The Western MA Exchange Archive

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The Chapter's AT Management Committee's Volunteer Coordinator, Cosmo Catalano, and the AT Management Chair, Russ Skelton, went to check on the Tom Leonard Shelter recently. Here is Cosmo's report. "It was a November day like we used to have: cold, windy, damp and cloudy. Russ and I made a minor repair to the Tom Leonard bear box, reviewed potential hazard trees at the site, then headed trail south to the fire area. We arrived at the edge of the burn and a fire line about a mile south of the shelter (42.16509, -73.31708). Since the local Incident Commander (IC) has asked people to stay away, we did not enter the burn area. As you can see from the photo, at least at this location, the fire only involved the ground cover; trees and larger shrubs are generally unaffected. We even noted some young beech tree's dead leaves were not even scorched, even though they were a foot above the ground. You may be able to see a white blaze on the small tree in the center of the photo. This location likely does not represent all conditions elsewhere in the fire area or the Trail. Media video shot from the other side of the mountain clearly shows whole trees involved. We did see a couple of spots at the edge of the burn today where larger, previously downed trunks/branches were still smoldering. There are also likely still places where the fire is underground in roots and deeper duff, this can flare up unexpectedly and restart a small blaze. The fire department has asked that people still avoid the area, and residents on Home Rd are reportedly not happy to see folks driving by to 'take a look'. From the fire maps we've received from APPA, the fire area is quite close to Brush Hill Rd/Home Rd, and it looks like most of the Trail to the overlook areas above the road was involved. This might improve some of the limited views for a few seasons, and we should see a nice crop of blueberries this summer. The NPS-dispatched engine crew from Delaware Water Gap has reported they have cleared the Trail of fallen trees and it appears to be in good shape. Since we have no pressing need to get the Trail open for large numbers of hikers, let's wait until we get clearance to enter the burn area, rather than jumping in to see what needs fixing (if anything)."

Downed trees were cut, hauled out of the woods, split and stacked for use in the cottages' wood stoves and the tent site fire pit. The crew enjoyed a lunch of corn bread and Three Sister Soup, a traditional Native American soup featuring corn, beans and squash, made by Laura. Many thanks to Laura, Kathy, Susan, Heidi, Jeannette, Dave and Peter for all your hard work! MORE PHOTOS »

AMC CONSERVATION »

The National Park Service and Mass DCR have closed the A.T. between Lake Buel Rd (on the trail-north side), to Boardman St (on the trail-south side). NPS has also sent a fire crew from Delaware Water Gap to assist in the effort. Crews are concentrating on protecting houses in the area and trying to establish a strong containment line. Neither the Trail or the shelter area are a priority over people's houses. The Incident Commander has asked for folks to stay away from the area and not try to assist with firefighting. Rain (and perhaps even snow at elevation) for the next few days is expected to help slow the fire and assist with containment. Updates will be provided when available. This photo was taken yesterday in Great Barrington during the Tuesday Hiking Group's hike on the A.T. near Benedict Pond.

Message from the New Chapter Chair

I am very excited to be starting my two year term as the new Western Massachusetts Chapter Chair! I'd like to tell you a little about myself: I grew up in a small town in the south, population 75, and went to a small school (only two of us in the first grade). In the late 80s, my husband and I, with our two children, moved to western Massachusetts. I spent most of my career working as the Town Administrator in Granville. I started getting involved with the AMC in 2015 after I retired. It started by joining some short hikes wearing hand-me-down clothes and my son's old school backpack until I felt this hiking thing was for me. Eventually, I took small steps to leadership in the chapter. I became a hike leader first, then became the Hiking Committee Chair, and took on the Chapter Vice-Chair role last year. I was voted in as the Chair of the Western MA Chapter during the Annual Business Meeting and Celebration in October (continue reading for more on that event). I am grateful and honored to be elected chair of AMC's smallest chapter. I look forward to continuing to build on our small but mighty foundation, proving that even the smallest chapters can achieve great things together. Continue reading to learn about our Appie of the Year recipient, our Most Valuable Committee Members and a fun holiday event to get us in the holiday spirit. Kathy Martin, Western MA Chapter Chair

