The Western MA Exchange Archive
In This Issue
Climbing and Dry Tooling ✧ Thank You NET Holyoke Teen Trail Crews! ✧ All Persons Trail Grand Opening ✧ Member Appreciation ✧ Fall Fun in the Chapter ✧ AMC Destinations ✧ Ghost Plant ✧ The Cardigan All Persons Trail ✧ A Beautiful Sight ✧ Member Appreciation Picnic ✧ Accessible Trails ✧ Committee Reports ✧ Climbing at AMC ✧ If You Play Outside ✧ The Tuesday Hikers ✧ Scavenging at Mt. Tom ✧ Women's Weekend a Success! ✧ 20 Years Ago in Chapter News ✧ Go with a Guide ✧ Rocket Says Look Up! ✧ Come Join the Fun! ✧ August Volunteer Spotlight ✧ Member Appreciation Picnic ✧ Family Art Hike ✧ Community Science ✧ Picnics and Privies and Art, Oh My! ✧ Save the Date! ✧ The NET: A Western MA Gem ✧ Trail Work Report ✧ Timber Rattlesnakes at Bear Hole ✧ Professional Trail Services ✧ Trail Angel ✧ Responsible Forestry ✧ Social Gathering at Noble View ✧ Member Favorites ✧ Every Kid Can Be a Junior Naturalist! ✧ The Hike ✧ Tuesday Afternoon ✧ Western MA Mountaineering ✧ July Volunteer Spotlight ✧ Regional Day Hikes ✧ Come Play With Us This Summer! ✧ Hoosac Range Hike ✧ Another Bad Plant! ✧ AMC's Alpine Stewards ✧ Hike to Upper Goose Pond ✧ Happy First Day of Summer! ✧ Juneteenth ✧ Mitigating Climate Change ✧ 20s/30s Paddle the Connecticut River ✧ Bad Plant! ✧ Committee Reports ✧ Hut-to-Hut Around the World ✧ Laurel Day 2024 ✧ Urgent Action Needed ✧ Hiking, Chili and Chillin' on Laurel Day ✧ It Looked Like Spilt Milk ✧ TrailsFest ✧ Reducing Stress Outdoors ✧ Bears, Waterfalls, and Slippers ✧ National Trails Day 2024Climbing and Dry Tooling
Chris Neil, Mountaineering Committee Chair
[16‑Oct‑2024] Climbing has long been a beloved pursuit among outdoor enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of physical challenge, mental focus, and an appreciation for nature's beauty. Among the various climbing disciplines, dry tooling has emerged as a captivating and challenging extension, allowing climbers to use ice tools and crampons/or traditional climbing shoes on rock faces. VIEW ARTICLE »
Thank You NET Holyoke Teen Trail Crews!
[31‑Aug‑2024] A big shoutout to our NET Holyoke Teen Trail Crews - they had one busy summer! One of their favorite projects was installing this staircase on Section 8 in Massachusetts, heading up Long Mountain. These kids did some amazing work this summer, and we appreciate their commitment to the New England Trail! MORE PHOTOS »
All Persons Trail Grand Opening
September 28, 2024
[31‑Aug‑2024] The AMC Western MA Chapter invites you to attend the grand opening of a new All Persons Trail at the AMC Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell, MA on Saturday, September 28, 2024. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will start at 10:00 AM with comments from guest speakers, followed by a walk on the trail and some refreshments in the Double Cottage.
Member Appreciation
[29‑Aug‑2024] The AMC Western MA Chapter held its Member Appreciation Gathering/Picnic on August 25 at the AMC Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell, MA. The event and participants saw great weather and beautiful views, as well as friends and hiking partners from years past, and did a great job with the Noble View trivia questions!
Fall Fun in the Chapter
Monthly Chapter Message
[26‑Aug‑2024] You know what's hard? Knowing there are still so many trails, paths, waterways, and natural areas I haven't explored, or even discovered, in western Massachusetts. VIEW ARTICLE »
AMC Destinations
AMC Weekend Feature
[25‑Aug‑2024] Our lodging destinations provide comfortable accommodations and easy access to majestic places within the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions. And, proceeds from your visit help to support AMC's environmental conservation and outdoor education efforts. EXPLORE DESTINATIONS »
Ghost Plant
[23‑Aug‑2024] If you've been in the woods this summer, you may have come upon these ethereal plants and thought perhaps they are a fungus. They are known as Monotropa uniflora, ghost plant (for its white or pale pink translucent color), or Indian pipe plant.
