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

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Over $5 Million for Local Recycling and Waste Reduction

[22‑Oct‑2026] The Healey-Driscoll Administration has announced over $5 million in grant funding to support 323 municipalities and regional solid waste districts maximize recycling, composting and waste reduction. Many of these awardees are located in western MA.

Governor Healey Announces Nearly $10 Million for Parks and Open Spaces Across MA

[22‑Oct‑2026] Governor Healey has announced nearly $10 million in grants to improve parks, expand outdoor recreation opportunities, and protect natural resources across MA. In western MA this includes the city of Easthampton. The funding will support 14 projects through the Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Program, helping communities create and improve public spaces.

Over 500 Acres for Wildlife and Outdoor Recreation Protected in Franklin County

[15‑Oct‑2026] Today, the Department of Fish and Game, Division of Fisheries & Wildlife (MassWildlife), Mass Audubon, and Franklin Land Trust (FLT) joined local leaders, partners, and the public to celebrate the conservation of over 500 acres of the Stone Mountain landscape for people and nature. Through partnership with Mass Audubon and FLT, this special landscape will be permanently conserved and open to the public as the new 465-acre MassWildlife Stone Mountain Wildlife Management Area and 47-acre addition to FLT's Crowningshield Conservation Area. These connected lands feature forests, fields, wetlands, and streams, and their protection supports biodiversity, water quality, climate resilience, and access to nature. 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!