The Western MA Exchange Archive

As a volunteer, Mike was a New England National Scenic Trail (NET) Adopter on Section 10 for 3 years and a part of the NET Management Committee in the Western MA Chapter for a year. According to Kevin Peloski, the Chapter's NET Chair, "He was always willing to help with projects, smile on his face, talking about old school rock and roll!!" When the NET was being rerouted on Section 6 at Mt Tom, he assisted a new trail adopter to learn how to paint new blazes and cover up old ones. Nan Mack, Noble View Caretaker, worked closely with Mike as he assisted her in caring for the Noble View property. He mowed lawns, helped clear stone walls, and kept trail signs inventoried and clean. He once volunteered to stack wood covered in snow for a weekend at Cardigan Lodge in New Hampshire. She stated "Whatever it took - Mike was the good kind of crazy." We are truly grateful for Mike's commitment and dedication to the Appalachian Mountain Club and we send our deepest condolences to his family and friends. He will be deeply missed. There will be a private memorial service for Mike at Noble View on Sunday, June 1^st, but anyone wishing to express their condolences and share stories are welcome to stop by after 3:00 PM. MORE PHOTOS »

HIKING COMMITTEE »

People's State Forest encompasses the Barkhamstead Lighthouse community, the settlement of a Narragansett Native American, James Chaugham and his European-born wife, Molly Barber. The couple established the community in the mid-eighteenth century and their decendents lived there until 1860. Remnants of the Native American community remain with informative placards explaining what was left behind, including a cemetery. MORE PHOTOS »

If you make it to the top of Mt Greylock, you will find this iconic monument. It is the MA Veterans War Memorial, a 92-foot-tall granite tower with a spiral staircase inside. It was dedicated in June 1933 to commemorate the courage, endurance, loyalty and self-sacrifice of all servicemen and servicewomen from the Commonwealth. We can all honor that sacrifice by doing our part to protect this precious resource - our land.

In MA they are listed as endangered, which means they are protected from killing, collecting, possessing, or selling, as well as from any activities that would destroy their habitat or disrupt their behavior. Please remember to practice Leave No Trace principles and take only photos of these beautiful natural gems. MORE PHOTOS »

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Bright Water Bog is a Kestrel Land Trust property that was donated by Julian Janowitz, a local psychiatrist and artist who wanted to share his love of art and nature with others. As you walk around Ames Pond on the trails and boardwalks through the bogs, you can view his amazing sculptures including a spider web and The Magical Door. The group also enjoyed identifying all the wildflowers on the trail which included trillium, a lady slipper, wild blueberries and strawberries, bluets, and littleleaf skullcap. It was a wonderful experience for all! MORE PHOTOS »

On Saturday, despite the gloomy weather, some significant preparatory work was done. Jon, Russ, Warren, Ed, Maggie, Sarah, Mike and Cosmo showed up as the rain was just winding down and trekked up a soggy Caretaker's Trail to the Cabin – of note, our efforts to maintain the road have paid off – it was quite driveable despite nearly 2" of rain. Upon arrival, our team of sawyers went off to address some hazard trees at the campsites, while the amphibious group got ready to install the dock parts. We quickly got the dock into the water and bolted together. Seems we might have finally gotten the hang of it...this might have been because our friend Mike Brick was not there directing traffic – I do miss that guy. We also removed quite a pile of scrap lumber from earlier projects that had been stored beneath the Cabin. It's been there – unused – for about 10 years "just in case we might need it". We'll cut it into fireplace lengths for campfires this season. Sitting under the Cabin it was a potential hazard in the event of a "ground fire", the frequency of which seems to be increasing the in the Berkshires. On Sunday – under blue skies and a nice breeze – Mary B, Mary E, Warren, Bonnie, Rob, Trish, Russ, and Cosmo made quick work of removing shutters, organizing the kitchen, setting up the wash station, testing the stove, gas lights, and fire alarms and generally getting things cleaned up and tidy for our first Caretaker, Nancy, who arrived about noon. We also replaced the broken fire grate and updated the fireplace screen with one that actually stands up on its own – plus some new fireplace tools. Our newly donated canoe was put into service collecting spring water from across the pond. The Cabin season is off to a great start – many thanks to all who have helped get things up and running over the past month (five of this weekend's crew were 2025 Caretakers)! Some of our upcoming projects:

