The Western MA Exchange Archive

It can take many years for a plant to grow from a seed, but a mature plant can live for up to twenty years! And just as a reminder, they are considered endangered in Massachusetts so it is illegal to disturb them. These gorgeous blooms were found on Section 5 of the National New England Scenic Trail in Holyoke. If you find some on the trail, share your photos with us on Facebook and don't forget to tag us.

The inscription outside of the tower reads: "Erected by Massachusetts in grateful recognition of the loyalty and sacrifice of her sons and daughters who fought in war. They were faithful even unto death." If you have never been here, make a plan to hike, bike or drive to the summit to see this magnificent memorial and the spectacular views from the top of the state's tallest mountain. You can even grab snacks or lunch in the historic Bascom Lodge.

Head to TrailsFest at Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, MA for a fun-filled day for all ages and abilities. Guided activities will be held in the morning followed by food, music, demonstrations, and information from the partners - including AMC - in the afternoon. Or, join us in Hadley, MA for Hike For All, an AMC-guided event on the universally-accessible trail at the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge. This event will be held with Unpaved Trails for All to raise awareness of the need for more accessible trails. Or, celebrate our trails in the Berkshires with a hike on Sunday, June 2 and a natural heritage monitoring event on Monday, June 3, both at Mt. Greylock. VIEW ACTIVITIES »

PR NEWSWIRE »

Wow! There's something in the air ... all of the upcoming activities and volunteer needs are telling me that we're warming up and ready to do more with the trails, the trees, the greenery, the views, the waterways, the campsites, the flora and fauna, the sun and clouds. Hard to choose from the various National Trails Day activities on June 1st, but I will make that tough choice and be open to discovery and growth. We're excited to see you at the Laurel Day festivities, so please come up to our table, or while we're engrossed in the surrounding beauty, to say hello! And drop us a line anytime to chat about any volunteer opportunities that grab you, at info@amc-wma.org. What am I talking about? Please read on for the delicious details! No mystery here, just fresh air, engagement, and fun. See you Outdoors! Diane Jones, Western MA Chapter Chair

Laurel Day Celebration at Noble View

Come celebrate the beautiful mountain laurel blossoms with us on Saturday, June 8, 2024 (rain date June 9th) at the AMC Noble View Outdoor Center from 3:00-7:00 PM. Celebrating the laurel blossom season is a tradition at Noble View going back to 1930. We'll keep the tradition going with some guided hikes, a chili cook-off hosted by the Chapter and the Noble View Stewards Council, strawberry shortcake, and roasting marshmallows around the campfire. And if camping is your thing, consider reserving one of our tent sites for the night (call 603-466-2727 to reserve). Register here!

Celebrating National Trails Day

National Trails Day is celebrated every year on the first Saturday of the month. You can come out to TrailsFest at Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, MA for a fun-filled day of guided activities for all ages and abilities in the morning followed by food, music, demonstrations, and information from the partners, including the AMC, in the afternoon. Another option closer to home is the Hike For All event at the universally-accessible trail at the Fort River Division of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge in Hadley, Massachusetts. Unpaved Trails for All, in partnership with the Appalachian Mountain Club, will be hosting a guided hike at the universally-accessible trail to raise awareness for the need for more accessible trails. We also have a natural heritage monitoring event on Monday, June 3 and a hike on Sunday, June 2, both at Mt. Greylock. We hope you can join us at one of these events to celebrate our beloved trails!

Volunteer Opportunities for Everyone!

As we mentioned in last month's message to our members, the entire Western MA Chapter is run by volunteers. And now that warmer weather is here, the need for help is even greater. We have many opportunities to get involved in some fun and rewarding volunteer activities including maintaining trails, repairing campsites, monitoring wildlife, removing invasive species, and serving on the executive committee as Hiking Chair or Vice Chair ... something for everyone.

Did you know that Massachusetts ranked #1 in the country in the 2022 Bicycle Friendly State Report Card? The League of American Bicyclists gave MA a grade of "A" for infrastructure and funding, education and encouragement, and policies and programs. Sign up for one of our guided bicycling adventures in western MA. We offer social, recreational rides in the range of 15-50 miles at speeds averaging between 10-14 mph, with rest stops and optional post-ride socials. We look forward to biking with you! LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS »

AMC OUTDOORS BLOG »

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From trail work and wildlife monitoring to trip leadership and workshops – here's what our committees were up to last month.

