Committee Reports

From recreational activities to lobbying Congress – here's what our committees were up to last month.

A.T. Management

One wildlife transect on Mt. Everett was cancelled in February; another took place a few days ago in the Mt. Warner area of Hinsdale ✧ A down payment was made to the contractor for the chimney repair at Upper Goose Pond Cabin, scheduled for completion before the cabin opens in May ✧ Seasonal project work begins in early April. See the Outdoor Connector for details of specific projects and to volunteer ✧ The Committee welcomed a new Group Outreach Coordinator, Carla Valentine ✧ Volunteer recruitment needs include natural heritage monitors, trail maintainers, corridor monitors, and a shelter coordinator ✧ Next meeting: May 5, 2025

Communications

Our social media accounts continue to gain new followers. All Facebook data points showed improvement this month, while Instagram had mixed results. ✧ Facebook: 20 posts (top post: The Community Voices Speaker Series post on 2/6) ✧ Instagram: 12 posts (top post: 20s/30s Cross Country Ski announcement on 2/20) ✧ Newsletters: 4078 messages sent ✧ Website: ongoing updates (activities, Western MA Exchange, conservation news, monthly maintenance)

Family Programs

60 participants attended the "Parade of Planets, Eyes to the Skies" event, a coordinated effort with the Naturalist Club of Springfield and the Noble View Stewards Council ✧ 29 folks attended the February vacation week Skate and Pizza Party at Amelia Park in Westfield, a collaborated effort with the Russell Public Library which enabled the 17 children attending to receive a free book ✧ Planning for spring activities was initiated

NET Management

Snowshoe hike in collaboration with All Out Adventures and DCR was held on the NET Section 15 in Wendell State Forest on 02/15 ✧ NET Coordinator Miriam Maistelman attended the annual "Hike The Hill Summit" in Washington DC, meeting with senators and representatives to lobby on behalf of AMC and the NET ✧ Our Adopter Spring Gathering is scheduled for April 5 at Mt Holyoke Range State Park Notch Visitor Center ✧ Next meeting: March 10

Paddling

Previous meetings: Sept 25, 2024 (full committee), Oct 18 (whitewater subcommittee); next meeting: March 19, 2025 ✧ Deb attended the Interchapter Paddling Committee meeting on Feb 27 ✧ Ann Gillard is developing a whitewater trip leader training and orientation curriculum ✧ May 10-11 Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking with Hampshire College, led by Ann Gillard and using the Hampshire College pool, now posted on OC ✧ Planning continues for 2025 activities