• Saturday May 24th: Repairs to the Hop Brook Boardwalk.
• Saturday June 7th: National Trails Day – we will be clearing brush from the Reynolds Rock lookout in Cheshire.
• Sunday June 8th: We're working with Green Mountain Club volunteers to start work on a Trail relocation at the VT/MA border.
• Monday-Tuesday June 9th and 10th: We'll be monitoring rare plants in the Mt Greylock Summit area.

View our upcoming activities on our committee webpage.

Since 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club has been inspiring people to connect with the outdoors. From pioneering trails and protecting wild spaces to fostering a love of adventure across generations, AMC's story is one of conservation, community, and discovery. As we approach our 150^th anniversary in 2026, we invite you to celebrate this incredible milestone with the AMC 150^th Relay – a one-of-a-kind journey linking the iconic trails and landscapes we cherish. Together, let's honor our past and shape the future of outdoor recreation and stewardship. In celebration of 150 years, the Appalachian Mountain Club will host a historic 1,500-mile torch relay from Virginia to Maine, beginning in March and ending in October 2026. This epic journey will unite hikers, paddlers, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts to carry a ceremonial torch across cherished trails, breathtaking landscapes, and beloved AMC lodges and camps. Along the way, vibrant events in cities like New York and Boston and celebratory gatherings at key AMC locations will bring our mission to life. Together, we'll celebrate our shared love for nature, our commitment to conservation, and the spirit of adventure that connects us all. Everyone is invited to participate by cheering on the participants, adopting a leg of the relay, or showing up at one of the celebrations along the route. Visit the 150th Anniversary home page to view the relay route and learn how to get involved, or watch a short video presentation to learn more.

From planning and leading recreational activities to seasonal trail work – here's what our committees were up to last month.

A.T. Management

The most recent A.T. Committee meeting was May 5 ✧ Seasonal project work is in full swing. Projects since the last report include a survey of the potential layout of the new Shaker campsite, blowdown clearing on Mt Greylock, brush clearing at Tyringham Cobble, corridor boundary maintenance in Tyringham, and corridor infringement monitoring ✧ Upper Goose Pond cabin was opened with a caretaker on Sunday, May 11 ✧ Work on the Upper Goose Pond cabin chimney was completed in early May ✧ Seasonal project work is ongoing; see the Outdoor Connector (OC) for details on upcoming A.T. projects and how to volunteer ✧ Volunteer recruitment needs include trail maintainers, corridor monitors, a shelter coordinator, and a communications coordinator ✧ Next meeting: August 25, 2025

Bicycling

April events: The warm-up ride on 04/12 was cancelled due to weather; the 04/26 warm-up ride has been rescheduled for 04/27 ✧ Upcoming May and June bike rides are posted on the OC: (05/24) Warm-up ride in the Berkshires; (06/07) National Trails Day (NTD) - Berkshire Rail Trail Ride

Communications

Our social media accounts continue to gain new followers. All Facebook data points decreased this month despite an increase in the number of posts, while Instagram showed mixed results. Both data points on the website increased slightly in April ✧ Facebook: 29 posts (top post: National Volunteer Week) ✧ Instagram: 19 posts (top post: Spring Warm-up Ride posted on 4/17) ✧ New this month on the website: an interactive map for NTD and an activities calendar, which downloads from the OC every six hours ✧ Ongoing webwork includes activity postings, updates to the Western MA Exchange, and site maintenance

