Exciting Happenings in Western Massachusetts!

FallFest is almost here, and we'll be there to offer you great outdoor activities, learning opportunities, community, and food! All you have to do is register! Women's Weekend, happening in October, is a wonderful opportunity to experience a weekend of fun and diverse array of outdoor activities with a group of wonderful folks. Last year's event was a big hit! Lastly, we are thrilled to share the news that acreage along the NET has been purchased to preserve it for generations to come. It's so great to see our beloved NET getting some care and protection! Read on to see how you can partake in the amazing work of this Chapter. See you outside! Diane Jones, Western MA Chapter Chair

FallFest at Noble View

Get ready to celebrate all things Fall with the AMC Western MA Chapter on September 30, 2023 at the AMC Noble View Outdoor Center from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. There will be a variety of guided and self-guided activities including hikes, bike rides, and paddling events, as well as demonstrations, information tables, music, and of course, food. A BBQ lunch will be served from 12:00 - 2:00 PM, as well as popcorn and cider throughout the day. Family activities will be offered including a StoryWalk, pumpkin craft and games. A suggested donation of $20 per family includes BBQ lunch, access to activities, and free one-year membership for first-time members. Registrants have an option to select a different registration fee. Click here for details and to register.

Women's Weekend Retreat at Noble View

We invite you to join the Appalachian Mountain Club Western MA Chapter's Second Annual Connecting Women, Connecting with Nature, women-only weekend retreat from 4:00 PM on Friday October 6th until 2:00 PM on Sunday October 8th at AMC Noble View Outdoor Center, Russell, MA. This year we are excited to be collaborating with Women Outdoors for this event. We have scheduled a variety of traditional and non-traditional outdoor pursuits including birding and meditative hikes, singing, painting, drumming, dancing, compass skills, bike repair and so much more! This is a women-only event that uses an inclusive definition of women. We respectfully welcome all women including non-binary, gender non-conforming, transwomen and individuals who identify as a woman as the best expression of themselves. Click here for details and to register.

200 Acres Along the NET Conserved

Trust for Public Land, in partnership with the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Appalachian Mountain Club, recently announced the conservation of 200 acres along the New England National Scenic Trail (NET) in Southwick, MA. Congress designated the NET a National Scenic Trail in 2009, and this purchase is the first federal acquisition for NET trail protection. The NET is a 235-mile footpath that runs from the coast of Connecticut to the border of New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Although designated a National Scenic Trail by Congress, only about half of the 90-mile trail in Massachusetts exists on protected conservation land. The other half is vulnerable over time to shifts in ownership and changes in land use that could result in broken sections or lengthy road walks. This property, which is in Southwick near Agawam and Westfield, will be maintained by the AMC Western Massachusetts Chapter. Click here to read the full article.