Eclipse Viewing Party and More!

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 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 vicechair@amc-wma.org.

Pathfinders: AMC Women in the Outdoors

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)

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.