Community Engagement

Planning continues for a Women+ Juneteenth Reflection Hike, a successful outing last year ✧ Karen Foster from our partner, All Out Adventures (AOA), presented trip planning and preparation for folks with accessibility needs on 05/01 ✧ We're planning hikes on the New England Scenic Trail (NET) with Miriam Maistelman, to be led with AOA as part of a grant received by AMC ✧ Visit Sign Up Genius to volunteer with AOA ✧ The Western MA Paddling Committee will have a transfer bench for use on the NTD paddle in the Berkshires ✧ We are continuing to reach out to folks about "An Act Expanding Access To Trails For People Of All Abilities" (MA Bill S.548). Sign our group support letter to the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources or use this form to send a letter to your state Rep and Senator ✧ The Interchapter Community Engagement Committee meets bimonthly

Family Programs

Held the "Family Vernal Pool Hike" with Nancy Condon and The Naturalist Club on 04/06 ✧ April's StoryWalk^® was "Its Spring" and continues through May 15^th ✧ Future StoryWalks^® have been secured with our collaborator, Hilltown Community Health Center, through contact with the new Hilltown Family Center director ✧ Utilized the HillTown Families marketing platform for "An UnderWater World: Creatures & Critters in the Stream" ✧ Scheduled the Wildflower Walk and Fairy House Creation Display for Sunday, May 18, 2025

Membership

Obtained AMC Western MA business cards and other literature ✧ Currently distributing AMC-branded cards to chapter chairs to share w/leaders ✧ Attending Tuesday hikes to meet leaders and other AMC members ✧ Planning continues for our NTD tabling event at Diane's Twist on the Ashuwilticook Trail in Cheshire (06/07/2025, 10AM-2PM). See all Western MA NTD events on the OC

NET Management

NET adopters, trail runners, and DCR staff gathered to do trail maintenance on Section 7 before the Seven Sisters Trail Race. Volunteers contributed over 60 hours at this 3^rd annual partnership event ✧ NET adopters participated in Adaptive Hiking Training with AOA at Noble View ✧ The NET Committee is providing updates for the new edition of the AMC MA Hiking Guide, which includes the NET and is updated every 5 years ✧ The NET Committee is working with the Membership and Communications chairs on NTD activities, which include staffing a table and a hike on the NET ✧ Wendell State Forest Shelter project planning continues with another site visit, acquisition of a building permit, and an update of material costs. We will remove and replace existing roof shingles and rotting structural beams ✧ NET adopters have reported almost 200 hours of volunteer time since the April 14 NET Committee report ✧ The next NET Committee meeting is scheduled for May 19, 2025

Paddling

The Paddling Committee last met on 03/19; committee goals and plans for 2025 were discussed ✧ Ann Gillard is working with Leigh Eubank of Hampshire College to borrow whitewater kayaks and equipment on AMC trips. Working through Aaron Gorban of AMC's Risk Management Office, a Memorandum of Understanding with Hampshire College has been signed and a Certificate of Insurance has been obtained ✧ Ann Gillard is developing a whitewater leader training curriculum with input from Deb and others ✧ Find upcoming trips on the OC

ATC »

50% OFF »

This online course will prepare you to safely lead groups on activities following AMC guidelines and protocols. After completion of the course, the Chapter's Training and Education Committee will contact you to set up the second phase of the training - in-person mentoring to plan and lead two outings in your chosen area (hiking, paddling, climbing, or cycling). For questions contact training@amc-wma.org.  »

Register for your adventure early as participation is limited on some of the activities. And don't forget to stop by Diane's Twist at 13 Main Street, Cheshire to grab a snack and some cool swag, and to learn about the exciting adventures we offer in the Western MA Chapter. We hope to see you on the 7^th! ACTIVITIES »

So make a plan come up to Noble View to walk the APT and read this beautiful story. You will also be able to view some fairy houses along the way and gather materials for your own fairy house. Bring a picnic lunch to sit on the lawn of the cottages and enjoy the view! From the entrance on South Quarter Road, follow the dirt road about a half a mile to the parking lot. The APT starts there.

