The Western MA Exchange

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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. This is his land acknowledgement: Noble View Outdoor Center lies on the traditional lands of the Woronoco. Woronoco refers to the people of and "the place of abundant salmon" and "where the river winds around the land". Russell, Southwick and Westfield were continuously occupied for thousands of years by Indigenous people. I would like to pay respect to those original people both past and present. We thank them for stewarding the land and the waterways throughout generations. Many are no longer here due to colonization, forced relocation, disease, and warfare. We also recognize the continued presence of Indigenous people on this territory who care for these lands. We acknowledge the Nipmuc, Mohican, and Abenaki people who have survived attempted genocide and who still hold ties to the land spiritually and culturally. We shall be good stewards of the land we all call Massachusetts, 'Great hill country'. AMC is in the process of committing to building relationships with the Native community. To learn more and to support the local Indigenous communities visit the Ohketeau Cultural Center and the Mashantucket Pequot Museum. You are invited to view the presentation More Than a Land Acknowlegement by Heather Brugel to learn more about the development of a land acknowledgement. You can also go to the Chapter's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee page to learn more, or view an interactive map of events, exhibits, and trails honoring Native American Heritage Month in the area, as well as other resources.

AMC RESOURCES »

After exploring the pond in the warm afternoon sun, Program Director Sue Tracy issued a "bows together" challenge for a group photo - she snapped this sweet picture from the bow of our canoe. Karen Foster, Executive Director of All Out Adventures, had this to say about the event: "Thanks to our friends from the Western MA Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club, the Leeds VA, the Department of Developmental Services, and BFAIR who joined us last week! And to the Universal Access Program for the partnership that makes days like this possible."

MORE PHOTOS »

MASS.GOV »

From club-wide strategizing and event planning to trip leadership and outdoor training – here's what our committees were up to last month.

A.T. Management

Most recent meeting: 26-Aug-2024 ✧ Wildlife transects are ongoing, corridor monitoring and maintenance is winding down, and Upper Goose Pond Cabin has been closed for the winter ✧ 3 new sawyers attained their Felling certification ✧ As part of our 3-year plan for the Mohhekennek Fund we are securing quotes for repairs to Upper Goose Pond Cabin ✧ We are exploring the possibility of renovating the Stillwell Property into a year-round facility for hikers and education ✧ Our Annual Volunteer Gathering will be held Saturday 2025-Feb-08 at the Cheshire Town Hall, Cheshire, MA ✧ Volunteer recruitment needs include natural heritage monitors, trail maintainers, corridor monitors, shelter coordinator, vice chair (beginning 2025) and a communications coordinator ✧ Next meeting: 04-Nov-2024

Communications

We updated the Chapter's website and social media accounts with the new AMC logo and color schemes ✧ Facebook: 16 posts (top post: Nan's photo of the solar eclipse) ✧ Instagram: 15 posts (top post: Launch of the Mass Trail Access Working Group) ✧ Newsletters: 4261 messages sent ✧ Website: 1) Revamped the Conservation page with regulatory and conservation news from MA, 2) revised our Volunteer pages with Annual Meeting data, and 3) added the new AMC logos and updated the website for the new AMC style changes.

Family Programs

Installed StoryWalk^® with an inclusive message, "Just Ask: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You" ✧ Coordinated the All For Fall activities for families, including Slackline, bubble pool, pumpkin decorating, parachute play and Giant Ball Roll ✧ Participated in 3 Western MA Bash meetings ✧ Participated in 3 All For Fall meetings and recruited volunteers for events at All For Fall ✧ Continued planning for Fall 2024 - Spring 2025 Family Program activities

Mountaineering

Held the following chapter trips: Wednesday Night Climbing - CRG Hadley (2024-10-23), GYM BOULDERING/DRY TOOLING NIGHT in NH (2024-10-16), Wednesday Night Climbing - CRG Hadley (2024-10-09), and GYM BOULDERING/DRY TOOLING NIGHT in NH (2024-10-02)

Paddling

Most recent meeting: 25-Sep-2024 ✧ Tabled at All For Fall (2024-Sep-28) and held an afternoon paddle on Russell Pond ✧ Held mobility paddle with AOA on 2024-Oct-17 ✧ Held whitewater program kickoff meeting called by Ann Gillard with 6 leaders and whitewater enthusiasts attending on 2024-Oct-18. Included discussion of leader training and possible partnerships for kayak rental or storage or pool sessions. ✧ Planning continues for 2025 whitewater and flatwater programs

