Welcome Spring!

As outdoor enthusiasts, we are often looking for the "features" in a particular trip. Give me a waterfall or view any day! But in honor of Earth Day, I would like to spotlight the often-overlooked features: the dappled light through the trees; the forest's cycles; shapes and sounds; a new plant bursting from the soil; and the symbiotic relationship of all species. Macro and micro, awe-inspiring, all. As spring emerges, here's hoping you have many opportunities to get outdoors and seek out those special, little things Mother Nature shares with us. This month, we are sharing some information with you about the AMC Noble View Outdoor Center and all it has to offer, and asking you to help us celebrate National Volunteer Week and Earth Day, including an interactive quiz where you can test your knowledge of Earth Day trivia. See you outside! Diane Jones, Western MA Chapter Chair

AMC's Noble View Outdoor Center

The Noble View Outdoor Center sits atop a mountain in Russell with sweeping views of the Connecticut River Valley. Originally owned by Albert Noble in the early to mid-1800's, it was acquired by AMC in 1931 in the midst of the Great Depression. There's another reason they call it "Noble View." Elevated at nearly 1,100 feet above the Connecticut River Valley, Noble View provides spectacular views of cities, towns, and countryside in the lower Connecticut River Valley. Today you can spend the night in one of the updated cottages for a family reunion or special event, or on tent platforms surrounding a fire pit, and take in the incredible sunrise from the open hilltop just outside the cottages. Explore 12 miles of trails by foot, snowshoes, or Nordic skis. Many special events are held at Noble View, including monthly self-guided Storywalks^® for families. NOBLE VIEW OUTDOOR CENTER »

It's National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week 2023, which originally started in 1974 by Richard Nixon, is April 15-21. The AMC could not function without its thousands of volunteers, from Executive Committee members in each chapter, to activity leaders, trail maintainers, and conservation advocates. In our western MA Chapter, the Appalachian Trail Committee alone has 200 volunteers. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all the volunteers who make our chapter great. It, literally, would not exist without them. If you are looking for a way to volunteer with us, check out our website, where we have many volunteer opportunities listed. On the Executive Committee, there is a need for a Vice Chair, a Membership Chair, a 20s/30s Chair and a Member-at-Large. We are also looking for volunteers to help with Conservation and Membership activities, and there are always opportunities to do trail maintenance. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES »

Earth Day 2023

This year, Earth Day 2023 is on Saturday, April 22nd. Earth Day is an annual celebration that honors the achievements of the environmental movement and raises awareness of the need to protect Earth's natural resources for future generations. It began in 1970 when Senator Gaylord Nelson declared the first Earth Day to raise national awareness of pollution. There were massive demonstrations around the country that eventually led to the development of the Environmental Protection Agency and decades of regulations to curb pollution. There are now countless initiatives to protect the environment, wildlife, and habitats, such as No Mow May (allows lawn flowers to grow so that pollinators have an early spring food source) and Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Learn more about Earth Day and test your knowledge with our new interactive quiz! How will you celebrate Earth Day this year?