[19‑Apr‑2024] The New England Trail (NET) Committee held their annual meeting for trail adopters on Saturday April 13 at the Hitchcock Center for the Environment in Amherst. 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!
NET Trail Adopters Meet
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.
Gear Up for Road Cycling!
April 20, 2024
[17‑Apr‑2024] Kick off the cycling season with an introduction to recreational road cycling in Sunderland! This 13.5-mile, mostly flat ride is specifically intended for people who are new to outdoor recreational group road cycling. VIEW ACTIVITY »
Gear Up for Road Cycling!
Trail Trials
AMC Weekend Feature
[14‑Apr‑2024] AMC has a long history of building and maintaining trails in the Northeast, stretching back to the 1800s. Trails back then were built differently than they are today. AMC OUTDOORS BLOG »
Trail Trials
A Quick History of AMC
[12‑Apr‑2024] Are you new to AMC? Learn all about us from our timeline, which takes you on a quick tour of everything AMC - from our inception in 1876 to our latest protection measures. AMC TIMELINE »
A Quick History of AMC
Hiking Chair Wanted!
[11‑Apr‑2024] 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. Curious? Drop us a line at [email protected] for more information and/or to share your interest. We look forward to welcoming you!
Hiking Chair Wanted!
MIKE APRIL
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 [email protected] 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.
Solar Eclipse Party
[10‑Apr‑2024] About 130 people came to the AMC Noble View Outdoor Center to join our solar eclipse party on Monday! The skies were clear and the temperature was comfortable as folks hiked, played games and enjoyed the awesome spectacle of this once-in-a-generation celestial event with friends. Thanks to all who came to celebrate with us! MORE PHOTOS »
Solar Eclipse Party
Voice Your Support for EXPLORE
[09‑Apr‑2024] 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.
Voice Your Support for EXPLORE
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 »
iNaturalist Bingo
Matt Morris
[07‑Apr‑2024] Each spring our team of researchers count on the contributions of community scientists like you to better understand plant flowering and fruiting times across the region. To ring in the start of iNaturalist season, we've created a bingo card with some of the most common plant species to look for on the trail. AMC OUTDOORS BLOG »
iNaturalist Bingo
The 2024 Total Eclipse
AMC Weekend Feature
[07‑Apr‑2024] On April 8, 2024, parts of AMC's region will experience a total solar eclipse, the moment when the moon passes in front of the sun and completely blocks its light. Total solar eclipses only last for a few minutes and occur within a narrow band of space. When the opportunity arises to see one, take it. AMC OUTDOORS BLOG »
The 2024 Total Eclipse
A COMPOSITE IMAGE OF A 2019 TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE. PHOTO CREDIT: NASA/GODDARD/REBECCA ROTH
Hikes with Tykes
Next Outing: April 8, 2024
[04‑Apr‑2024] Hikes with Tykes meet the second and fourth Mondays for a hike with children from birth to two years old at a variety of locations in the Holyoke area. Contact leaders Dawne ([email protected]) or Kayla ([email protected]) for details and to register.
Hikes with Tykes
Committee Reports
March 2024
[03‑Apr‑2024] From trail work and corridor monitoring to trip leadership and training – here's what our committees were up to last month. VIEW ARTICLE »
Committee Reports
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
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Next meeting: 2024-May-06
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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
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Met with NPS and APPA staff for pre-approval of funding and trail location for the Hop Brook project
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Future plans: 3 Greenagers projects are planned
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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
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Completed draft calendar for 2024 biking season
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Listed April and May bike rides on ActDB
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Updated committee webpage for 2024 season
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Investigating participation in MassBike May monthly riding activities
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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.
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Facebook: 15 posts (top post: Nice and Easy Canal Walk)
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Instagram: 15 posts (top post: Eclipse Hike and Social)
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Newsletters: 1394 messages sent
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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
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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)
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Walking Series by Nancy Condon - 9 outings (Nice and Easy Canal Walks and Holyoke Revitalization Tours)
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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
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Leader training role-playing scenarios for T&E have been completed
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Planning is currently underway for this season's paddling events, demos, leader training, workshops, and invasive pulls
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Six whitewater events have been posted on ActDB
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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
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Online adult MHFA Training has been postponed until June, with self-paced learning; youth and in-person training undergoing scheduling now
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Upcoming AMC SOLO WFA/WFR courses are on ActDB
April Volunteer Spotlight
[02‑Apr‑2024] This month's Volunteer Spotlight is Deb Weisenstein. Deb has been a volunteer with the Western MA Chapter since 2003 when she began maintaining a section of the Appalachian Trail in the Berkshires.
April Volunteer Spotlight
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!
Happy April!
[01‑Apr‑2024] Spring is here and we have a full schedule of events this month, including hiking, paddling, climbing, cycling, trail work, historical walks, toddler outings and online speakers ... something for everyone. Come join the fun! ACTIVITIES »
Happy April!
7 Outdoor Activities for Mud Season
AMC Weekend Feature
[30‑Mar‑2024] Ah, mud season: it must be spring on the East Coast. All the snow has melted away, the ground is wet and soggy, but the fresh plant growth has yet to emerge. It's a difficult time to be outdoors: no snow for winter sports, the temperatures still feel chilly, and there's frozen or wet mud pretty much everywhere. What's an adventurer to do? AMC OUTDOORS BLOG »
7 Outdoor Activities for Mud Season
Welcome to the Massachusetts A.T!
[28‑Mar‑2024] In Massachusetts, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (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. This section provides a broad array of hiking opportunities for both the long-distance and day hiker.
Welcome to the Massachusetts A.T!
JEANNETTE PIERCE
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.
NET Nature Watch
[27‑Mar‑2024] Help us monitor plants and animals along the New England National Scenic Trail corridor! All plant and animal observations are welcome, and will be available for scientific study when added to iNaturalist. Our project partners are particularly interested in flowering times of target species in the context of climate change. INATURALIST »
NET Nature Watch
Bicycling Season is Here!
[26‑Mar‑2024] Whether you're new to recreational cycling or an experienced cyclist, we have plenty of opportunities for you to join us for a group ride. View our upcoming events on our committee page.
Bicycling Season is Here!
What Am I Not Seeing?
Practicing Empathy in Outdoor Leadership – and Life
[24‑Mar‑2024] Leadership "all starts, or stops, with empathy. Leaders with real empathy are able to connect with those around them ... to make whatever walls may exist between people crumble and disappear." – Herb Greenberg. AMC STAFF »
What Am I Not Seeing?
Eclipse Viewing Party and More!
Monthly Chapter Message
[22‑Mar‑2024] Anyone else seeing the new life coming up from the ground, and out from the branches? 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! VIEW ARTICLE »
Eclipse Viewing Party and More!
JEANNETTE PIERCE
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 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 [email protected].
Pathfinders: AMC Women in the Outdoors
Celebrating Women's History Month
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)
Moving beyond urban first aid
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.
Women’s Adventure Film Tour®
March 28, 2024, 7:00-9:00 PM
[21‑Mar‑2024] 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. Don't miss this unforgettable adventure!
Women’s Adventure Film Tour®
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.
Happy First Day of Spring!
[19‑Mar‑2024] Anyone else excited to see beautiful pops of color after the greys and browns of winter? Hope you get a chance to get out to explore and search for your favorite spring flower!
Happy First Day of Spring!
JEANNETTE PIERCE
Reimagining an Industrial City
[17‑Mar‑2024] Join the Holyoke Heritage State Park interpreter for some exercise along the Canal Trail and discover how a city originally designed as an industrial mill town is being reimagined.
Reimagining an Industrial City
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.
Spring Workshop at Cardigan Lodge
May 3-5, 2024
[15‑Mar‑2024] Our renowned weekend workshops, covering nearly every aspect of safe, three-season backcountry travel, are designed for hikers of all levels. The Spring Weekend - hosted by the AMC NH Chapter - is loaded with learning, fun, and great food!
Spring Workshop at Cardigan Lodge
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
Committee Reports
February 2024
[12‑Mar‑2024] See what our committees have been up to over the last month. VIEW ARTICLE »
Committee Reports
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
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Volunteer recruitment needs: natural heritage monitors, corridor monitors, shelter coordinator, and 2025 committee vice chair
Bicycling
Committee Chair attended the February ExCom Meeting
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Completed draft calendar for 2024 biking season
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Listed April and May bike rides on ActDB
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Updated committee webpage for 2024 season
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Investigating participation in MassBike May monthly riding activities
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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
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Our website earned its best Google ranking so far at 7
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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
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Facebook: 17 posts (top post: the NET flip book)
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Instagram: 15 posts (top post: 20s/30s cross country ski outing)
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Newsletters: 1393 messages sent
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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
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The DEI Speaker Series has scheduled 2 new Zoom events
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The 3rd annual Women's affinity weekend "Connecting Women, Connecting with Nature" has been scheduled for 2024-Jul-26 at Noble View
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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
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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 Outings
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
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16 people joined us on 03-Feb-2024 at Noble View for animal tracking with Jim Pelletier
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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
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33 parents and children attended the Family Outings 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
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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
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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
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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
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NET Coordinator attended the annual Hike the Hill in Washington, DC with members of Congress to advocate for trail funding, conservation and equitable access
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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
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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
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Notified NET adopters of WFA training at Noble View in late April and Leadership Training on 24-Mar-2024 in Greenfield, MA
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Westfield Girl Scout Troop has been proposed to adopt Section 3
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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
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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
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Planning is currently underway for this season's paddling events, demos, leader training, workshops, and invasive pulls
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We are in need of more paddle leaders and committee members
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Six upcoming events are posted in ActDB
Training and Education
Chapter Leadership Skills Training is scheduled for 24-Mar-2024 in Greenfield, MA
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Online adult MHFA Training has been scheduled for several evenings in May; youth and in-person training undergoing schedueling now
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Volunteer Facilitator Training - for folks who are interested in improving facilitation skills - have been scheduled in NY and Boston
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Upcoming AMC SOLO WFA/WFR courses are on ActDB
Thanks to the Animals
[12‑Mar‑2024] This month's StoryWalk® at Noble View is "Thanks to the Animals" by Allen Sockabasin, a Passamquody Native American from Maine who has spent his lifetime preserving the Passamaquody language.
Thanks to the Animals
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.
Bike With Us!
[11‑Mar‑2024] Let's get ready to ride! Winter is almost over and the cycling season is right around the corner!
Bike With Us!
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.
From the Winter 2003/04 issue of the Berkshire Exchange (the newsletter of the Berkshire - now Western MA - Chapter), we bring you an article on our chapter's origin.
Berkshire Chapter History: How it Began
The Berkshire Exchange, Winter 2003/04
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.
Ladies Who Climb
[08‑Mar‑2024] Women's History Month commemorates and encourages the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role women have played in American history. Here we celebrate our own AMC women as they forged ahead with outdoor pursuits in the early 20th century. PATHFINDERS »
Ladies Who Climb
Spring Hikes
[07‑Mar‑2024] The first day of spring is just two weeks away! Begin compiling your list of 2024 hikes with help from some of our members. MEMBER FAVORITES »
Spring Hikes
Happy World Wildlife Day!
[03‑Mar‑2024] Whether you a find a juvenile black bear on your trail, capture two bald eagles surveying the lake, see a deer wander into your yard or just watch the colorful array of birds flitting about your backyard feeder, spotting wildlife always creates a sense of awe and wonder. We are truly blessed with these glimpses of our animal friends.
Happy World Wildlife Day!
JEANNETTE PIERCE
Who Did This?
[03‑Mar‑2024] Test your knowledge of wildlife signs with our newest interactive quiz!
Who Did This?
JIM PELLETIER
Outdoor Rec 413
[02‑Mar‑2024] 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.
Outdoor Rec 413
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.
March Volunteer Spotlight
[01‑Mar‑2024] This month's Volunteer Spotlight is Kathy Martin, current Chapter Vice Chair!
March Volunteer Spotlight
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!
Happy First Day of March!
[01‑Mar‑2024]"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade." – Charles Dickens
Happy First Day of March!
JEANNETTE PIERCE
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!