OUTDOOR JOURNEY FUND »

The Most Valuable Committee Member award goes to a volunteer on each committee in the Western Massachusetts Chapter that has shown exceptional effort and time in their volunteer positions. The 2024 MVCM's are (in order from left to right): Jeff Pratt (NET Management), Chris Neil (Mountaineering), David Conley (Hiking), Kayla Crowe (Family Programs), Steve Maislin (Bicycling), and David Coderre (AT Management). Not pictured: Bonna Wieler (JDEI) and Jack Gill (Paddling). We are eternally grateful for the energy, passion and committment that they have given to the Chapter!

Gloves, trash bags, grabbers, and light snacks provided. Please bring your own filled water bottles. We truly appreciate the opportunity to work with the City of West Springfield who always goes above and beyond to assist. Parking is through the Levee gate or you may park on a side street across the road. REGISTER NOW! »

Massachusetts has over 4,000 miles of trails on state-owned land, yet less than 8 miles are accessible to people with disabilities or others with mobility considerations. Accessible trails let more people get outside and AMC is proud to be a leader in designing and building all-persons trails. Join us on November 6 to celebrate the Trail Access Work Group launch and experience AMC's newest universally accessible trail at Noble View Outdoor Center! The Trail Access Work Group will consist of government agencies, municipal leaders, disabled trail users, trail and conservation groups, and other trail users. The group will produce an assessment, report, and recommendations to maximize paved and unpaved accessible trails and the experiences they provide. This event will raise awareness about accessible nature trails and celebrate Secretary Tepper and Director Jahnige's leadership in increasing access to nature for all in Massachusetts. REGISTER »

Bill has placed a lifetime of time, energy and dedication to the AMC. He has held roles as a leader among different committees and has held chair positions for both the Western MA Chapter and Inter-chapter levels. He has been a huge proponent for DEI initiatives within our chapter. He has been a volunteer that AMC staff have turned to for guidance around how to better engage other volunteers in these initiatives. Additionally, he has worked collaboratively with past and current Executive Committee volunteers to better serve his chapter. As the Training and Education Chair, he has played a role in helping the larger AMC with the DEI portion of the training program for new and existing leaders. During the recent pandemic, Bill organized virtual leadership training workshops by collaborating with other AMC Chapters' trainers. As an AMC member for 25+ years, he has been an active member at a variety of the different levels a volunteer could hold. Congratulations Bill on this well-deserved recognition!! We are grateful for your service to the AMC!

The Chapter's Committees each nominated a Most Valuable Committee Member for exceptional work in 2024. The recipients of the award were Dave Coderre (AT Management), Steve Maislin (Bicycling), Kayla Crowe (Family Programs), David Conley (Hiking), Bonna Wieler (JDEI), Chris Neil (Mountaineering), Jeff Pratt (NET), and Jack Gill (Paddling). The Chapter also awarded the Appie of the Year Award to Bill Fogel, the outgoing Training and Education Chair. Nick Stevens, AMC's Chief Financial Officer, spoke to the audience about the organization's goals for 2025 and Regional Director, Charlie Arsenault, the outgoing Regional Director, was recognized for his support of the Chapter for the past two years. Kathy Martin, the new Chapter Chair, recognized the out-going Chair, Diane Jones, for her hard work and dedication as the Chair for the past two years. Everyone was delighted to be able to meet and socialize in person to recognize so many who make the work of the Chapter possible! MORE PHOTOS »

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.

AMC VOLUNTEER »

Fall is undoubtedly the most popular time to go hiking. The weather is cooler than in the summer, the leaves are changing color and there's no snow on the trails yet. However, some folks just show up at a trail head with no idea of what the trail is like, how long it is, and where they are heading. Here are some important tips for planning a hiking trip:

• Know before you go. Read as much about the trail as you can using an app or the website of the location. Most will describe the difficulty level of hike as well as an overall description. Keep in mind who will be hiking with you (children, people with mobility issues, etc). If you have a dog, check to make sure dogs are allowed and always keep it on a leash.
• Check the weather forecast for the area.
• Bring the 10 essentials so that you are prepared for the unexpected.
• Wear proper footwear for the weather and trail conditions.
• Always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.

