The Western MA Exchange

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Officers

• Chair: Kathy Martin
• Vice Chair: Vacant
• Treasurers: Deb Weisenstein & Warren Buhl
• Secretary: Mary Hogan

Committee Chairs and Coordinators

• 20s/30s: Hew Hart
• AT Management: Russ Skelton
• Bicycling: Robyn Maislin
• Communications: Jeannette Pierce
• Community Engagement: Dawne Piers-Gamble
• Conservation: Vacant
• Family Programs: Laura Stinnette
• Hiking: Mike April
• Membership: Kathy Kindness
• Mountaineering: Chris Neil and Danielle Rich
• New England Trail Management: Vacant
• Paddling: Deb Weisenstein and Bonna Wieler
• Training and Education: Kayla Crowe
• Member at Large: Kim Carlino
• Member at Large: John Adams
• Webmaster: Lisa Taylor
• Past Chair: Diane Jones

In honor of the native tribes that roamed this area, we should always be mindful of protecting the trails and wild places for generations to come. Remember to follow the Leave No Trace principles. Other ways to become stewards of the trails is to bring a bag to pick up trash on your hike, clear branches along the trail, or come volunteer with us on trail maintenance outings. You can browse all upcoming activities here.

The 2025 AMC Photo Contest welcomes images of nature and recreation taken in the Northeast and the Mid-Atlantic. This year's categories are:

• Joyful Experiences: Share your candid shots from an outdoor adventure.
• Welcoming Community: Share your images of human connection in the outdoors.
• Critical Landscapes: Share your images that capture the natural beauty of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.
• Outdoor Access: Share photos that celebrate the tools, gear, guides, and open gates that break down barriers to the outdoors!

The entry period runs from October 3 to November 2, 2025. Winners will receive AMC prize packs and outdoor gear, plus be featured on AMC's website, social media, and in our member magazine. LEARN MORE »

MORE PHOTOS »

Member Jim Pelletier will present on wildlife in western MA, and will update us on the Mass Pike wildlife bridges study. Member Dani Rich will share how being outdoors can be beneficial to our mental health and social well-being. As part of our commitment to giving back to the communities where we live, work, and recreate, our chapter is collecting lightly used winter gear for unhoused individuals across western MA. Please consider bringing gently used winter coats (insulated, softshell, Gore-Tex, hardshell, or fleece), winter boots, hats, gloves, or scarves. Your donations will help keep someone warm this winter. Thank you for your support! Our gathering will include light refreshments and a cash-only bar. Space is limited so sign up today! REGISTER »

No registration is required. Just bring your kids up to Noble View (635 S. Quarter Road in Russell) whenever you have time and stroll along the 1-mile, accessible trail to read this delightful story. A bonus right now is the stunning fall foliage! Drive about a half mile up the dirt road to the main parking lot. The trail starts there.

As the Appalachian Mountain Club approaches its historic 150^th anniversary in 2026, we take a moment to reflect on what has made this journey so extraordinary: you. For a century and a half, AMC has connected people to the outdoors through recreation, education, and conservation – and this milestone year is a chance to celebrate that shared legacy in meaningful ways. From the inspiring stories being collected for our 150^th Anniversary Relay, to the dedicated stewardship of trails like the New England National Scenic Trail, and the vibrant gatherings of local chapters like our upcoming Western MA Annual Meeting, each piece highlights the heart of AMC: its people. Whether you're hiking a segment of the 1,500-mile relay, maintaining a beloved trail, or joining us for a celebration in South Deerfield, you are part of a community that honors the past while shaping the future of outdoor adventure. Together, these stories show what it means to belong to the AMC family – and why the next 150 years look brighter than ever. Kathy Martin, Western MA Chapter Chair

Tell Us Your AMC Story!

As you may have heard, AMC will be celebrating a very exciting milestone in 2026 – its 150^th anniversary. Since 1876, AMC has connected people to the outdoors through recreation, education, and conservation. In 2026, we celebrate 150 years of that legacy with the AMC 150^th Relay – a 1,500-mile journey from VA to MA. Join the celebration by participating in a relay segment, attending a local event or sharing your AMC story. AMC has invited hikers, paddlers, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts to participate in a remarkable journey. From VA to MA, trained AMC leaders will hike, paddle, bike and climb along the route, passing along a commemorative banner. You will be able to sign up for a segment in the same way you would any other activity you have joined in the past. As we celebrate 150 years of adventure, community, and conservation, we want to hear from you. AMC is powered by people – your adventures, your connections, and your love for the outdoors. For 150 years, your experiences have shaped our legacy. Now we are gathering stories that reflect that legacy. Every submission will become part of our archives, helping us preserve the history of the oldest conservation and recreation organization in the country. Click here to submit your story. Together, we'll honor the past and shape the future of outdoor adventure.

