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

Growing Wild Day

[27‑May‑2026] The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced the return of the Growing Wild campaign. This program provides free native plant materials to help residents create habitats for pollinators across the state.

Massachusetts Biodiversity Day

[22‑May‑2026] Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration joined local leaders, community partners, and the public to declare May 22 as Massachusetts Biodiversity Day.

$951,000 Awarded to Protect Forest Reserves in Western MA

[04‑May‑2026] The Healey-Driscoll Administration has awarded $951,000 in grants to permanently protect 430 acres of managed forest reserves. Three projects in the communities of Belchertown, Huntington, and Wendell have been awarded grants to offer outdoor recreational opportunities, store carbon to mitigate climate change, and protect habitats important to biodiversity. 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!