Bill Fogel Named Appie of the Year

Bill Fogel received the Appie of the Year award at the Chapter's Annual Meeting and Celebration on October 25th. The Appie of the Year award recognizes outstanding sustained commitment in service and leadership in the Western MA Chapter. Bill has devoted many years of leadership and dedication to the AMC. He has been a qualified leader for Mountaineering, Hiking, and Training and Education and has been chair of the Mountaineering and Training and Education Committees, as well as chair of the Inter-chapter Climbing Committee. As the Training and Education Chair, he played a role in helping the larger AMC with the DEI portion of the training program for new and existing leaders. He has been a huge proponent for DEI initiatives within our chapter and has been someone that AMC staff have turned to for guidance around how to better engage other volunteers in these initiatives. Congratulations Bill, on this well-deserved recognition! We are grateful for your service to the AMC!

Annual Meeting and Celebration

The Chapter held its first in-person Annual Business Meeting and Volunteer Celebration since before the pandemic at the Summit View Banquet and Meeting House on October 25th. During the business meeting portion of the evening, new officers and committee chairs were voted in. Kathy Martin is replacing Diane Jones as the Chair, Kayla Crowe is the new Training and Education Chair replacing Bill Fogel, and Russ Skelton is replacing Josh Weeks as the AT Management Committee Chair. View the entire Executive Committee on their committee page. The Most Valuable Committee Member awards were also announced at the celebration to recognize a volunteer from each committee who stood out throughout the year as an exceptional volunteer. The awards were given to: Jeff Pratt (NET Management), Chris Neil (Mountaineering), David Conley (Hiking), Kayla Crowe (Family Programs), Steve Maislin (Bicycling), David Coderre (AT Management), Bonna Wieler (DEI), and Jack Gill (Paddling). We are extremely grateful for the award recipients, as well as for all of our incredible volunteers!

Holiday Decorations Workshop at Noble View

Come get in the holiday spirit with us during our third annual Natural Holiday Decorations Workshop at the Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell, MA on Sunday, December 8, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. We'll start with a short meander in the woods to find greens for swags and other holiday decorations. New this year, we'll be trying our hands at creating snowmen and snowwomen out of varied size wood slices. Your workshop guides, Nan and Laura will have extra greens, wood and pinecones, but would appreciate any donation of ribbon and decoration materials. Warm cider and music, as well as a campfire if it's chilly, will be included in this event designed to de-stress this holiday season. Register today!

AMC RESOURCES »

November is National Native American Heritage Month, which is the perfect time to reflect on the impact that colonization has had on the original stewards of this land. The western Massachusetts area is the ancestral home of the Abenaki, Woronoco, Pocomtuc, Nonotuck, Nipmuc, and Mohican tribes. AMC was founded on the principle of land conservation, and we strive to honor Indigenous people and find ways to support and collaborate with them in acknowledgement of their historical and continued stewardship of the land. We are grateful to Jay Levy, Chibcha descendant and New England Trail Tribal Consultant, who graciously created a Land Acknowledgement for AMC Noble View Outdoor Center on the occasion of the Grand Opening of the All Persons Trail. His continual counsel and collaboration on the NET with Miriam Maistelman from AMC is a model for future collaborations with Native People. This is his land acknowledgement: Noble View Outdoor Center lies on the traditional lands of the Woronoco. Woronoco refers to the people of and "the place of abundant salmon" and "where the river winds around the land". Russell, Southwick and Westfield were continuously occupied for thousands of years by Indigenous people. I would like to pay respect to those original people both past and present. We thank them for stewarding the land and the waterways throughout generations. Many are no longer here due to colonization, forced relocation, disease, and warfare. We also recognize the continued presence of Indigenous people on this territory who care for these lands. We acknowledge the Nipmuc, Mohican, and Abenaki people who have survived attempted genocide and who still hold ties to the land spiritually and culturally. We shall be good stewards of the land we all call Massachusetts, 'Great hill country'. AMC is in the process of committing to building relationships with the Native community. To learn more and to support the local Indigenous communities visit the Ohketeau Cultural Center and the Mashantucket Pequot Museum. You are invited to view the presentation More Than a Land Acknowlegement by Heather Brugel to learn more about the development of a land acknowledgement. You can also go to the Chapter's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee page to learn more, or view an interactive map of events, exhibits, and trails honoring Native American Heritage Month in the area, as well as other resources.