The Cardigan All Persons Trail
AMC Weekend Feature
[18‑Aug‑2024] In 2023, AMC opened an All Persons Trail at AMC Cardigan Lodge, in New Hampshire's White Mountains. The out-and-back route is accessible for wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, and more. It's truly a pathway for everyone. Photo by Corey David Photography. YOUTUBE »
A Beautiful Sight
[18‑Aug‑2024] AMC Even a walk in the neighborhood can reveal a beautiful sight. This mama deer and her fawn were found in a Westfield neighborhood near Hampton Ponds recently. Hopefully you get a chance to get outdoors and see what you can find!
Member Appreciation Picnic
August 25, 2024, 1:00 to 4:00 PM
[15‑Aug‑2024] AMC members and anyone who is considering membership, are invited to join us for an afternoon of camaraderie and fun on Sunday, August 25, 2024 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the AMC Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell, MA. We want to show our appreciation to our members who support our mission of conservation, recreation, and access to the outdoors, and who participate and volunteer in the many activities the Chapter offers. Potential members can meet members and volunteers, and get a chance to see who we are and what we do.
Accessible Trails
[14‑Aug‑2024] Looking for wheelchair and stroller accessible trails in western Massachusetts? Check out our new interactive map with 18 accessible trails throughout western Massachusetts. Once on the page, just click on the wheelchair icon to see the name of the trail, a link when available, and the Google Maps location. See you outside!
Committee Reports
July 2024
[13‑Aug‑2024] From trail work and wildlife monitoring to trip leadership and event planning – here's what our committees were up to last month. VIEW ARTICLE »
Climbing at AMC
Chris Neil, Mountaineering Committee Chair
[12‑Aug‑2024] Most people probably associate AMC with hiking, but we have an active mountaineering committee that plans and leads guided climbing activities throughout the year. You may be thinking that it'll be too challenging to learn, but Chris Neil, the Chapter's Climbing Chair, explains their teaching philosophy. VIEW ARTICLE »
If You Play Outside
AMC Weekend Feature
[11‑Aug‑2024] There's a lot of political news happening this summer, and it can be hard to keep up with what's important to you. Here we break down three Supreme Court decisions that will affect you and the issues AMC works on. Story by Gabriella Gurney and Rae Ettenger. AMC RESOURCES »
The Tuesday Hikers
[10‑Aug‑2024] Scenes from the Tuesday Hiking Group's July hikes throughout western Massachusetts. Did you know that we lead a hike every Tuesday morning? UPCOMING ACTIVITIES »
Scavenging at Mt. Tom
[08‑Aug‑2024] Families that attended the Family Art Hike last Saturday at Mt. Tom had a blast doing a scavenger hunt hike then creating an art project that represented their experience. This event was the first-ever collaboration between the AMC Western MA Chapter and Mt. Tom. The park's summer interpreter Brianna Hannigan helped folks identify flora and fauna on the hike. Many thanks to Chapter volunteers Laura Stinnette and Heather Wyman who coordinated the event! MORE PHOTOS »
Women's Weekend a Success!
[06‑Aug‑2024] The third annual Connecting Women Connecting with Nature women's weekend retreat July 26-28 at the Noble View Outdoor Center was a huge success!
20 Years Ago in Chapter News
The Double Blaze
[05‑Aug‑2024] From the Summer 2004 issue of the Berkshire Exchange, we bring you the history of the Appalachian Trail from Cosmo Catalano, A.T. Chair. VIEW ARTICLE »
Go with a Guide
AMC Weekend Feature
[04‑Aug‑2024] AMC staff guides are outdoor pros with experience leading engaging excursions for all ages and experience levels. From handling planning logistics to educating participants, going with a guide makes for a better all-around experience. GUIDED OUTDOORS »
Rocket Says Look Up!
[04‑Aug‑2024] This month's StoryWalk® is "Rocket Says Look Up!" by Nathan Byron. It's the story of Rocket, a budding scientist, who tries to get everyone excited about watching an upcoming meteor shower. Unfortunately, her brother is more interested in looking at his phone. Come on up to the Noble View Outdoor Center and walk the new all person's trail with the kids as you read the story. The wild flowers are in full bloom and the view is gorgeous!
Come Join the Fun!