A.T. Management

Most recent meeting: 06-May-2024 ✧ Wildlife transects, corridor monitoring, and trail maintenance are ongoing ✧ Trail projects have begun and are now available on ActDB ✧ Blowdown removal has been a top priority for the Central and Northern sections which were severely affected by the many recent storms ✧ We will have 2 new A-level sawyers following AMC's trails college this past weekend ✧ The committee voted to invest in funds to repair gravel in high impact sections of the Upper Goose Pond Caretakers Rd ✧ Met with NPS and APPA staff for pre-approval of funding and trail location for the Hop Brook project; federal monies earmarked for New England A.T. sections will allow for funding of all 3 phases of the project ✧ Kathy Martin and her husband are the proud adoptees of a trail section in the Southern portion of the MA A.T. ✧ Upper Goose Pond Cabin will reopen 19-May-2024 ✧ Future plans: 3 Greenagers projects ✧ Volunteer recruitment needs: natural heritage monitors, trail maintainers, corridor monitors, shelter coordinator, and 2025 committee vice chair ✧ Next meeting: 15-July-2024

Bicycling

The Chair of Bicycling attended the April ExCom Meeting ✧ The Chair of Bicycling and Bicycling trip leader participated in the Annual Meeting Planning Committee meeting on 15-Apr-2024 ✧ Intro ride was held on 20-May-2024 ✧ Warm-up ride was held on 21-May-2024 ✧ May and June bike rides were listed on ActDB

Communications

Website users have increased steadily since January. The website continues to evolve and expand. The Chapter's Facebook and Instagram accounts continue to gain followers ✧ Facebook: 19 posts (top post: Keystone Arch Bridges Hike) ✧ Instagram: 17 posts (top post: Eclipse Hike and Social Reminder) ✧ Newsletters: 1414 messages sent ✧ Website: 1) Completed and deployed River Cleanup initiative, 2) Edited activities code on the Exchange to handle expired activity listings on ActDB, 3) Updated the member favorites page

Hiking

New Leader-in-Training: Anne Houhlin ✧ Led 9 hikes at Rattlesnake Mountain, Eclipse Social (Noble View), Mt. Greylock, Keystone Arches, NET, Graves Farm, Monroe State Forest, High Ledges, Granville State Forest ✧ Led 4 walks in Holyoke ✧ Currently planning ExCom/Leaders Social; actively advertising for a new chair

NET Management

Lou Graham and Heather Wyman presented a PPT presentation to Westfield Girl Scouts interested in adopting a section of the NET ✧ The NET committee held a workshop and gathering for 16 adopters, NPS and AMC staff ✧ More than 30 volunteers from the Pioneer Valley Hiking Club contributed over 200 hours of basic trail maintenance (clearing blowdowns and brush; refreshing trail blazes) on Sections 1&2 ✧ 13 volunteers led by NET adopters cleared Section 7 of the NET in preparation for the Seven Sisters Trail Race. This is the second time we've partnered with trail runners who recognize the need to give back to a resource that they utilize. Further collaboration on other projects is being planned ✧ Additional adopters completed over 200 hours of trail maintenance in April ✧ A late season ice storm damaged sections of the NET; 80 blowdowns were cleared ✧ Next meeting: 20-May-2024

AMC OUTDOORS BLOG »

VIEW ACTIVITIES »

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Curious? Drop us a line at info@amc-wma.org for more information and/or to share your interest in this dynamic and important role. AMC Western MA Chapter welcomes all interested candidates to inquire, and we invite the full participation of all individuals currently underrepresented in the outdoor community.  »

AMC OUTDOORS BLOG »

This beautifully written and gorgeously illustrated story issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth's water from harm, inviting young readers everywhere to join the fight. So come on up to Noble View this month to walk our beautiful new accessible trail and read this wonderful story along the way.

VIEW ACTIVITY »

AMC OUTDOORS BLOG »

"Every day is Earth Day." How can it be otherwise? It's our home! I'm grateful that we have a day designated every year to remind us, and to get us out to contribute to prevention and remediation of anything affecting the health of our planet home. And it really feels like National Volunteer Week goes so well with Earth Day and creates a theme of all of us, as individuals and groups, taking responsibility for making a difference in this wondrous Pale Blue Dot (thank you, NASA and Carl Sagan). Volunteers involved in direct conservation actions, as well as activity volunteers who help connect people with the environment and volunteers who otherwise keep the Chapter running, make up the heart of Earth-love everywhere. This edition of our newsletter really puts forward the true "awe"someness of volunteer power. Read on to immerse in this phenomenon of inspiration. Happy Earth Day! Diane Jones, Western MA Chapter Chair

Happy National Volunteer Week!