AMC RESOURCES »

After exploring the pond in the warm afternoon sun, Program Director Sue Tracy issued a "bows together" challenge for a group photo - she snapped this sweet picture from the bow of our canoe. Karen Foster, Executive Director of All Out Adventures, had this to say about the event: "Thanks to our friends from the Western MA Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club, the Leeds VA, the Department of Developmental Services, and BFAIR who joined us last week! And to the Universal Access Program for the partnership that makes days like this possible."

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MASS.GOV »

From club-wide strategizing and event planning to trip leadership and outdoor training – here's what our committees were up to last month.

A.T. Management

Most recent meeting: 26-Aug-2024 ✧ Wildlife transects are ongoing, corridor monitoring and maintenance is winding down, and Upper Goose Pond Cabin has been closed for the winter ✧ 3 new sawyers attained their Felling certification ✧ As part of our 3-year plan for the Mohhekennek Fund we are securing quotes for repairs to Upper Goose Pond Cabin ✧ We are exploring the possibility of renovating the Stillwell Property into a year-round facility for hikers and education ✧ Our Annual Volunteer Gathering will be held Saturday 2025-Feb-08 at the Cheshire Town Hall, Cheshire, MA ✧ Volunteer recruitment needs include natural heritage monitors, trail maintainers, corridor monitors, shelter coordinator, vice chair (beginning 2025) and a communications coordinator ✧ Next meeting: 04-Nov-2024

Communications

We updated the Chapter's website and social media accounts with the new AMC logo and color schemes ✧ Facebook: 16 posts (top post: Nan's photo of the solar eclipse) ✧ Instagram: 15 posts (top post: Launch of the Mass Trail Access Working Group) ✧ Newsletters: 4261 messages sent ✧ Website: 1) Revamped the Conservation page with regulatory and conservation news from MA, 2) revised our Volunteer pages with Annual Meeting data, and 3) added the new AMC logos and updated the website for the new AMC style changes.

Family Programs

Installed StoryWalk^® with an inclusive message, "Just Ask: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You" ✧ Coordinated the All For Fall activities for families, including Slackline, bubble pool, pumpkin decorating, parachute play and Giant Ball Roll ✧ Participated in 3 Western MA Bash meetings ✧ Participated in 3 All For Fall meetings and recruited volunteers for events at All For Fall ✧ Continued planning for Fall 2024 - Spring 2025 Family Program activities

Mountaineering

Held the following chapter trips: Wednesday Night Climbing - CRG Hadley (2024-10-23), GYM BOULDERING/DRY TOOLING NIGHT in NH (2024-10-16), Wednesday Night Climbing - CRG Hadley (2024-10-09), and GYM BOULDERING/DRY TOOLING NIGHT in NH (2024-10-02)

Paddling

Most recent meeting: 25-Sep-2024 ✧ Tabled at All For Fall (2024-Sep-28) and held an afternoon paddle on Russell Pond ✧ Held mobility paddle with AOA on 2024-Oct-17 ✧ Held whitewater program kickoff meeting called by Ann Gillard with 6 leaders and whitewater enthusiasts attending on 2024-Oct-18. Included discussion of leader training and possible partnerships for kayak rental or storage or pool sessions. ✧ Planning continues for 2025 whitewater and flatwater programs

OUTDOOR JOURNEY FUND »

The Most Valuable Committee Member award goes to a volunteer on each committee in the Western Massachusetts Chapter that has shown exceptional effort and time in their volunteer positions. The 2024 MVCM's are (in order from left to right): Jeff Pratt (NET Management), Chris Neil (Mountaineering), David Conley (Hiking), Kayla Crowe (Family Programs), Steve Maislin (Bicycling), and David Coderre (AT Management). Not pictured: Bonna Wieler (JDEI) and Jack Gill (Paddling). We are eternally grateful for the energy, passion and committment that they have given to the Chapter!