[03‑Aug‑2024] August is here and we have a jam-packed schedule of activities: everything from hiking and biking to natural heritage monitoring, urban walks, climbing and trail maintenance, something for everyone! VIEW ACTIVITIES »
August Volunteer Spotlight
[02‑Aug‑2024] For this month's Volunteer Spotlight we'd like to introduce you to one of the Chapter's new co-treasurers, Jeff Davis.
Member Appreciation Picnic
August 25, 2024, 1:00 to 4:00 PM
[29‑Jul‑2024] Please join us for an afternoon of camaraderie and fun with the AMC Western MA Chapter members on Sunday, August 25, 2024 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the AMC Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell, MA. We want to show our appreciation to our members who support our mission of conservation, recreation, and access to the outdoors, and who participate and volunteer in the many activities the Chapter offers. VIEW ACTIVITY »
Family Art Hike
August 3, 2024, 1:00-3:30 PM
[28‑Jul‑2024] Join us for a family-friendly scavenger hunt hike and art project at Mt Tom, co-sponsored by the AMC Western MA Family Programs Committee and the New England Scenic Trail. VIEW ACTIVITY »
Community Science
AMC Weekend Feature
[28‑Jul‑2024] Engaging hikers in hands-on science and monitoring can make a big impression in their learning and for the projects they participate in. Through activities along trails throughout the region and at AMC high huts, AMC provides opportunities to learn about plant flowering times and relationship to climate, snow distribution in mountains, light pollution at night, and mercury pollution in dragonflies. AMC »
Picnics and Privies and Art, Oh My!
Monthly Chapter Message
[27‑Jul‑2024] AMC = Outdoors + People. I have heard that representation from AMC staff, and lately it has become clearer for me. VIEW ARTICLE »
Save the Date!
October 25, 2024
[26‑Jul‑2024] Mark your calendars for our first in-person annual business meeting and celebration since 2019. Hope to see you there!
The NET: A Western MA Gem
[25‑Jul‑2024] Add the New England National Scenic Trail to your National Park Passport! Head over to Springfield Armory National Historic Site (where you can get a SPAR stamp too!) or Connecticut Forest & Park Association headquarters to add a stamp to your passport collection. How many National Park Service stamps have you collected over the years? NEW ENGLAND NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL - NET »
Trail Work Report
A.T. Management Committee
[25‑Jul‑2024] A group of volunteers made some improvements to the moldering privy at the campground at Mt. Greylock last Saturday. Enjoy this trail work report by AT Committee volunteer, Cosmo Catalano. VIEW ARTICLE »
Timber Rattlesnakes at Bear Hole
[24‑Jul‑2024] Sara Wisner and Andrew LaPorte from WWLP report on endangered Timber Rattlesnakes living in Bear Hole. WEST SPRINGFIELD ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE »
Professional Trail Services
AMC Weekend Feature
[20‑Jul‑2024] For more than 100 years AMC has offered professional trail crews that maintain and construct trails throughout the Northeast. Our expertise in trail construction, campsite planning and management, and mapping services help to develop and maintain non-motorized recreational trail networks. AMC »
Trail Angel
July 23, 2024 at 7:00 PM
[17‑Jul‑2024] The community is invited to attend the showing of "Trail Angel", a thirty minute video that shares the story of Tom Levardi, a Dalton native who has supported Appalachian Trail thru hikers for 45 years. Tom was given the nickname Trail Angel for allowing thru hikers to camp in his backyard while passing through Dalton, one of the few places on the 2,200 mile trail that crosses through a town. This event will be held Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at 7:00 pm at the Stationery Factory in Dalton. All are welcome and registration is not required. IBERKSHIRES.COM ARTICLE »
Responsible Forestry
AMC Weekend Feature
[14‑Jul‑2024] The 100-Mile Wilderness lies in the heart of Maine's North Woods, a region that features some of the largest areas of undeveloped forests, lakes, and ponds in the U.S. Since 2003, AMC has worked to conserve 100,000 acres of this critical forest, using our decades of conservation planning experience to develop a new model of land ownership for the Northeast, balancing responsible timber management with land conservation and community economic development. AMC »
Social Gathering at Noble View
[12‑Jul‑2024] Members of the Western MA Chapter Executive Committee and other Chapter volunteers met for a social gathering at the Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell in lieu of a formal meeting on Monday. Everyone enjoyed the rare opportunity to meet in person while enjoying some pizza, beverages and the gorgeous view from the Double Cottage.