Every year since 1974, the country has celebrated volunteers during the fourth week in April. Did you know that our Chapter is run exclusively by volunteers? From Executive Committee members, to activity leaders, to trail maintainers, our Chapter would literally not exist if it were not for the hundreds of people who donate their time to keep the Chapter active and vibrant. We want to express our deep gratitude for every one of the volunteers who have donated countless hours over the past year to share their skills, experience, and passion for the outdoors with us! President Biden, in his annual proclamation on National Volunteer Week, stated, "During National Volunteer Week, we remember that even one act of service — big or small — can make a difference. Volunteers spread hope and, in the process, inspire so many to give back to their communities. I encourage everyone to look for ways to volunteer in their own communities, show up for one another, and step up for those in need." If you would like to find ways to get involved, check out the volunteer page on our website. There you will meet some of our volunteers and learn about the different types of volunteer opportunities available.

Hiking Chair Wanted - Is This You?

We have a wonderful opportunity for an enthusiastic hiker who wants to share their passion and experience with others as the Hiking Chair on our Executive Committee. The volunteer role of the Hiking Chair is to support leaders in offering a variety of hikes to AMC members and other participants, with a safe, fun, inclusive, and welcoming approach. The Hiking Chair is also a full participant on the Chapter Executive Committee, supporting the programs that help nature lovers in western Massachusetts Be Outdoors! The main qualifications of this role include:

• Become an AMC member
• Take hike leader training provided by our Chapter
• Be friendly, welcoming, and capable of working with a diverse group of people
• Be an organized and effective communicator
• Have and effectively utilize computer/internet
• Be an enthusiastic promoter of the AMC and Western MA Chapter

Curious? Drop us a line at info@amc-wma.org for more information and/or to share your interest, or visit our volunteer activities page for more information. We look forward to welcoming you! Learn why we do what we do, and gain the satisfaction of facilitating outdoor discovery and exploration.

Earth Day

Even though Earth Day was this past Monday, we want to use this opportunity to tell you how we celebrate Earth Day all year and ways that you can get involved. The first Earth Day on April 22, 1970 was created by Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin, following a series of devastating disasters. Over 20 million people participated throughout the country, bringing much needed attention to the harmful effects of weed killers, oil spills, carbon emissions, excessive trash, and harmful chemicals. Here in the Western MA Chapter, we have a Conservation Committee that is dedicated to creating opportunities for folks to help clean up the environment, clear out invasive species, or learn how to support legislation that protects our environment. Learn about an ongoing initiative - the Westfield River Waterfront Cleanup, and other initiatives that we are supporting. Please join us as we work year round to support the AMC mission to "foster the protection, enjoyment and understanding of the outdoors". Learn more about the Conservation Committee's initiatives and upcoming activities on their committee page.

A group of eager volunteers helped pick up 13 bags and a large barrel of trash along the road where the trail starts. Afterward, the group was rewarded with an eagle fly-by on their hike to get a view of Hampton Ponds. We would like to express our deep gratitude to all the volunteers who came out to help! MORE PHOTOS »

VIEW ACTIVITY »

LEARN MORE »

The Western MA Chapter supports AMC's mission by creating opportunities for sustainable outdoor experiences. We advocate for the protection of land and water, support and promote scientific research, and lead activities designed to cultivate an understanding and appreciation of our natural world. We have ongoing initiatives and many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to join us as we work to protect the environment, including river cleanups, invasive species removal, and replacing traditional pit privies with more environmentally-friendly composting toilets. Learn more on our initiatives page. For ways to get involved, go to the Chapter Activities page of our website and click on Conservation, AT Management, or NET Management.

AMC OUTDOORS BLOG »

This beautifully written and illustrated story is about a young boy who falls off the sled on his family's winter migration and the animals come to protect him until his father returns. This is also a great time to search for spring flowers along the trail. This story will be up until the end of April. Stay tuned for next month's story!

