The Western MA Exchange

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The bill, the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act, will expand opportunities for Americans in public outdoor spaces like national parks and forests. Its provisions include improved access for disabled people and military veterans, protections for rock climbing, better access to public lands and waters for recreational purposes and abridged permitting processes and reduced fees for small businesses that depend on public lands. As an organization whose mission is to promote the protection, enjoyment and understanding of the outdoors, we are thrilled that this law has passed! THE HILL »

There is currently a footbridge crossing the Pike on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). The bridge is designed to guide animals over the road, rather than across them, to reduce the number of animal and vehicle collisions. The new bridge will replace the existing footbridge where the A.T. meets the highway in Becket, an area that sees a high number of collisions between drivers and deer. Jim Pelletier, the Natural Resources Coordinator on the A.T. Management Committee, explained the role that it has played in the development of the bridge: "About a year ago, we were invited to a meeting of stakeholders related to the A.T. / Mass Pike bridges. At this meeting we became aware that MassDOT was considering replacement of the current bridges with a bridge (or bridges) that would accommodate wildlife as well as hikers crossing the Pike. After the meeting our A.T. Committee discussed this possible project and decided to offer our expertise to MassDOT to monitor how wildlife is using the area." "We partnered with the Berkshire Environmental Action Team to conduct periodic wildlife transects and to do trailcam monitoring in the area of the A.T. as it passed over both the Mass Pike and adjacent Rt 20. Our volunteers, including several who are certified wildlife trackers by Cybertracker North America, have spent many hours over the last year doing the transects and monitoring in the area with some very interesting results. We anticipate continuing that effort in the coming years as long as we can add some value to DOT's efforts." WWLP ARTICLE »

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AMC is thrilled to deliver this key tool as a place where the AMC community can discover the breadth of our activities as we carry out our mission of fostering the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the outdoors! Due to the transition, there will be a period of extremely limited system availability from January 6-10th. The Activities Database will be viewable but the AMC community will not be able to register for new trips until Outdoors Connector is available on the 10th. Please register now for any activities you want to go on during that time. If you are already registered for an activity, you can contact the leader directly. An email address of the leader is always provided in the listing. If you have any other questions please contact info@amc-wma.org. Once the New Outdoors Connector is up and running, you can contact the Chapter's Outdoor Connector Support Team: Deb Weisenstein (dkweis@gmail.com) or Cosmo Catalano (catalano.cosmo@gmail.com).

Come check out the new StoryWalk^® at Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell. Walk the new All Persons Trail as you read this lovely story about mindfulness and time spent with loved ones. As Lina walks to her grandmother's house in the snow to make a traditional family dish, she finds ten ways to pay attention to things that might not have been noticed. If there is snow, you can bring your sleds or snow tubes and go sledding on the hill near the Double Cottage. Noble View is open year-round and there is no fee. From South Quarter Road, follow the dirt road about half a mile to the parking lot. The All Person's Trail starts there.

Every summer, August Camp becomes a vibrant tent community of around 60 participants. This base camp is set up near the stunning landscapes of National Parks or wilderness areas, with daily activities located within an hour's drive. Campers stay in comfortable two-person tents, equipped with cots. Your camp experience includes three daily meals, transportation to daily activities, and a nightly campfire that fosters community through storytelling, announcements, and fun activities. LEARN MORE »

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Fifteen adopters enjoyed the festivities, including Caitlin McCarthy, the AMC Southern New England Trails Coordinator. Folks had a chance to connect with fellow NET maintainers, review highlights from 2024, and discuss anticipated projects for 2025. Fiskar hand pruners were presented to the adopters as an appreciation gift for their dedication to providing a safe outdoor recreational experience on the NET. Drinks, snacks and renowned Red Rose Pizza were provided and an enjoyable experience was had by all!

Our 2025 Annual Summit will celebrate the joy of outdoor leadership, what it means to be part of the AMC community, and how collaboration will help us accelerate AMC’s exciting new strategic plan. Come join us for a fun and informative day, and make new connections with your fellow outdoor enthusiasts! All are welcome! REGISTER »

AMC OUTDOORS »

As the holiday season fills the air with warmth and joy, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our new Executive Committee members for their leadership and vision. Get to know them in the details below! We're also eagerly looking forward to the Annual Meeting Summit on January 25, 2025 – a special opportunity to gather, learn, and connect in meaningful ways. We hope you'll join us. Looking ahead, the creativity and possibilities offered by our NET Artist-in-Residence program inspire us. Could you see yourself in this role? Wishing you peace, joy, and time to celebrate the bonds that bring us together. See you outdoors! Kathy Martin, Western MA Chapter Chair

The Western MA Chapter Welcomes New Members

We are delighted to introduce three new members to the Executive Committee. Kathy Kindness was voted in as our new Membership Chair. Kathy has been an active and enthusiastic AMC member for 14 years. While living in Pennsylvania, she served as Chapter Secretary for four years and Membership Chair for two years in AMC's Delaware Valley Chapter, and is an AMC-trained hiking leader. We would also like to welcome John Adams as a new Member-at-Large. John enjoys hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, kayaking, bicycling and trail work. When asked why he wanted to volunteer with the Chapter he stated, "I am an advocate for the natural world in all its varied and marvelous permutations, and would like to add my voice to those who value and enjoy the natural world." We are also happy to have Kim Carlino join the Executive Committee as a Member-at-large. When asked about why she wanted to join the Executive Committee, Kim writes, "I am interested in the Member-at-Large role because I am passionate about the outdoors and spend as much time both learning about and hiking, paddling and camping as I can. Mt. Tom Reservation right here in the Valley has captured me and become my daily companion, one in which I find to be incredibly special." We are beyond grateful that Kathy, John and Kim have chosen to share their skills and passion for the outdoors with us! Learn more about our volunteers and volunteering opportunities on our Volunteer Opportunities page.

Upcoming AMC Annual Summit

This year's Annual Summit will be held at the Four Points by Sheraton in Norwood on January 25, 2025. This one-day event will include a full schedule of learning opportunities, a delicious lunch in the Four Points Ballroom with a presentation of AMC awards, the Annual Business Meeting for AMC members, and a fun social hour. Our 2025 Annual Summit will celebrate the joy of outdoor leadership, what it means to be part of the AMC community, and how collaboration will help us accelerate AMC's exciting new strategic plan. Come join us for a fun and informative day, and make new connections with your fellow outdoor enthusiasts!

New England National Scenic Trail Artist-in-Residence 2025

The New England National Scenic Trail (NET) seeks an Artist-in-Residence for the summer of 2025. Over the course of their term in residence, the NET artist is encouraged to find inspiration and create art based on their exploration of the trail and the communities through which it travels. Through a series of events and projects, they share their work and invite community members to engage with the trail in a new and unique way! The goal of the program is to encourage and inspire artistic connection with the Trail. Artists of all mediums are encouraged to apply. The artist will receive a stipend distributed throughout the course of their residency, and is responsible for securing their own housing. The application deadline is February 28, 2025, but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the application period.