Member Favorites
[11‑Jul‑2024] Looking for somewhere new to go for outdoor adventures? Check out the Member Favorites page for seven interactive maps with some of our members' favorite places to hike, bike, ski, and paddle.
Every Kid Can Be a Junior Naturalist!
AMC Weekend Feature
[07‑Jul‑2024] At AMC, we believe everyone plays a part in our conservation work, including kids! AMC Junior Naturalists are curious children, ages five through twelve, who take a pledge to respect all living things, learn about the natural world, and work towards protecting our planet. Story by Matt Morris. AMC OUTDOORS BLOG »
The Hike
[06‑Jul‑2024] This month's StoryWalk® at Noble View is "The Hike" by Alison Farrell. This fun story features three girls who go hiking in their local forest and experience nature in their own special way. It celebrates friendship and the joy of exploring in the outdoors. Come up to Noble View with your littles to hike the new All Person's Trail and read this lovely story as you go. This trail is perfect for strollers, and dogs are welcome but must be on a leash at all times.
Tuesday Afternoon
Western MA Mountaineering
[03‑Jul‑2024] Everyone probably knows that we offer guided hikes, cycling and paddling outings on a regular basis, but did you know that we have an active mountaineering committee that leads climbing events? VIEW ACTIVITIES »
July Volunteer Spotlight
[02‑Jul‑2024] This month's Volunteer Spotlight shines on Carly Cavanaugh, who joined the Executive Committee as one of the co-treasurers in March. Here's what Carly had to say about why she wanted to get involved in the AMC.
Regional Day Hikes
AMC Weekend Feature
[30‑Jun‑2024] The Northeast and mid-Atlantic have a lot to offer for those seeking a rewarding day hike in their local area. Whether you're looking for a scenic waterfall to picnic by, a challenging summit to reach, or just a relaxing walk in the woods, these day hikes are worth checking out. AMC BUCKET LIST »
Come Play With Us This Summer!
Monthly Chapter Message
[29‑Jun‑2024] Happy summer everyone! We are reveling in the warm sunshine, green trees, and summer flowers blooming everywhere, and we have so many fun activities to fill these long summer days. VIEW ARTICLE »
Hoosac Range Hike
[26‑Jun‑2024] The Tuesday Hiking Group enjoyed blue skies and gorgeous views, and of course, the Yoda tree, on their Hoosac Range hike in North Adams yesterday. The Chapter leads a hike every Tuesday, as well as other hikes throughout the week. View upcoming hikes on our activities page and join us for great exercise, beautiful scenery, and comraderie. MORE PHOTOS »
Another Bad Plant!
Wild Parsnip
[25‑Jun‑2024] Wild parsnip is an invasive plant from Europe and Asia that has become naturalized in North America. It is well suited for colonizing disturbed areas but can also be found in open fields and lawns. Wild parsnip sap can cause painful, localized burning and blistering of the skin. Image by Pfc598 on Wikipedia. NYSDEC »
AMC's Alpine Stewards
AMC Weekend Feature
[23‑Jun‑2024] Get above treeline on any of New Hampshire's high peaks, and you'll find a landscape of contrast. Here in the alpine zone, a single step could disrupt decades of plant growth. Story by Matt Morris. AMC OUTDOORS BLOG »
Hike to Upper Goose Pond
[21‑Jun‑2024] The Tuesday Hiking Group enjoyed an awesome hike to Upper Goose Pond and the AMC Upper Goose Pond Cabin via the Appalachian Trail in Becket and Lee, led by hike leader and Family Programs Chair, Laura Stinette. Join us on these weekly hikes, or any of our other guided activities. Hope to see you outside!
Happy First Day of Summer!
[20‑Jun‑2024] Today marks the longest day of the year and the start of our busiest season with so many opportunities to join in guided activities – paddling hiking, climbing, cycling, trail maintenance, conservation projects and even some cabin renovation – something for everyone!