The New England Trail (NET) Committee held their annual meeting for trail adopters on Saturday April 13 with 16 people in attendance at the Hitchcock Center for the Environment in Amherst. Andrew Long from the National Park Service (NPS), and Nora Sackett and Caitlin McCarthy from AMC Trails were also present. Miriam Maistelman, the AMC NET Coordinator made a presentation recapping last years accomplishments, and outlined goals, projects and training opportunities for 2024. Andrew Long from NPS spoke on the recent Unit status designation of the NET, and how he is in the process of securing resources needed for trail improvements such as bridge replacements and construction of overnight camping facilities. Participants also watched a training video on a new app designed by the Colorado Mountain Club called RIMS (Recreation Impact Monitoring System) that trail adopters will be using to identify usage and impacts on the NET. Adopters had opportunities to ask questions of AMC and NPS staff, socialize with their fellow trail maintainers and enjoy lunch in a beautiful setting to kick off the 2024 trail season! Learn more about the National New England Scenic Trail for hiking or how you can get involved in maintaining it. VIEW ACTIVITY »

VIEW ACTIVITY »

AMC OUTDOORS BLOG »

AMC TIMELINE »

The volunteer role of the Hiking Chair is to support leaders in offering a variety of hikes to AMC members and other participants, with a safe, fun, inclusive, and welcoming approach. This includes assisting leaders with hike planning and scheduling; encouraging and assisting interested hikers in becoming trained leaders; learning and sharing related AMC and Chapter policies; attending monthly Executive Commitee meetings; creating basic activity reports and submitting the committee's annual budget; and collaborating with fellow committee members to reach goals. Curious? Drop us a line at info@amc-wma.org for more information and/or to share your interest. We look forward to welcoming you! Learn why we do what we do, and gain the satisfaction of facilitating outdoor discovery and exploration.

MORE PHOTOS »

Congress is taking action to make outdoor recreation inclusive for all as the House of Representatives plans an upcoming vote on 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. AMC »

AMC OUTDOORS BLOG »

AMC OUTDOORS BLOG »

From trail work and corridor monitoring to trip leadership and training – here's what our committees were up to last month.

A.T. Management

Most recent meeting: 2024-Mar-04 ✧ Next meeting: 2024-May-06 ✧ Recent projects and activities: wildlife transects and corridor monitoring are ongoing; trail projects will start up asap - season schedule has been set and is posted on the website ✧ The committee voted to invest in funds to repair gravel in high-impact sections of the Upper Goose Pond Caretakers Rd ✧ Met with NPS and APPA staff for pre-approval of funding and trail location for the Hop Brook project ✧ Future plans: 3 Greenagers projects are planned ✧ Volunteer recruitment needs: natural heritage monitors, trail maintainers, corridor monitors, shelter coordinator, and 2025 committee vice chair

Bicycling

Committee Chair attended the February ExCom Meeting ✧ Completed draft calendar for 2024 biking season ✧ Listed April and May bike rides on ActDB ✧ Updated committee webpage for 2024 season ✧ Investigating participation in MassBike May monthly riding activities ✧ Distributing information to local bike shops about Intro classes to pass onto their bike customers

Communications

The Communications Team continued to make progress towards the annual goal. The eblast open rate improved 11% in March. The Chair participated in Canva training to learn how to make flyers. The webmaster continues to add pages and update existing pages. One Facebook post reached over 7000 accounts. ✧ Facebook: 15 posts (top post: Nice and Easy Canal Walk) ✧ Instagram: 15 posts (top post: Eclipse Hike and Social) ✧ Newsletters: 1394 messages sent ✧ Website: 1) Updated Noble View map and participant comments page, 2) Wrote new page for leader resources, 3) Started on a new initiative with the Conservation Committee tentatively titled "Westfield River Waterfront Cleanup"

Hiking

Active hiking leaders: 36; new leader: Alison Terjek ✧ Trips led in March 2024: Mt Greylock (2024-Mar-05); Fitzgerald Lake (2024-Mar-12); Mt Greylock (2024-Mar-15); Hoosac Range (2024-Mar-17); Bearsden Conservation Area (2024-Mar-19); N&S Sugarloaf (2024-Mar-26); and Mt Toby (2024-Mar-30) ✧ Walking Series by Nancy Condon - 9 outings (Nice and Easy Canal Walks and Holyoke Revitalization Tours) ✧ Created a list-serv for hiking leaders

Membership

Welcomed new Membership Chair: Lynn Garrity

Paddling

Previous meeting: 2024-02-06; next meeting: 2024-04-17 ✧ Leader training role-playing scenarios for T&E have been completed ✧ Planning is currently underway for this season's paddling events, demos, leader training, workshops, and invasive pulls ✧ Six whitewater events have been posted on ActDB ✧ We are in need of more paddle leaders and committee members