Gloves, trash bags, grabbers, and light snacks provided. Please bring your own filled water bottles. We truly appreciate the opportunity to work with the City of West Springfield who always goes above and beyond to assist. Parking is through the Levee gate or you may park on a side street across the road. REGISTER NOW! »

Massachusetts has over 4,000 miles of trails on state-owned land, yet less than 8 miles are accessible to people with disabilities or others with mobility considerations. Accessible trails let more people get outside and AMC is proud to be a leader in designing and building all-persons trails. Join us on November 6 to celebrate the Trail Access Work Group launch and experience AMC's newest universally accessible trail at Noble View Outdoor Center! The Trail Access Work Group will consist of government agencies, municipal leaders, disabled trail users, trail and conservation groups, and other trail users. The group will produce an assessment, report, and recommendations to maximize paved and unpaved accessible trails and the experiences they provide. This event will raise awareness about accessible nature trails and celebrate Secretary Tepper and Director Jahnige's leadership in increasing access to nature for all in Massachusetts. REGISTER »

Bill has placed a lifetime of time, energy and dedication to the AMC. He has held roles as a leader among different committees and has held chair positions for both the Western MA Chapter and Inter-chapter levels. He has been a huge proponent for DEI initiatives within our chapter. He has been a volunteer that AMC staff have turned to for guidance around how to better engage other volunteers in these initiatives. Additionally, he has worked collaboratively with past and current Executive Committee volunteers to better serve his chapter. As the Training and Education Chair, he has played a role in helping the larger AMC with the DEI portion of the training program for new and existing leaders. During the recent pandemic, Bill organized virtual leadership training workshops by collaborating with other AMC Chapters' trainers. As an AMC member for 25+ years, he has been an active member at a variety of the different levels a volunteer could hold. Congratulations Bill on this well-deserved recognition!! We are grateful for your service to the AMC!

The Chapter's Committees each nominated a Most Valuable Committee Member for exceptional work in 2024. The recipients of the award were Dave Coderre (AT Management), Steve Maislin (Bicycling), Kayla Crowe (Family Programs), David Conley (Hiking), Bonna Wieler (JDEI), Chris Neil (Mountaineering), Jeff Pratt (NET), and Jack Gill (Paddling). The Chapter also awarded the Appie of the Year Award to Bill Fogel, the outgoing Training and Education Chair. Nick Stevens, AMC's Chief Financial Officer, spoke to the audience about the organization's goals for 2025 and Regional Director, Charlie Arsenault, the outgoing Regional Director, was recognized for his support of the Chapter for the past two years. Kathy Martin, the new Chapter Chair, recognized the out-going Chair, Diane Jones, for her hard work and dedication as the Chair for the past two years. Everyone was delighted to be able to meet and socialize in person to recognize so many who make the work of the Chapter possible! MORE PHOTOS »

Hard to believe this will be my last note to you, sharing thoughts about the outdoors and the people who enjoy, revere, and steward it. I've so appreciated having the opportunity to reflect and think more deeply about the intersection of people and nature, and the breadth of knowledge and care embodied by the AMC and our local chapter. I was already incredibly grateful for what I've learned, starting 35 years ago, about outdoor safety, gear, destinations, and experiences, and over the past two years I've been honored to serve an organization that goes way beyond what I thought AMC meant, and honored to witness the dedication of the people who are drawn in to the mission and vision, and to support their amazing work. Read on for some examples! I've also been moved upon observing what AMC means to so many people, including lifelong friends they've made and what they've learned about their own potential (including me!). AMC = Outdoors + People. Full stop. I hope we have helped you have a greater appreciation of how fortunate we are to have the AMC Western Massachusetts Chapter and the people who make it all happen, and that we have helped you get Outdoors in a safe and fun way! Diane Jones, Western MA Chapter
Outgoing Chair

Happy Native American Heritage Month!

