up and down, so hiking poles are recommended. AMC ACTIVITIES »

This is a moderate/strenuous winter hike of approximately 6 miles with 2,200 feet of elevation gain. Pace will be 1.5 to 2.0 mph. Come prepared to have fun!! We will pass a waterfall, climb to great views and visit an observation tower. The other three hikes in this winter series are:

• Mt. Cube in February 2023 (4.5 miles with 1,500 feet of elevation gain)
• Mt. Monadnock in March 2024 (5.2 miles with 1,800 feet of elevation gain)
• Mt. Moosilaukee in April 2024 (8.0 miles with 3,200 feet of elevation gain)

Full winter clothing and gear are required. A gear list will be provided for each hike. Participants will be screened for experience and preparation before being accepted on the hike. AMC ACTIVITIES »

SIERRA CLUB »

WESTERN MA TIMELINE »