Please share to spread the word so we can all stay safe. Happy hiking! HIKE PLANNING »

Climbing has long been a beloved pursuit among outdoor enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of physical challenge, mental focus, and an appreciation for nature's beauty. Among the various climbing disciplines, dry tooling has emerged as a captivating and challenging extension, allowing climbers to use ice tools and crampons/or traditional climbing shoes on rock faces. For those interested in exploring this exhilarating sport, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) hosts dry tooling sessions every other Wednesday throughout this climbing season, providing a fantastic opportunity for climbers of all skill levels to hone their skills and experience the thrill of this dynamic form of climbing.

What is Dry Tooling?

Dry tooling is a climbing technique that involves using specialized ice tools and crampons on mixed terrain, which can include rock, ice, and frozen waterfall features. Climbers leverage their tools to ascend steep rock faces, often employing techniques from both rock climbing and ice climbing. This versatile discipline allows climbers to tackle challenging routes that may not be accessible through traditional climbing methods. Dry tooling is not only a physical challenge but also a mental one. Climbers must navigate complex sequences, balance their weight effectively, and make quick decisions, all while managing the dynamics of their tools on rock surfaces. It requires a unique skill set, blending the precision of rock climbing with the power and technique of ice climbing.

AMC's Dry Tooling Sessions

The AMC, renowned for promoting outdoor activities and environmental stewardship, recognizes the growing interest in dry tooling and its increasing popularity within the climbing community. To cater to this demand, AMC hosts dry tooling sessions every other Wednesday during the climbing season, creating a welcoming environment for climbers of all experience levels.

What to Expect

Skill Development: AMC's sessions are designed to help climbers develop their dry tooling skills in a supportive atmosphere. Experienced instructors guide participants through essential techniques, including tool placements, footwork, and body positioning. Whether you're a seasoned climber or a beginner, you'll find valuable insights to improve your technique. Community and Camaraderie: Climbing is as much about community as it is about individual achievement. AMC's sessions provide an opportunity to connect with fellow climbers, share experiences, and build relationships. The spirit of camaraderie is palpable as participants encourage one another, share tips, and celebrate each other's successes. Safety and Education: Safety is paramount in any climbing activity, and AMC emphasizes this during their dry tooling sessions. Instructors ensure that participants are well-versed in safety protocols, proper gear usage, and hazard awareness. This focus on education helps climbers build a strong foundation for safe practices in the sport. Access to Gear: For those new to dry tooling or those who may not have their own gear, AMC often provides access to club equipment, making it easier for climbers to participate without a significant upfront investment.

Embrace the Challenge

The AMC's dry tooling sessions are more than just climbing events; they are a celebration of adventure, community, and personal growth. Whether you are looking to push your limits, learn new skills, or simply enjoy the thrill of climbing in a supportive environment, these sessions offer something for everyone. As the climbing season unfolds, don't miss the opportunity to join AMC's dry tooling sessions every other Wednesday. Embrace the challenge, connect with fellow climbers, and discover the exhilarating world of dry tooling. Whether you're scaling rock faces or navigating icy terrains, the AMC community is ready to support you on your climbing journey. Climbing and dry tooling provide a unique and rewarding experience for outdoor enthusiasts. With the Appalachian Mountain Club's commitment to promoting these activities through their regular sessions, climbers can explore new techniques, build skills, and foster a sense of belonging within the climbing community. So gear up, grab your ice tools, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure with AMC! Western MA Mountaineering Committee »

Noble View Outdoor Center lies on the traditional lands of the Woronoco. Woronoco refers to the people of "the place of abundant salmon" and "where the river winds around the land". Russell, Southwick and Westfield were continuously occupied for thousands of years by Indigenous people. We would like to pay respect to those original people both past and present. We thank them for stewarding the land and the waterways throughout generations. Many are no longer here due to colonization, forced relocation, disease, and warfare. We also recognize the continued presence of Indigenous people on this territory who care for these lands. We acknowledge the Nipmuc, Mohican, and Abenaki people who have survived attempted genocide and who still hold ties to the land spiritually and culturally. We shall be good stewards of the land we all call Massachusetts, 'Great hill country'. AMC is in the process of committing to building relationships with the Native community. To learn more and to support the local Indigenous communities visit the Ohketeau Cultural Center and the Mashantucket Pequot Museum.