November is National Native American Heritage Month, which is the perfect time to reflect on the impact that colonization has had on the original stewards of this land. The western Massachusetts area is the ancestral home of the Abenaki, Woronoco, Pocomtuc, Nonotuck, Nipmuc, and Mohican tribes. AMC was founded on the principle of land conservation, and we strive to honor Indigenous people and find ways to support and collaborate with them in acknowledgement of their historical and continued stewardship of the land. We are grateful to Jay Levy, Chibcha descendant and New England Trail Tribal Consultant, who graciously created a Land Acknowledgement for AMC Noble View Outdoor Center on the occasion of the Grand Opening of the All Persons Trail. His continual counsel and collaboration on the NET with Miriam Maistelman from AMC is a model for future collaborations with Native People. You are invited to view the presentation More Than a Land Acknowledgement by Heather Brugel to learn more about the development of a land acknowledgement. Another excellent resource for learning about Native American Culture are the videos found at Ohketeau and The Upstander Project. View our interactive map of events, exhibits, and trails honoring Native American Heritage Month.

Take a Hike!

November 17^th is National Take a Hike Day, a day to recognize, celebrate, and enjoy our beautiful trails. In 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed the National Trails System Act, establishing national trails for people of all ages and abilities. These national trails include the Appalachian Trail that crosses through the Berkshires and the New England Scenic Trail that passes through the Pioneer Valley from Southwick to Orange. There are also a multitude of smaller trails throughout western Massachusetts where you can get out and explore nature. You can search for hikes on our website under Member Favorites where you'll find interactive maps to show you some great hiking spots, and if you're looking for accessible trails in western Massachusetts, click here for another interactive map. Finally, if you want to join us on a guided hike, you can go to the Chapter Activities page of our website and come take a hike with us!

The New All Persons Trail Grand Opening at Noble View

It was a perfect fall day as we celebrated the new All Persons Trail at the AMC Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell, MA on September 28th. The trail was built in partnership between the Noble View Stewards' Council and the AMC Western Massachusetts Chapter, with funding from the Springfield Water Commission and the Massachusetts Department of Recreation. The day started with expressions of appreciation from AMC and local officials for the professional trail crew and volunteers who worked for two years to build the trail. After the ribbon cutting, attendees walked on the 0.6-mile accessible trail, then enjoyed refreshments at the Double Cottage with beautiful views of the valley below. In the afternoon, everyone enjoyed music, games, crafts, a traveling magician, demonstrations, and a paddling outing on Russell Pond under gorgeous blue skies. A huge thank you to all who worked on the trail, the event organizers, those who came to celebrate with us, and the countless volunteers, without whom we could not exist! You can go to the Chapter's Facebook page to view photos.

AMC VOLUNTEER »

Fall is undoubtedly the most popular time to go hiking. The weather is cooler than in the summer, the leaves are changing color and there's no snow on the trails yet. However, some folks just show up at a trail head with no idea of what the trail is like, how long it is, and where they are heading. Here are some important tips for planning a hiking trip:

• Know before you go. Read as much about the trail as you can using an app or the website of the location. Most will describe the difficulty level of hike as well as an overall description. Keep in mind who will be hiking with you (children, people with mobility issues, etc). If you have a dog, check to make sure dogs are allowed and always keep it on a leash.
• Check the weather forecast for the area.
• Bring the 10 essentials so that you are prepared for the unexpected.
• Wear proper footwear for the weather and trail conditions.
• Always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.