Training and Education

Chapter Leadership Skills Training was run on 24-Mar-2024 in Greenfield, MA ✧ Online adult MHFA Training has been postponed until June, with self-paced learning; youth and in-person training undergoing scheduling now ✧ Upcoming AMC SOLO WFA/WFR courses are on ActDB

Deb currently serves as Co-chair of the Paddling Committee, Coordinator of Corridor Boundary Monitoring for the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) Committee, and was previously Chair of the A.T. Committee. She holds certifications from the American Canoe Association as an instructor in kayaking and canoeing and from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy as a chainsaw operator. Deb is continuously looking for ways to coordinate with DEI initiatives and other committees, such as Family Programs and 20s/30s, and to coordinate with other AMC chapters for paddle training. All of this, along with Deb's thoughtful activity planning and Chapter input and insights make for an incredibly valuable volunteer!

ACTIVITIES »

AMC OUTDOORS BLOG »

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.) runs 2,197 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. This hiking-only trail traverses the culturally significant lands of the Appalachians, an ancient mountain chain sandwiched between the eastern Coastal Plain and the Interior Lowlands of North America. In Massachusetts (MA), the A.T. winds through the Berkshires – a broad, dissected plateau punctuated by peaks and cut by river valleys – and across a patchwork of protected state and federal lands. The Western MA Chapter's A.T. Management Committee is responsible for the maintenance, management, and protection of this portion of the trail - a distance of about 90 miles. The MA section provides a broad array of hiking opportunities for both the long-distance and day hiker. Use this brochure from Mass.gov to plan your next A.T. trip in the Commonwealth.

INATURALIST »

AMC STAFF »

Anyone else seeing the new life coming up from the ground, and out from the branches? I can remember many Springs when I've missed it until it's obvious, so I'm grateful to have slowed down and been aware of it early. More natural delights are in store with our attention on the upcoming solar eclipse, and we hope you can join us for this rare event! You can experience a different kind of awe while learning about AMC and other women's inspiring adventures in the outdoors. Read on for those fascinating journeys, as well as your opportunity to be even more confident in the outdoors by taking a Wilderness First Aid class. Maybe we're all pathfinders and trailblazers, finding our own unique way. What is the next step in your journey? See you outdoors! Diane Jones, Western MA Chapter Chair

Eclipse Hike and Social at Noble View

Join us at the AMC Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell for the almost-total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8 at the Double Cabin, a spectacular viewing spot on top of Russell Mountain! We will meet at 1:00 pm at the Double Cabin and enjoy a short, one- to two-mile, relatively flat hike on the beautiful trails of Noble View. We'll return to the cabin area for snacks and apple cider as we wait for the almost-full eclipse at about 3:15. We will pull out the cornhole games, bubble machine, and slack rope. We can sit around an open fire to keep warm if necessary. Learn about the eclipse and participate in Citizen Scientist activities from NASA as well as the origin stories of eclipses from around the world. Solar glasses will be provided. Please bring your own chair and water bottle. Steady rain cancels. Registration is not required. For questions, contact our Vice Chair, Kathy Martin at vicechair@amc-wma.org.

Pathfinders: AMC Women in the Outdoors

Women's History Month began in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 authorizing the president to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as Women's History Week. In 1987, after petitioning from the National Women's History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9, designating the month of March as Women's History Month. Today, Women's History Month commemorates and encourages the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role women have played in American history. Here in our Western MA Chapter, we commemorate Women's History Month with a collection of photos of our own AMC women as they forged ahead with outdoor pursuits in the early 20th century. Another way to celebrate Women's History Month is to join the AMC Interchapter DEI Speaker Series for a digital showing of The Women's Adventure Film Tour^® which returns for its EIGHTH year, celebrating extraordinary women and their thrilling adventures. Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled showcase of courage and triumph that will ignite your spirit. Don't miss this unforgettable adventure - register now!

Wilderness First Aid Training (WFA)

The ability to apply basic backcountry first aid is vital for any outdoor enthusiast, whether it's for yourself or others. Moving beyond urban first aid, this course teaches the skills necessary to identify and treat medical issues common to wilderness settings and to prepare for long-term care scenarios. This two-day workshop includes hands-on practice and lectures. Upon completion, participants receive 16-hour SOLO Wilderness First Aid certification. This course may be used to recertify a current SOLO Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification. A CPR certification will be offered in the evening of the first day, and is optional. AMC offers many opportunities to take the WFA course throughout the year. Coming up this spring, you can take this course on the weekend of April 6-7 in Worcester. A stipend is available for active volunteers by contacting their Committee Chair. If this weekend doesn't work for you, view more opportunities at outdoors.org.

