Conservation

The Western MA Chapter's territory includes some of the finest scenery in the state:

• The Appalachian Trail corridor
• The New England Trail
• The Housatonic and Westfield River watersheds, and
• The New England Mountains, including the Greylock Massif, Berkshire Hills, Hoosac and Holyoke ranges, and much of the Taconics.

But with these wondrous blessings comes the responsibility to steward it thoughtfully.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW

News and Events

$8.6 Million Awarded for Trail Improvements

[24‑Jun‑2026] The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced more than $8.6 million will be awarded through the MassTrails grant program to support the creation, expansion and maintenance of public trails throughout MA.

House Passes Environmental Bond Bill

[17‑Jun‑2026] The MA House of Representatives today passed a $3.5 billion bond bill that will modernize environmental laws, strengthen climate resilience, support agricultural and food systems, streamline permitting processes, and improve the management of the Commonwealth's natural resources. The bill advances a broad set of reforms designed to help communities prepare for the impacts of climate change, accelerate critical infrastructure projects, improve environmental protections, and support MA cities and towns.

Park Passport Challenge Returns

[17‑Jun‑2026] The MA Department of Conservation and Recreation has announced the return of its Park Passport Challenge, inviting all residents and visitors to explore the state's parks, forests, playgrounds, watersheds and more through a free statewide scavenger hunt. Participants can collect stamps from 12 featured DCR properties, including three in western MA, while discovering some of the unique places that make up the state park system. VIEW ALL NEWS AND EVENTS VIEW ALL REGULATIONS

Join Us!

AMC is actively engaged in conservation and research from Maine to Virginia, helping to ensure the future enjoyment of the outdoors for all. Our approach to conservation combines science, advocacy, and on-the-ground protection of land and trails.

If you'd like to work with us to conserve our natural treasures, please consider joining us! We need volunteers who can help with:

• Reporting: Investigate and write stories on conservation-related matters in western Massachuetts; monitor current events and inform about upcoming activities.
• Event Planning: Help plan and/or partipate in events, such as webinars, tabling, speaking engagements, demonstrations, conservation activities, etc.
• Research: Keep up with legistative matters – such as pending bills – and summarize issues for the general public.
• Advocacy: Work with decision makers, federal and state agencies, and a wide range of non-governmental partners to protect the outdoors.
• Trail Stewardship: Contribute time and energy to our A.T. Management and NET Management trail committees (volunteer positions include natural heritage and corridor monitors, trail maintainers, committee officers, and coordinators).

Even a small amount of volunteer time each month can go a long way!