The NET Committee

This month we'd like to highlight the Western MA Chapter's New England Trail (NET) Committee. The NET Committee is the primary steward for the National New England Scenic Trail, a 235-mile trail that has been in existence for over half a century. This federally-designated trail travels through 39 communities in CT and MA, and is composed primarily of the historic Mattabesett, Metacomet, and Monadnock (MMM or Triple-M) trails. There are 19 sections in MA that the NET Committee maintains. We are very grateful to all the section adopters who work year-round to keep the trail safe and accessible. The NET Committee:

• Meets monthly October-April and then bimonthly during the months of May-September.
• Trains and recruits Trail Adopters for the 19 sections it maintains.
• Makes site assessment visits for potential work party projects.
• Coordinates a Spring meeting and training event, as well as a Fall Trail Adopter appreciation dinner.
• Keeps the Trail Adopters updated on new training opportunities that include chainsaw certification, wilderness first aid (WFA), and other trail maintenance workshop.

We would like to acknowledge the contributions of Kevin Pelosky, the past Chair of the NET Committee, who recently completed his three year term as Committee Chair. In addition to Committee Chair, Kevin has been an active volunteer in the Committee and a trail maintainer for sections 11 and 15 for many years. We are grateful to Kevin for sharing his skills and passion for the outdoors with us! There is now an opportunity for someone to share their love of the outdoors, and the New England Trail specifically, as the new NET Committee Chair. Learn more here.

Western MA Annual Meeting and Celebration

Where: Polish American Citizens' Club, 46 S. Main St, South Deerfield, MA, 01373
What: Socialize, grab some AMC swag, and celebrate our fabulous chapter! It's time to register for the annual dinner! Join us for a FREE social gathering and the business meeting of the AMC Western MA Chapter. We'll elect our new slate of officers, review the year's accomplishments, and share plans for 2026 - the 150^th anniversary of AMC. Member Jim Pelletier will present on wildlife in Western MA, and will update us on the Mass Pike wildlife bridges study. Member Dani Rich will share how being outdoors can be beneficial to our mental health and social well-being. As part of our commitment to giving back to the communities where we live, work, and recreate, our chapter is collecting lightly used winter gear for unhoused individuals across western Massachusetts. Please consider bringing gently used winter coats (insulated, softshell, Gore-Tex, hardshell, or fleece), winter boots, hats, gloves, or scarves. Your donations will help keep someone warm this winter—thank you for your support! Our gathering will include light refreshments and a cash-only bar. Space is limited so sign up today!

Volunteer Opportunity: Help Get the Protect Water and Nature Initiative on the Ballot!

Want to make a difference for trails, land, and water across the state? Become a Regional Signature Gathering Lead for the Nature for MA campaign and help AMC put a question on the 2026 ballot to dedicate funding to protect water and nature. This is a great way to connect with your community, support the outdoors, and advocate for lasting environmental protection. Interested? Reach out to amcconservation@outdoors.org for more info or sign up here for an information session.

REGISTER »

Member Jim Pelletier will present on wildlife in western MA, and will update us on the Mass Pike wildlife bridges study. Member Dani Rich will share how being outdoors can be beneficial to our mental health and social well-being. As part of our commitment to giving back to the communities where we live, work, and recreate, our chapter is collecting lightly used winter gear for unhoused individuals across western MA. Please consider bringing gently used winter coats (insulated, softshell, Gore-Tex, hardshell, or fleece), winter boots, hats, gloves, or scarves. Your donations will help keep someone warm this winter. Thank you for your support! Our gathering will include light refreshments and a cash-only bar. Space is limited so sign up today! REGISTER »

This promotion is for newly joining members only. Please send any questions to Jon Cocina, Director of Membership at jconina@outdoors.org. Become a member to support AMC's conservation efforts and join the fun!

SIGN UP HERE »

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