The Western MA Exchange

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We'd like to introduce you to one of our new volunteers on the Western MA Chapter's Executive Committee, John Adams. John has joined as a member-at-large and will work on special projects within the Chapter. When asked to talk about his interests and what he loves about being an AMC volunteer, this was his response: "I was initially drawn to the AMC by its outdoor activities. I enjoy hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, kayaking, bicycling, and trail blazing. I ski out my back door when the snow conditions are right. I skate on a nearby pond and enjoy pond hockey. I cut and burn brush every year. I have launched my kayak on the Connecticut River. I have hiked sections of the A.T. and would like to do more. I'm a Massachusetts native and after a career in the federal government in Washington DC, I retired to western Massachusetts ten years ago." "I believe the benefits of the AMC go well beyond the pleasures of outdoor activities. We live in a challenging and changing natural environment. As the world grows warmer and more polluted, animal habitats shrink and species become extinct at an alarming rate, and our weather becomes more erratic, the AMC can help make a difference. It does this directly by acquiring and conserving forests, trails, rivers, and wild lands and advocating for legislation. The social benefits of the AMC are an added bonus. Strangers who share an interest in hiking and other outdoor activities quickly become friends, broadening our horizons, sharing knowledge, and enriching our lives." We are so grateful that John has chosen to share his passion, skills and commitment to the outdoors with us! If you are interested in sharing your talents with us a volunteer, please check out our volunteer opportunities or contact us at info@amc-wma.org.

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For the last several years, bicycle trip leaders have scheduled several introductory road cycling activities in the spring and summer, each including a beginner ride with low mileage and an educational component focusing on basic riding skills, safety, and bike maintenance. Interest has been mixed. This year we're reaching out to our membership to assess demand for this activity for 2025. If you are interested in participating in this activity, please send an email to bicycling@amc-wma.org. A bike trip leader will reach out to you to schedule an Introduction to Recreational Riding program with you. BICYCLING COMMITTEE »

The purpose of a wild transect is to find and document evidence of wildlife activity in a given area. See additional photos from his outing here. There are more wildlife transects in the weeks to come, as well as trail work, cabin maintenance, and corridor monitoring. Visit the A.T. Management Committee's page to learn more. Photo: Fresh porcupine chew on a small beech tree, near den and hemlock nip twigs.

With temperatures rising into the 60s, the snow nearly melted, and my shoes caked in mud, there's no denying it – spring has arrived. It's that magical time of year when everything feels fresh, alive, and full of possibility. Spring is a season of renewal, adventure, and giving back to the places we love. Whether you're looking to challenge yourself on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.), celebrate Earth Day with meaningful action, or recognize the incredible volunteers who keep our trails and programs thriving, the Western MA Chapter has something for you! Join us for an unforgettable hiking series covering the entire 90 miles of the A.T. in Massachusetts – perfect for section hikers, aspiring thru-hikers, or anyone seeking an adventure. Celebrate Earth Day by learning how to protect our environment, testing your knowledge with our Earth Day quiz, or participating in hands-on conservation projects. And during National Volunteer Week, we recognize the dedicated individuals who keep our chapter running – entirely through volunteer efforts! Whether you want to hike, help maintain trails, or lend your skills to conservation work, there's a place for you in our community. Take that first step outside, connect with nature, and be part of something bigger this season! Kathy Martin, Western MA Chapter Chair

Come Section Hike the A.T. in Massachusetts with Us!

Maybe you wouldn't even consider hiking the entire A.T. – all 2,197.4 miles, 5 million steps, and 14 states of it – from Georgia to Maine but would love to do parts of it, or maybe that's a bucket list item. Wherever you stand, the Western MA Chapter is here to help you take that first step! Join us this summer for an exciting and challenging hiking series covering the entire 90 miles of the A.T. in Massachusetts. Whether you're testing the waters for a future thru-hike or just looking for an unforgettable adventure, this series is your gateway to the trail! There will be 14 hikes every weekend (Saturday or Sunday) from May 3 to August 4th. The hikes will range from 5.0 to 9.5 miles, averaging 7.2 miles. The series moves south to north, but leaders may adjust the direction of an individual hike section based on preference and parking. Each hike will be posted individually starting in early April. Use Keyword Search "AT Hiking Series" on the AMC Outdoors Connector to register for the individual hikes. Preference will be given to those committing to the full series. Click HERE for details. Happy trails!

How Will You Recognize Earth Day?

Earth Day has been a global celebration every April 22^nd since 1970. Earth Day was begun by a U.S. senator to raise national awareness of deteriorating environmental conditions across the country. The first Earth Day achieved a rare political alignment between Republicans and Democrats, rich and poor, urban dwellers and farmers, and business and labor leaders, and united individual activists in their fight against pollution. This led to the consolidation of environmental responsibilities under one federal government agency, the EPA, and decades of regulations to curb ecological damage. One of the AMC's primary goals is to protect the mountains, forests, waters, and trails of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions through hands-on stewardship, scientific research, and public policy advocacy. Here in western MA, we strive to support this mission through the work of volunteers in the Appalachian Trail Management Committee, the New England Trail Management Committee, and the Conservation Committee. Want to know what can you do to help?

• You can go to any one of those Committee pages to learn what the Chapter is doing to conserve, maintain and protect the trails, forests and waterways in western Massachusetts.
• You can join an online workshop coming up next week: Protect Our Predators: Your Role in Safeguarding Birds of Prey from Rodent Poison.
• You can test your knowledge by taking our Earth Day Quiz.
• And, finally, you can go to the Chapter Activities page to join specific activities such as wildlife transects, maintaining the trail corridor boundary, trail maintenance, bridge repair and other hands-on projects. We are always looking for new volunteers.

National Volunteer Week

Lend your skills and passion for the outdoors
National Volunteer Week is coming up next month – April 20-26 – and we would like to take this opportunity to recognize the hundreds of volunteers in the Western MA Chapter. Did you know that the Chapter is run entirely by volunteers? This includes the members of the Executive Committee, hundreds of trail maintainers on the A.T. and the NET, and countless activity leaders who guide hiking, bicycling, paddling, climbing, skiing, conservation, and trail work outings. We cannot thank them enough for their commitment and dedication to fulfilling AMC's mission to foster the protection, enjoyment and understanding of the outdoors!
We would love to have you lend your skills and passion for the outdoors with us. To meet some of our wonderful volunteers, and to find out ways to get involved in Chapter, go our Volunteer page and join the fun!

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Ever consider becoming an activity leader for AMC? We're offering two in-person training opportunities so you can lead hiking, paddling, bicycling, climbing, or skiing outings: Outdoor Leadership Training Weekend on April 12 and 13 in Holden, MA 8-hr Leadership Training on April 26 at Hammonasset State Beach, Madison, CT The format consists of lectures, small group exercises, and role-play scenarios. Topics include trip planning and trip organization, safety, leadership approaches, group dynamics, and conservation with an emphasis on decision-making skills.

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We will start in the pool on Saturday morning, learning about boats, equipment, and fit; how to safely exit a capsized kayak; and basic paddle strokes and maneuvers. In the afternoon, we will either continue in the pool or travel to a class 1-2 river within 90 minutes to practice river skills (ferrying, eddying out, peeling out) on easier water, based on the needs and interests of the group. On Sunday, we will meet at a class 1-2 river and enjoy a river run. Rivers will be selected based on flows appropriate for beginner whitewater kayakers. Possibilities include Satan's Kingdom or the upper Tariffville section of the Farmington River in CT, or the Shunpike or upper Fife sections of the Deerfield River in MA. Click here to register.

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