Fall Fun in the Chapter

You know what's hard? Knowing there are still so many trails, paths, waterways, and natural areas I haven't explored, or even discovered, in western Massachusetts. This occurred to me while I was scanning my AMC guide books, looking for what was calling me to visit next. Then I realized that I could look back and remember all that I have explored, and look at the opportunity I have to get to know even one more, and just feel very grateful. I can still keep going with the exploration, and I can do that with a feeling of satisfaction and wonder. Read on for the different ways that you can connect to the outdoors, through celebrating, gathering, paddling, maintaining, hiking ... See you Outdoors! Diane Jones, Western MA Chapter Chair

All For Fall at Noble View

The Appalachian Mountain Club invites you to attend the grand opening of a new All Persons Trail at AMC Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell, Massachusetts on Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. So pack a picnic lunch and join us for a fun-filled day of music and outdoor adventures. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will start at 10:00 with some comments about the trail, followed by a walk on the trail and some refreshments in the Double Cottage. The afternoon will consist of guided hikes, live music, family games and crafts, a StoryWalk^®, bubbles, popcorn, and even some paddling at Russell Pond. Details and contact information available here (registration is not required).

Western MA Bash

This year, for the first time since 2019, the Chapter will hold its annual business meeting and volunteer celebration in person. It will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024 from 5:00-9:00 PM at the Summit View Banquet and Meeting House in Holyoke. We will share the Chapter's accomplishments in 2024, recognize our valuable volunteers, and perhaps most importantly, have time to chat in person during a social hour and a delicious buffet dinner after years of virtual meetings. The guest speaker will be Karen Foster, the Executive Director of All Out Adventures since 2007 and an avid outdoors person. Tickets are $25.00. We hope you can join us! Details and registration information are available here.

Volunteer Vacation on the Appalachian Trail

Help protect the Appalachian Trail and enjoy the beauty of the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts! The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) and American Hiking Society (AHS) are sponsoring a Volunteer Vacation to maintain corridor boundaries on the Massachusetts Appalachian Trail, September 30-October 4. Local volunteers are invited to join the fun with ATC professionals for single days, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, or spend the whole week camping at the Pittsfield State Forest with the professional crew. Work locations will vary each day but will be within an hour's drive of Pittsfield. Visit our activities page and click on the button for AT MGMT to register for each day. For questions contact Deb Weisenstein at dkweis@alum.mit.edu.