The Western MA Exchange

From planning and leading recreational activities to seasonal trail work – here's what our committees were up to last month.

20s/30s

Recent events include two XC skiing events at Notchview with the Worcester Chapter (02/22/2025 and 03/08/2025) and a hike at Mt Toby State Reservation (03/29/2025) ✧ The 20s/30s+ WhatsApp group now has over 70 members! ✧ Posted flyers on bulletin boards at local businesses throughout the valley and created an Instagram account

A.T. Management

There have been 2 wildlife transects since our last meeting: one on Race Mountain and the other in the Hop Brook area of Tyringham ✧ Seasonal project work has begun and includes bog bridge replacement and repair near the Shays' Rebellion monument in Sheffield, boundary maintenance around the Tyringham Cobble, brush clearing and blueberry bush trimming on Warner Hill in Hinsdale, and cleanup with chainsaws at 2 overnight sites after many hazardous trees were felled by professionals ✧ See the Outdoor Connector (OC) for details on upcoming A.T. projects and how to volunteer ✧ 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 Instagram data points showed improvement this month, while Facebook showed mixed results, despite an increase in the number of posts for the month. All of the data points for the emailed newsletter rose this month, including opening and link clicks ✧ Facebook: 27 posts (top post: Introducing Kim Carlino as a new MAL) ✧ Instagram: 19 posts (top post: Photos from the hike in Granby on March 5) ✧ Newsletters: 4086 messages sent ✧ Website: ongoing updates (activities, Western MA Exchange, conservation news, monthly maintenance)

Community Engagement

Working on an explanation of Affinity Trips and Allyship Guidelines ✧ Women+ Affinity Guided Wildflower Hike in the Southern Berkshires has been posted on OC ✧ The Interchapter Committee has been renamed the Community Engagement Committee and we are now meeting only bimonthly ✧ The Speaker Series has been renamed Community Voices Speaker Series ✧ We are hosting Karen Foster from AOA on May 1 2025 at 7:00 PM; she will speak on trip planning and preparation for folks with accessibility needs ✧ The Paddling Committee will have a transfer bench for use on the Trail Day paddle in the Berkshires. Interested volunteers can sign up to volunteer with AOA on Sign-Up-Genius ✧ Needed fixes on the All Persons Trail at Noble View have been reported to AMC ✧ Dawne attended an information session co-sponsored by Trails for All and AMC. The purpose of this session was to get the word out about "An Act Expanding Access To Trails For People Of All Abilities" (MA Bill S.548 H.915)

Family Programs

Nancy Condon, in collaboration with the Springfield Naturalist Club, designed a Vernal Pool Family Hike for Sunday April 6; outreach for this event has started ✧ The April StoryWalk^®, "Its Spring", will be installed on April 1, 2025 ✧ Dawne continues to take the lead in posting Family Programs into the OC; Laura starts OC training in April ✧ Reached out to a potential Family Programming committee member ✧ Contacted Hilltown Community Health Center to determine StoryWalk^® continuation at Noble View

Hiking

13 trip leaders were active this past quarter for 22 events

Membership

Obtaining AMC Western MA business cards and other literature ✧ Distributing AMC-branded cards to chapter chairs to share w/leaders ✧ Upcoming tabling event: National Trails Day at Diane's Twist on the Ashuwilticook Trail in Cheshire (06/07/2025, 10AM-2PM). Activities include a bike ride on the Ashuwilticook, a short hike on the A.T. near Cheshire, and paddling on Cheshire Lake. Refreshments will be provided. Giveaways: AMC cooling towels, new business cards, and pins ordered from the American Hiking Society ✧ Planning for promotional events continues

NET Management

The NET Mgmt Committee met on March 11 for 2025 Project Planning ✧ Connor Piechota - New England Trails Volunteer Program Supervisor was hired and will be assisting the NET Coordinator with the Holyoke Teen Crew and NET volunteer projects ✧ Adopters have already logged over 250 hours and removed 45 blowdowns ✧ The Adopter Spring Gathering was held on April 5 at the Notch Visitor Center at Mt Holyoke SP - over 20 adopters attended ✧ NET adopters will again assist on April 27 in conducting a trail clearing on Section 7 ( Mt Tom), in preparation for the Seven Sisters Trail Race scheduled for May 3

Paddling

The Paddling Committee last met on 03/19/2025; committee goals and plans for 2025 were discussed ✧ The Whitewater subcommittee will focus on our whitewater program, with Ann Gillard and another TBD volunteer organizing events ✧ Ann Gillard is working with Leigh Eubank of Hampshire College to arrange for whitewater kayaks and equipment to be borrowed for AMC trips ✧ Ann Gillard is developing whitewater leader training curriculum with input from others ✧ View upcoming trips on the OC

Miriam Maistelman, NET Coordinator, described upcoming trail work projects, which include the AMC Pro Trails crew, Holyoke Teen Crew and NET volunteers. Instruction was provided on AMC's new Outdoors Connector and upcoming training opportunities at Trail Skills College were summarized. We are grateful to all the trail adopters who volunteer their time and energy to care for the NET! If you want to learn how to get involved, visit our NET page for more information or contact the Western MA NET Chair.

AMC RESOURCES »

This is a moderate to strenuous hike due to elevation changes and rocky terrain. The RFT route takes hikers over the top of the Range not once but twice, taking advantage of lower "saddles" in the ridge. The terrain is varied, with steep ascents and descents and also gentler flat or rolling rambles. Along the way, hikers experience both the northern and southern faces of the Range, portions of the famous ridgetop route with stunning views, and the lovely Lithia Springs Reservoir. This hike features varied landscapes, including hardwood forests, open ledges, and occasional steep sections that provide a good workout. We'll take breaks to enjoy the views and appreciate the natural beauty that inspired poet Robert Frost, for whom the trail is named. REGISTER »

AMC RESOURCES »

April is Conservation Month in the Chapter. We recently sponsored an online talk about the dangers of rodenticides on birds of prey and periodically offer trash clean-up and invasive species removal events. Earth Day is April 22nd and we'd like to invite you to test your knowledge of Earth Day trivia by taking our Earth Day and How Long Does It Take? interactive quizzes to test your knowledge of Leave No Trace principles. What can you do for the environment? Bring a bag on your hikes to gather trash, clear trails of small branches, join one of our trail maintenance projects, or reach out to your representatives to support legislation that protects the environment. Go to the Protection page to learn more. And, if you're not already a member, you can join AMC to support all of the work we do to protect and conserve land along the Appalachian Trail Corridor.

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES »

MORE PHOTOS »

AMC RESOURCES »

Kim has developed a love of all things botanical from her many wanderings, and is currently finishing a plant studies certificate with Native Plant Trust. She loves ferns, moss, native orchids and the Eastern Towhee. When not on the trail, Kim is an artist and can be seen painting murals across the Valley and beyond or exhibiting her eco-geometric paintings. She wanted to join AMC to be part of the incredible community and to volunteer to lead hikes that bring together ideas of art, nature and place. We are so happy that Kim has decided to share her passion for the outdoors and the arts with us! To learn about volunteer opportunities in the Chapter and meet some of our other volunteers, visit our volunteer pages.

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

MORE PHOTOS »

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, please check out our volunteer opportunities or contact us at info@amc-wma.org.

AMC RESOURCES »

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.