Please share to spread the word so we can all stay safe. Happy hiking! HIKE PLANNING »

Noble View Outdoor Center lies on the traditional lands of the Woronoco. Woronoco refers to the people of "the place of abundant salmon" and "where the river winds around the land". Russell, Southwick and Westfield were continuously occupied for thousands of years by Indigenous people. We would like to pay respect to those original people both past and present. We thank them for stewarding the land and the waterways throughout generations. Many are no longer here due to colonization, forced relocation, disease, and warfare. We also recognize the continued presence of Indigenous people on this territory who care for these lands. We acknowledge the Nipmuc, Mohican, and Abenaki people who have survived attempted genocide and who still hold ties to the land spiritually and culturally. We shall be good stewards of the land we all call Massachusetts, 'Great hill country'. AMC is in the process of committing to building relationships with the Native community. To learn more and to support the local Indigenous communities visit the Ohketeau Cultural Center and the Mashantucket Pequot Museum.

AMC RESOURCES »

MORE PHOTOS »

VIDEO »

AMC STORYMAP »

Josh got involved in the Chapter's A.T. Management Committee in 2009 with his son. He explains how it came about. "He needed a service project and we both enjoy backpacking so we adopted a section of the A.T. to maintain. Since then, we have added another section and a shelter to caretake. 16 years later we are still at it with the help of my wife, daughter and brother-in-law. In addition, I have taken on the Northern Coordinator position of Maintainers and Overnight sites." Thank you Josh for sharing your skills, dedication and passion for the outdoors with us!

On October 5, 1999, Diane Crowell, June Hoerle, and Gloria LaFlamme organized and led the chapter's first Tuesday hike. The group started at Knightville Dam on the East Branch of the Westfield River and ended at Chesterfield Gorge, a nature reserve managed by the Trustees of Reservations. Each week their Tuesday adventure attracted more and more hikers, until it became something of a legend. This week, the Tuesday hikers celebrated 25 years of hiking togetherness because of these three women's love of the woods, nature and friendship. See all of the chapter's upcoming hikes, Tuesdays and other days, and come join us! MORE PHOTOS »

AMC »

After the ribbon cutting, folks walked on the .6-mile accessible trail, then enjoyed refreshments at the Double Cottage with beautiful views of the valley below. In the afternoon, everyone enjoyed music, games, crafts, a traveling magician, demonstrations and a paddling outing on Russell Pond under gorgeous blue skies. A huge thank you to all who worked on the trail, the event organizers, those who came to celebrate with us, and the countless volunteers, without whom we could not exist! MORE PHOTOS »

As I was sitting on my porch, working – favorite place to work – I heard a sound that seemed ... different. Like it was starting to rain, but not exactly. Then I looked up and realized that it was the magical sound of leaves falling in the woods, louder due to the lack of rain, and enough of a breeze to help them on their way. A little early in the season, I thought. Humbled, and asking myself what I can do to step more lightly on our beautiful planet home. Looking at the topics in this month's broadcast, I'm, again, humbled. I've been leading Tuesday hikes since 2018, and just to reflect on when and how the tradition started really puts it into perspective, and reminds me that someone created what we're now benefiting from. And at our Annual Meeting on October 25th, you'll witness my passing of the actual gavel from 1942 to the next Chapter Chair, as was done with all of the Chapter Chairs since the Western Massachusetts Chapter's beginnings. Shakes me right out of taking any of this for granted, and helps me remember the people who have made the Chapter's recreation and conservation activities happen, and kept it going. Read on for a few ways you can be part of history in the making! Diane Jones, Western MA Chapter Chair

Help the Chapter Grow and Get More People Outdoors!

We're excited about a new position on the Executive Committee and bringing in new members to fill current roles! Join our dynamic, friendly, and passionate team, dedicated to making getting outdoors safe and fun.