Juneteenth
[19‑Jun‑2024] On June 19, 1865, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation took effect, Union soldiers entered Galveston, TX to announce that the remaining 250,000 slaves in the state should be freed immediately, finally putting an end to slavery. This day became known as Juneteenth and was celebrated for many years by African Americans. It became a national holiday in 2021. You can learn more about the historical significance of this holiday by searching the list of resources we have posted on our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion pages. We hope you have a few moments today to check it out. DEI RESOURCES »
Mitigating Climate Change
AMC Weekend Feature
[16‑Jun‑2024] Climate change impacts our health, from the spread of diseases to our physical health to our food sources - not to mention the increasing impact of natural disasters. It's no wonder a new term has arisen: climate anxiety. Story by Gabriella Gurney; photo courtesy of the author. AMC OUTDOORS BLOG »
20s/30s Paddle the Connecticut River
[14‑Jun‑2024] The 20s/30s group - led by Chair Matt Hart and Paddling Co-Chair Deb Weisenstein - met up on a gorgeous day this week to paddle the Connecticut River. See more photos on Facebook. 20S/30S COMMITTEE »
Bad Plant!
Giant Hogweed
Committee Reports
May 2024
[11‑Jun‑2024] From trail work and wildlife monitoring to trip leadership and event planning – here's what our committees were up to last month. VIEW ARTICLE »
Hut-to-Hut Around the World
AMC Weekend Feature
[09‑Jun‑2024] For more than a century, AMC has given the world the opportunity to explore pristine alpine terrain by day and spend nights in our famed high mountain huts. But we're not the only ones. Story by Matt Morris; photo by Douglas Scortegagna on Flickr Commons. AMC OUTDOORS BLOG »
Laurel Day 2024
[09‑Jun‑2024] It was a beautiful afternoon at the AMC Noble View Outdoor Center as we continued the long tradition of Laurel Day with hikes to view the mountain laurels in full bloom, a chili supper and some strawberry shortcake. Thanks to all who came to celebrate with us and to all the volunteers who made it happen! PHOTOS »
Urgent Action Needed
[05‑Jun‑2024] There was a great turnout at the Silvio O. Conte Nature Preserve All Persons Trail last Saturday for National Trails Day! This event was held to raise awareness of the Trails for All Bill which supports the expansion of accessible opportunities in the outdoors. Contact key Massachusetts Senate members and ask them to send the bill to the Senate floor for a vote. LEARN MORE »
Hiking, Chili and Chillin' on Laurel Day
June 8, 2024 3:00-7:00 PM
[05‑Jun‑2024] Join us at Noble View Outdoor Center to enjoy the spring mountain laurels in bloom! Old and new friends of Noble View are invited to drop by for an hour or stay the afternoon at this event that commemorates the early history of Noble View and the Western MA Chapter of the Appalachian Club (formerly Berkshire Chapter). Rain date is June 9, 2024.
It Looked Like Spilt Milk
[05‑Jun‑2024] This month's StoryWalk® at AMC's Noble View Outdoor Center is "It Looked Like Spilt Milk" by Charles Green Shaw. Originally published in 1947, this picture book features a series of changing white images on a blue background and the reader is asked to guess what the image is. You can check out this story as you walk the new, all-person's trail at Noble View, lined at this time of year with the beautiful mountain laurels that are now blooming.
TrailsFest
[03‑Jun‑2024] Lots of fun at TrailsFest National Trails Day celebration at Wachusett Mountain on Saturday - guided hikes, music, food, and hobnobbing with fellow outdoor enthusiasts! PHOTOS »
Reducing Stress Outdoors
AMC Weekend Feature
[02‑Jun‑2024] Study after study has shown that spending time in nature reduces the stress hormone cortisol, among many other benefits. One way to experience this is through forest bathing. Story by Matt Morris; photo by Dean Cerrati, AMC Photo Contest. AMC OUTDOORS BLOG »
Bears, Waterfalls, and Slippers
[01‑Jun‑2024] The Tuesday hikers were thrilled on this week's hike at the Mary Edward's Mountain Property in Granby with two bear sightings - one that was running in the woods and a mama bear and her cub crossing the street as the group was leaving. The hike also featured a waterfall, Lady's Slippers and gorgeous Hellebore. To join this group, which hikes every Tuesday, or any of our guided hikes, bike rides, or climbing outings, visit our Chapter Activities page. Hope to see you outside!
National Trails Day 2024
[01‑Jun‑2024] National Trails Day occurs on the first Saturday in June and recognizes the benefits federal, state and local trails provide for recreation and exposure to nature. Explore some of our member's favorite trails on our interactive maps. MEMBER FAVORITES »
The Western MA Exchange
communications@amc-wma.org
editor: the communications chair ✧ reporter: the chapter webmaster ✧ proofreader: the chapter chair ✧ contributors: our chapter members
Q1: December – February ✧ Q2: March – May ✧ Q3: June – August ✧ Q4: September – NovemberVisit our committees: