Spring Happenings in Western MA

As I was wrapping up a glorious backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.), I noticed that a car in the Benedict Pond parking lot in Great Barrington had AMC and A.T. Trail Maintainer stickers. It made me stop and remember not to take what I just did for granted, and it reinforced my gratitude and reverence for the quiet and dedicated work of the trails and conservation volunteers who help make our adventures possible. Read on for how you can bring your passion and ideas for conservation and make a difference for western Massachusetts and beyond. Also, you can immerse in the history and beauty of Noble View Outdoor Center by attending Laurel Day on Saturday, June 10. Speaking of being a part of something bigger, read on for ways to participate in National Trails Day and #TrailsFest during the month of June. You can say you were there! See you outside! Diane Jones, Western MA Chapter Chair

Laurel Day at Noble View

Come celebrate laurel blossom season with us at the AMC Noble View Outdoor Center on June 10th from 4-9 PM! (Rain date is June 11th.) We are reviving the Noble View Laurel Weekend tradition that started the year after the Berkshire Chapter of the AMC (now Western MA Chapter) was established in 1929. You will enjoy family-friendly guided hikes, a StoryWalk^®, a campfire and a chili supper complete with cornbread, lemonade, and strawberry shortcake. In the evening, we will be roasting marshmallows by the campfire as we watch the sunset. For you history buffs, there will be a historical display in the North Cabin for viewing, including registry books, photographs, and articles about Noble View from the 1930s through today. Come for the evening or reserve a campsite and stay overnight to watch the stars and the beautiful sunrise. To reserve a campsite, call Reservations at 603-466-2727. If you would like to contribute to the potluck, please contact Laura Stinnette at laura.stinnette@gmail.com. This event is free unless you plan to stay overnight. Register today (deadline to register is June 6)!

Join our Conservation Committee!

Are you passionate about the lands and waters around us? Do you want to help protect more of our natural environment? Are you concerned about wildlife? Are you moved enough to take some action? If so, please join our AMC chapter Conservation Committee. Any level of effort you provide will make a meaningful difference and be appreciated. The Committee meets once a month and supports conservation efforts in many ways. Our conservation volunteers:

• support tabling about issues and recruiting at gatherings
• help review proposed legislation, contact legislators regarding specific legislation
• arrange speakers and programs for meetings
• contact agencies and provide comments on proposed or current regulations and policies
• keep track of conservation-related local developments
• write letters to editors or op-ed pieces
• scout out locations of interest, and
• help plan events and activities such as invasive "pulls", naturalist walks, and area clean-ups.

If you are interested in helping with these efforts in any small way, please contact Robert Cherdack, the Chapter's Conservation Committee Chairperson, at conservation@amc-wma.org.

National Trails Day - June 3, 2023

National Trails Day occurs every year on the first Saturday in June and recognizes the benefits federal, state, and local trails provide for recreation and exposure to nature. Events held throughout the U.S. help promote awareness of the wide variety of services the trails systems offer. The day encourages people to discover their local trails, become active concerning trail issues, and share their excitement for the outdoors. Here in western Massachusetts, we decided we needed a whole month to celebrate all the miles of trails we have, including the iconic Appalachian Trail that runs through Berkshire County, the New England Scenic Trail in the Connecticut River Valley, and the Robert Frost Trail (PDF) that runs from South Hadley to Wendell. We invite you to check out a new section of a trail near you or go to our website for an interactive map with National Trails Day activities in western Massachusetts and beyond. Happy trails to you!