• The new Community Engagement Chair role includes finding ways to let western MA outdoor enthusiasts know about what our Chapter offers and how they can be involved, partnering with other Executive Committee members.
• The Chapter Vice Chair learns about Chapter governance and AMC workings, preparing to move into the Chapter Chair role in two years, jumping into any project that draws them in.
• The Member at Large observes the Chapter workings, contributes to Executive Committee decisions, and plugs into areas/activities of interest.
• The Training and Education Chair coordinates activity leader requirements and trainings, so leaders can feel confident sharing their favorite places with others.
• The Membership Chair focuses on recognizing and accommodating current AMC Western MA members, and letting others know the benefits of being an AMC member!
• Nominating Committee members help the Nominating Chair to identify and invite members to join the Executive Committee and/or volunteer on a committee. The Nominating Chair does the rest!

If any of these piques your interest and fits your skills, or if you're interested in being involved as a committee member in your favorite area, drop us a line at info@amc-wma.org. We'd love to add your talents and ideas to creating an even more vibrant AMC Western MA community!

Western MA Bash

There is still time to register for the Western Mass Bash, the Chapter's Annual Dinner, volunteer recognition, brief business meeting, and celebration! The evening will start with a social hour, the first chance for the whole Chapter to socialize in person since the last in-person Annual Meeting in 2019. Then, we will enjoy a delicious buffet meal followed by electing the new slate of Executive Committee members and taking a look back on all we have accomplished in 2024. Next, our Most Valuable Leaders from each committee will be recognized, followed by a presentation by AMC staff and our guest speaker, Karen Foster, the Executive Director of All Out Adventures. All this for only $25! View details and registration information on outdoors.org. Please register as soon as possible, preferably by October 7th, so we can give the venue a headcount and payment. We hope to see you there!

The Tuesday Hiking Group Celebrates 25 Years of Hikes

On October 5, 1999, Diane Crowell, June Hoerle, and Gloria LaFlamme organized and led the Chapter's first Tuesday hike. The group started at Knightville Dam on the East Branch of the Westfield River and ended at Chesterfield Gorge, a nature reserve managed by The Trustees of Reservations. Each week, their Tuesday adventure attracted more and more hikers, until it became something of a legend. In 2024, the Tuesday hikers will be celebrating 25 years of hiking togetherness because of these three women's love of the woods, nature, and friendship. Come join the celebratory hike along the gorgeous Westfield River followed by a potluck lunch starting at the Chesterfield Gorge main parking lot in Chesterfield on Tuesday October 1, 2024 from 9:30 to 2:00 pm. Registration is not required for this event.

AMC BLOG »

LEARN MORE »

ARTICLE »

The afternoon will consist of guided hikes, live music, family games and crafts, a StoryWalk^®, bubbles, popcorn, and even some paddling at Russell Pond. So pack a picnic lunch and join us for a fun-filled day of music and outdoor adventures. Registration is not required- just come up to Noble View and join the fun. DETAILS »

Jonathan has completed the Triple Crown (the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail and the Appalachian Trail), and the NET is his fifth of eleven National Scenic Trails. Best wishes to Money Maker on his thru hike and many thanks to Kevin for all his work to maintain the NET! That was not an easy blow down to clear with a hand saw.

AMC STORYMAP »

VOTER EDUCATION TOOL »

MA HUNTING REGULATIONS »

FACEBOOK »

VIDEO »

Marcia and Mark Wilson, owners of Eyes on Owls, an owl rehabilitation organization, shared interesting facts about owls, then showed the enthralled audience two beautiful, large owls and two much smaller owls. The owls are permanently disabled and cannot return to the wild. Tom Ricardi, owner of the Massachusetts Birds of Prey Rehabilitation Center, showed the group several different kinds of hawks, a golden eagle and a turkey vulture, amid many oohs and ahs from the audience. He then released a hawk and an owl back into the wild after being rehabilitated following injuries. Can you identify any of these beautiful creatures? MORE PHOTOS »

AMC BLOG »

From club-wide strategizing and event planning to trip leadership and outdoor training – here's what our committees were up to last month.

