How Many Ways Can We Care?

Hard to believe this will be my last note to you, sharing thoughts about the outdoors and the people who enjoy, revere, and steward it. I've so appreciated having the opportunity to reflect and think more deeply about the intersection of people and nature, and the breadth of knowledge and care embodied by the AMC and our local chapter. I was already incredibly grateful for what I've learned, starting 35 years ago, about outdoor safety, gear, destinations, and experiences, and over the past two years I've been honored to serve an organization that goes way beyond what I thought AMC meant, and honored to witness the dedication of the people who are drawn in to the mission and vision, and to support their amazing work. Read on for some examples! I've also been moved upon observing what AMC means to so many people, including lifelong friends they've made and what they've learned about their own potential (including me!). AMC = Outdoors + People. Full stop. I hope we have helped you have a greater appreciation of how fortunate we are to have the AMC Western Massachusetts Chapter and the people who make it all happen, and that we have helped you get Outdoors in a safe and fun way! Diane Jones, Western MA Chapter
Outgoing Chair

Happy Native American Heritage Month!

November is National Native American Heritage Month, which is the perfect time to reflect on the impact that colonization has had on the original stewards of this land. The western Massachusetts area is the ancestral home of the Abenaki, Woronoco, Pocomtuc, Nonotuck, Nipmuc, and Mohican tribes. AMC was founded on the principle of land conservation, and we strive to honor Indigenous people and find ways to support and collaborate with them in acknowledgement of their historical and continued stewardship of the land. We are grateful to Jay Levy, Chibcha descendant and New England Trail Tribal Consultant, who graciously created a Land Acknowledgement for AMC Noble View Outdoor Center on the occasion of the Grand Opening of the All Persons Trail. His continual counsel and collaboration on the NET with Miriam Maistelman from AMC is a model for future collaborations with Native People. You are invited to view the presentation More Than a Land Acknowledgement by Heather Brugel to learn more about the development of a land acknowledgement. Another excellent resource for learning about Native American Culture are the videos found at Ohketeau and The Upstander Project. View our interactive map of events, exhibits, and trails honoring Native American Heritage Month.

Take a Hike!

November 17^th is National Take a Hike Day, a day to recognize, celebrate, and enjoy our beautiful trails. In 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed the National Trails System Act, establishing national trails for people of all ages and abilities. These national trails include the Appalachian Trail that crosses through the Berkshires and the New England Scenic Trail that passes through the Pioneer Valley from Southwick to Orange. There are also a multitude of smaller trails throughout western Massachusetts where you can get out and explore nature. You can search for hikes on our website under Member Favorites where you'll find interactive maps to show you some great hiking spots, and if you're looking for accessible trails in western Massachusetts, click here for another interactive map. Finally, if you want to join us on a guided hike, you can go to the Chapter Activities page of our website and come take a hike with us!

The New All Persons Trail Grand Opening at Noble View

It was a perfect fall day as we celebrated the new All Persons Trail at the AMC Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell, MA on September 28th. The trail was built in partnership between the Noble View Stewards' Council and the AMC Western Massachusetts Chapter, with funding from the Springfield Water Commission and the Massachusetts Department of Recreation. The day started with expressions of appreciation from AMC and local officials for the professional trail crew and volunteers who worked for two years to build the trail. After the ribbon cutting, attendees walked on the 0.6-mile accessible trail, then enjoyed refreshments at the Double Cottage with beautiful views of the valley below. In the afternoon, everyone enjoyed music, games, crafts, a traveling magician, demonstrations, and a paddling outing on Russell Pond under gorgeous blue skies. A huge thank you to all who worked on the trail, the event organizers, those who came to celebrate with us, and the countless volunteers, without whom we could not exist! You can go to the Chapter's Facebook page to view photos.