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

$2.5 Million Awarded for Landscape Conservation Projects in Western MA

[01‑Aug‑2025] The Healey-Driscoll Administration has awarded $2.5 million in grant funding to enhance and protect large acreages of land in western MA.

Newly Conserved Land Added to Existing Ashby Wildlife Management Area

[10‑Jul‑2025] The MA Department of Fish and Game has collaborated with the Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust to protect nearly 40 acres of forest and fields in central MA along the NH border. The newly conserved land adds to the existing Ashby Wildlife Management Area (WMA), bringing it to a total of 1,176 acres. This new land serves as a critical missing link in an important wildlife migration corridor, connecting the Ashby WMA with the 330-acre Mount Watatic Reservation.

Trump Administration Terminates $45 Million in Funding for MA Farms, Forests, and Wetlands

[27‑Jun‑2025] The Trump Administration has cancelled more than $45 million in critical funding that was set to accelerate land conservation efforts across MA. 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 the Conservation Committee. 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!