A.T. Management

Most recent meeting: 26-Aug-2024 ✧ Wildlife transects, corridor monitoring, and trail maintenance are ongoing; most blowdowns have been removed ✧ Project schedule is winding down; Tuesday and Saturdays are available on ActDB ✧ Currently developing a 3+ year spending plan for Upper Goose Pond Cabin and property ✧ Contacted the Federal Department of Transportation in support of bridge replacement funding to enhance hiker and wildlife use ✧ Coordinating use of overnight sites by colleges and other large groups to avoid overcrowding ✧ Local volunteers are invited to join AHS and ATC for a Volunteer Vacation to maintain corridor boundaries on the Massachusetts AT Sept 30-Oct 4. ✧ Volunteer recruitment needs: natural heritage monitors, trail maintainers, corridor monitors, shelter coordinator, committee vice chair, communications coordinator ✧ Next meeting: 04-Nov-2024

Communications

The website saw its largest number of views since January. Facebook and Instagram followers continue to grow. ✧ Facebook: 17 posts (top post: Connecting Women, Connecting With Nature) ✧ Instagram: 14 posts (top post: Connecting Women, Connecting With Nature) ✧ Newsletters: 1418 messages sent ✧ Website: 1) Added a new interactive map from the ExCom, 2) Updated the menu and mission wording to reflect AMC's revised pillars

DEI

Most recent meeting: 01-Jul-2024 ✧ The DEI Chair met with AMC's President and the DEI Board of Directors ✧ DEI roadmap meetings have begun in earnest - volunteers are welcome to join us ✧ AMC's DEI Statement is in the works ✧ Training in uniformity, modeling, and mentoring with continuing ed expectation for all leaders on a cycle is being planned ✧ The Committee 1) sponsored a very successful Womens+ Affinity weekend in July with nearly 40 participants and leaders in collaboration with the Family Programs and Paddling committees, 2) sponsored a walk-through of the new All Persons Trail at Noble View followed by a luncheon for community members with various mobility needs to give feedback on the trail; nearly 20 participants attended, and 3) volunteered with our partner, All Out Adventures, in their annual Kayakathon ✧ We extend an open invitation to all to join us for the Grand Opening of the All Persons Trail, September 28th at 10:00 AM to be followed by THE All For Fall Celebration

Family Programs

The August StoryWalk^® is "Rocket Says, Look Up!" by Nathan Bryon ✧ The Art Hike/NET Family event attracted 3 families with 4 children. Collaborators included Serena Kramer (New England Trail Outreach Coordinator), Bri Hannigan (seasonal Mt. Tom Interpreter), Heather Wyman (Western MA NET maintainer) and Ebert (DCR) ✧ Hilltown Family Center and the AMC Trails Crew installed permanent storywalk signs on All Persons Trail. ✧ Hikes With Tykes continues on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month. Parents, grandparents or primary caretakers of birth to 2 year olds, are invited to join us ✧ Dawne & Laura participated in two All For Fall meetings and recruited volunteers for activities at the All For Fall event ✧ Started planning for the Fall 2024/Spring 2025 season

Mountaineering

Since the start of the year we've led 14 Wednesday Night climbing trips, taught 2 classes (Climbing Anchors and Transition Gym to Rock Climbing), and participated in a cross-chapter Gym Bouldering/Dry Tooling Night with the NH Chapter

Paddling

Most recent meeting: 17-April-2024 ✧ New leader training is currently underway ✧ Quickwater trip on Androscoggin led by Deb on 01-Sep-2024, part of NH Labor Day Paddlers' Gathering ✧ All For Fall paddle trip on Russell Pond scheduled for 28-Set-2024, with a transfer bench available to try ✧ Next meeting: 25-Sep-2024

INTERACTIVE MAP »

AMC BLOG »

VIEW ACTIVITIES »

AMC BLOG »

We will share the Chapter's accomplishments in 2024, recognize our valuable volunteers, and perhaps most importantly, have time to chat in person during a social hour and a delicious buffet dinner after years of virtual meetings. Our guest speaker will be Karen Foster, the Executive Director of All Out Adventures since 2007 and an avid outdoors person. Tickets are $25.00. We hope you can join us! REGISTER »