Join the AMC Interchapter DEI Speaker Series for a Celebration of Women's History Month. We're sponsoring a digital showing of The Women's Adventure Film Tour^® which returns for its eighth year, celebrating extraordinary women and their thrilling adventures. Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled showcase of courage and triumph that will ignite your spirit.

The city of Holyoke was designed and built to be an industrial city. Holyoke sits on a hill in the elbow of a curve of the Connecticut River, where water falls sixty feet in a short distance. This slope and the river's bend were the necessary ingredients for providing waterpower to textile mills, paper mills, and many other manufacturers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Water was drawn off from behind a dam and ushered into four-and-a-half miles of hand-dug canals that paralleled the slope. Mills situated between a high canal and a canal lower in elevation were able to utilize the power of falling water as it turned a turbine. These canals still do their job providing power to the citizens of Holyoke. Our Nice and Easy Canal Walks and Holyoke Revitalization Tours are geared for seniors but open to all ages. Join us and learn how innovative businesses and developers are putting life back into the old mills. View upcoming outings on our hiking committee's webpage.

Choose one of eight available sessions, each filled with field exercises, instruction, lectures, and discussions. You will work with experienced volunteer instructors in small, experiential learning groups (6-8 participants and 2 instructors each) and your time will be divided between your individual group and activities for the entire workshop. All instructors are active trip leaders with AMC. The weekend runs from early Friday evening, May 3 through 4:30 PM Sunday, May 5 at Cardigan Lodge and within the surrounding forest and mountains. Register here

This beautifully written and illustrated book is about a small boy who falls off the family's sled on a winter migration and the animals come to protect him until his father returns. We invite you to come up to Noble View Outdoor Center this month to walk our new accessible trail, and read this lovely story with your littles. You may even discover some spring ephemerals peeking through the leaves.

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

A.T. Management

Most recent meeting: 2024-Mar-04 ✧ Next meeting: 2024-May-06 ✧ Recent projects and activities: wildlife transects and corridor monitoring are ongoing; trail projects will start up asap - season schedule has been set and is posted ✧ The committee voted to invest in funds to repair gravel in high-impact sections of the Upper Goose Pond Caretakers Rd ✧ Future projects and plans: 3 Greenagers projects are planned; Wilderness First Aid will be held this spring; Hop Brook project is moving ahead ✧ Volunteer recruitment needs: natural heritage monitors, corridor monitors, shelter coordinator, and 2025 committee vice chair

Bicycling

Committee Chair attended the February ExCom Meeting ✧ Completed draft calendar for 2024 biking season ✧ Listed April and May bike rides on ActDB ✧ Updated committee webpage for 2024 season ✧ Investigating participation in MassBike May monthly riding activities ✧ Distributing information to local bike shops about Intro classes to pass onto their bike customers

Communications

We placed an ad in Berkshire Magazine's Outdoor Rec Guide 413 and sponsored a two-page ad for the Berkshire Outdoor website ✧ Our website earned its best Google ranking so far at 7 ✧ The eblast generated four inquiries for volunteer positions on the Executive Committee and we are looking to vote in three new ExCom members as a result ✧ Facebook: 17 posts (top post: the NET flip book) ✧ Instagram: 15 posts (top post: 20s/30s cross country ski outing) ✧ Newsletters: 1393 messages sent ✧ Website: 1) published NET flip book 2) published wildlife quiz to promote World Wildlife Day 3) published Pathfinders page to promote Women's History Month 4) published two "chapter favorites" interactive maps 5) completed transition of all committees to hosted mailboxes

DEI

DEI Outdoors met with the AMC DEI Board and the DEI Interchapter Committee to share the information gathered from their fact-finding survey and interviews ✧ The DEI Speaker Series has scheduled 2 new Zoom events ✧ The 3rd annual Women's affinity weekend "Connecting Women, Connecting with Nature" has been scheduled for 2024-Jul-26 at Noble View ✧ The grand opening of the All Persons Trail at Noble View will held during FallFest on 05-Oct-2024. Our partner, Hilltown Community Family Center, has donated permanent StoryWalk^® display boards for the trail. Planning continues for a wide variety of programs to be offered at this event ✧ DEI Outdoors have scheduled two learning opportunities: Practitioner Certificate Course, designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to drive positive change in your organization or community, and AORE Inclusive Summit - Sharpen Your Skills & Make a Difference

Family Programs

Recent and upcoming StoryWalk^® books at Noble View (a collaboration with the Hilltown Family Center) are "Let's Go! Animal Tracks in the Snow" (February), "Thanks to the Animals" by Allen J. Sockabasin (March), and "It's Spring" by Linda Glasser ✧ 16 people joined us on 03-Feb-2024 at Noble View for animal tracking with Jim Pelletier ✧ Hilltown Family Center has provided permanent StoryWalk^® boards for installation by the professional trail crew on the new All Persons trail at Noble View in time for the October 5th opening ✧ 33 parents and children attended the Family Programs Skate and Pizza Party at Amelia Park in Westfield. Amelia Park gave us a free room for the party. We also set up a membership table for people to get information about our chapter ✧ A membership table for people to learn about Western MA was set up for Gateway Regional Open house with Community organizations in attendance on March 7th ✧ The Sweet Maple Syrup Hike at the Conwell Property in Worthington (to be followed by a pancake buffet at High Hopes Farm) is posted on ActDB

Hiking

Active hiking leaders: 35 ✧ Trips led in February 2024: Chicopee SP (2024-Feb-06); Mt Ascutney (2024-Feb-09); Mt Cube (2024-Feb-24); NCC to Rt 41 (2024-Feb-24); and Tannery Falls (2024-Feb-24)

NET Management

Next NET Committee meeting is 18-Mar-2024 ✧ NET Coordinator attended the annual Hike the Hill in Washington, DC with members of Congress to advocate for trail funding, conservation and equitable access ✧ Hiked with Rob Schechtman, Pioneer Valley Hiking Club (PVHC is the adopter of Sections 1 & 2) to assess the potential for tent platforms on property recently conserved by NPS ✧ Scheduled a site visit to Wendell SF Shelter with DCR. Shelter is in need of repairs and NET volunteers plan to perform the work with possible funding from DCR for materials ✧ Notified NET adopters of WFA training at Noble View in late April and Leadership Training on 24-Mar-2024 in Greenfield, MA ✧ Westfield Girl Scout Troop has been proposed to adopt Section 3 ✧ Spring Gathering confirmed for 13-Apr-2024 at Hitchcock Center for the Environment. Andrew Long (NPS liaison for the NET) will discuss trail funding and a recent change in NET designation stature ✧ NET adopters will partner with volunteer runners from the Seven Sisters Trail Race on Section 7 to clear the trail before the 04-May-2024 race

Paddling

Previous meeting: 2024-02-06; next meeting: 2024-04-17 ✧ Planning is currently underway for this season's paddling events, demos, leader training, workshops, and invasive pulls ✧ We are in need of more paddle leaders and committee members ✧ Six upcoming events are posted in ActDB

Training and Education

Chapter Leadership Skills Training is scheduled for 24-Mar-2024 in Greenfield, MA ✧ Online adult MHFA Training has been scheduled for several evenings in May; youth and in-person training undergoing schedueling now ✧ Volunteer Facilitator Training - for folks who are interested in improving facilitation skills - have been scheduled in NY and Boston ✧ Upcoming AMC SOLO WFA/WFR courses are on ActDB

We're offering a series of rides in April and May for those who are new to recreational road cycling starting in Hatfield, Sunderland and Whately. These towns are perfect for first rides as you cruise on mostly flat roads through beautiful farmlands and forests.

Berkshire Chapter History: How it Began

This very informal history of the Berkshire Chapter has been compiled by going through three full file drawers of records – minutes, correspondence, etc. – dating to the birth of the chapter in 1929. The "Western Massachusetts members" of the Appalachian Mountain Club had their first outing on April 13, 1929. Despite recent sleet and snow, it was a "very successful" hike over Mt. Tom by ten enthusiastic hikers. It was then proposed to form a Western Massachusetts Chapter of the AMC, but so few could not take any action. A brief notice in an issue of Appalachia from the time describes the birth of the new Chapter, the sixth to be formed (there are now twelve): The Berkshire Chapter of the Club was organized June 15, 1929, in Springfield, Mass., following an intensive campaign by a volunteer committee to crystallize sentiment that has been favorable toward this move for several years. It was found that, based on the May Register, there are fifty-seven members of the Club living in Western Massachusetts. Some of these members joined the Club through the summer camps, and others through the Club excursions and trips.

However, it remained for the migration of enthusiastic Boston members like Mr. and Mrs. John M. Sherman, formerly of Belmont and late of Chicopee Falls, to bring the necessary energy and initiative. Missing the hikes and parties to which they had been accustomed when living near Boston, Mr. and Mrs. Sherman aroused the interest of the members living in the western section of the State. Several interesting hikes were planned and carried through, and everyone was surprised at the response of the hiking talent uncovered.

A postcard ballot was sent out to the members living in the western section of the State and 41 signatures were secured to the petition to form a Chapter. A temporary executive committee, consisting of Joseph E. Partenheimer, Franklin L. Couch, John M. Sherman, E. Porter Dickinson, Genevieve Bowen, Donald E. Temple, and Edward K. Allen arranged an organization meeting with dinner at the Hotel Kimball, Springfield, to which were invited President Dean Peabody, Jr.; Henry R. Buck, Chairman of the Chapter Committee of the Club; W.H. Beaumont, Chairman of the Worcester Chapter; and others, so about thirty-five persons were present to form the Chapter.

Then-AMC President Dean Peabody, Jr. is fondly known as "the father of the Berkshire Chapter." His prompt and sympathetic action in getting the petition through Council, and his subsequent interest in and support of the Chapter were much appreciated and enjoyed. He attended Berkshire's Annual Meetings until his death, and his widow came as long as she was able.

After discussion as to a suitable name for the "new baby," it was suggested by President Peabody that the name "Berkshire" would be very fitting, and this suggestion was received and adopted with enthusiasm. Mr. Partenheimer, chairman of the nominating committee, presented the list of officers, who were duly elected: Edward K. Allen of Springfield, chairman; John M. Sherman, of Chicopee Falls, secretary; Genevieve Bowen, of Northampton, treasurer; Franklin L. Couch of Dalton, Joseph E. Partenheimer of Springfield, E. Porter Dickinson of Amherst and Augusta M. Sherman of Chicopee Falls executive committee.

The Berkshire Chapter will aim to uphold the best traditions of the Club in the western section of the State. At the end of six months, the new Chapter had 64 members. It held fourteen outings with a total attendance of 271, an average of twenty. At the first Annual Meeting in May 1930, membership was up to 85 and the young Chapter celebrated its birthday with a cake and one candle. The Mt. Holyoke Summit House was opened especially for this occasion. The usual reports were presented, there being only five committees: Outings, Social, Trails, Transportation, and Noble View. Yes, even before the Chapter bought Noble View, there was a committee, then called the Hut Committee, and it has been going strong ever since. At that first Annual Meeting, the Chapter voted to change its annual meeting date to the first Saturday in November, which it has been ever since, so there were actually two annual meetings held in 1930. At the second Annual Meeting in November 1930, it was voted decisively to purchase Noble View, which from the beginning has been the main focus of the Chapter's activities. This is the first part of a continuing series of the Chapter history that was recorded and presented by Edith Libby at the 1985 Annual Meeting.

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Check out Berkshire Magazine's 413 Outdoor Rec Guide, part of their recent issue. It's chock full of great articles on hiking and cycling in the Berkshires. It also features a two-age ad introducing the Berkshire Planning Regional Planning Commission's new website, which has tons of resources and links for outdoor adventure in the Berkshires. How about a little scavenger hunt? See if you can you find several links to our website, and our logo and ad in the 413 Outdoor Rec Guide.

Kathy has been leading hikes and otherwise involved with the AMC organization for over 10 years, and has served as Hiking Chair on the Executive Committee, interim Training and Education committee member, activity leader trainer, member of the OLDC/Outdoor Leadership Development Committee, and contributor on many ad hoc committees. Kathy has hiked and led hikes on our own AT/Appalachian Trail and NET/New England Trail, as well as in the White Mountains, and has hiked in various locations across the country and internationally. Kathy shared "I love being part of the AMC community!" and "Most of all, I like to share the outdoors with others." Kathy's efforts, input, and guidance have been invaluable to activity leaders and Executive Committee members alike, and she is an integral and impactful member of our Western Massachusetts AMC Chapter! Thank you Kathy for sharing your skills and passion for the outdoors with us!

This is the time of year when we celebrate the appearance of spring ephemerals like this trillium, Women's History Month, International Women's Day, World Wildlife Day, the vernal equinox and the first day of Spring! Follow us on Facebook for details on how we will mark these occasions and check out the activities page for upcoming events this month, including a maple syrup hike, leadership training, wildlife transects and more. Come play outside with us!