MORE PHOTOS »

AMC RESOURCES »

The weather is perfect and there are so many great places to ride in western Massachusetts, from bike paths to rural rolling hills to challenging mountain roads. Here are some ways that you can commemorate this month:

• National Ride A Bike Day (May 4, 2025)
• Walk Bike & Roll to School Day (May 7, 2025)
• Bike to Work Week (May 12-18, 2025)
• Bike to Work Day (May 16, 2025)

We also want to let you know about our Bicycling Committee. Made up entirely of volunteers, we plan outings in western Massachusetts, from easier warm-up rides in the spring to challenging rides in the Berkshires. If you are new to recreational cycling, you can reach out to the Bicycling Committee (bicycling@amc-wma.org) to inquire about introductory classes that include a beginner ride with low mileage and an educational component focusing on basic riding skills, safety, and bike maintenance. Go to the Bicycling Committee page where you'll find great resources for cyclists and a listing of upcoming rides to join.

Trail work included removing multiple blowdowns, clearing the trail corridor, cutting back encroaching vegetation, and improving the traction on a staircase located between Bare Mt and Mt Hitchcock by installing wire meshing. Numerous runners who were training for the upcoming race, considered to be one of the hardest in the Northeast, expressed their gratitude to the volunteers with words of thanks and appreciation as they ran past. Our Chapter appreciates the hard work of our trail volunteers! Many thanks!! If you're interested in participating in future volunteer opportunities, visit our volunteer activities page. MORE PHOTOS »

We hope you will come join us as we explore the outdoors in one of the year's most beautiful periods. We have a full schedule of activities for you to join - hikes of course, but also family events to search for wildflowers or creatures in the stream, trail work outings to maintain trails and buildings, bicycling rides throughout the area, paddling outings and a hike for the 20s/30s - something for everyone! So choose your own adventure and come join the fun! UPCOMING ACTIVITIES »

We're hosting a hike on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail to the Cheshire Cobbles with a beautiful view of Mt Greylock and Cheshire Reservoir, a bike ride along the Ashwillticook Rail Trail that travels along the shore of the reservoir from Lanesborough to North Adams, and an opportunity to paddle on the reservoir surrounded by the beautiful Berkshire Mountains, as seen in this photo. Or, you can give back to the trails with several trail maintenance opportunities. You can meet some of the Executive Committee members at our table at Diane's Twist on Main Street in Cheshire, get some cool swag and a snack, and learn more about what we do in the Chapter. If you'd rather stay in the Connecticut River Valley, the New England Trail Maintenance Committee will be leading a hike at the Holyoke Range State Park. And if you're looking for something more challenging, you can join the group that will be hiking Mt. Cube in New Hampshire. You will need to register for the activity you choose. Not all of the events have been posted yet so please keep checking. We hope you will come celebrate National Trails Day with us!

There's so much happening in the Western MA chapter, and we'd love for you to be a part of it! Whether you're drawn to the trails, the roads, or bringing families together in the great outdoors, there's an activity waiting for you. Join us on National Trails Day (June 7th) for scenic hikes, bike rides, or paddling adventures in the beautiful Berkshires, Connecticut River Valley and beyond. Celebrate National Bike Month by riding with our Bicycling Committee – whether you're a beginner or seasoned cyclist, we have rides and resources just for you. Or, if you're passionate about helping families connect with nature, consider volunteering with our Family Programs Committee. They host fun, hands-on adventures for kids and adults all year long. However you choose to participate, there's a place for you. So come explore, give back, and have fun – you bring the energy, we'll bring the adventure! Come join us! Kathy Martin, Western MA Chapter Chair

Save the date: Celebrate National Trails Day June 7^th

National Trails Day is celebrated annually on the first Saturday in June. This year, the Western MA Chapter invites you to a day of celebration in Cheshire on Saturday, June 7, 2025. We are offering many different activities on this day so you can choose your own adventure! We are hosting a hike on the Appalachian Trail to the Cheshire Cobbles with a beautiful view of Mt Greylock and Cheshire Reservoir, a bike ride along the Ashwillticook Rail Trail that travels along the shore of the reservoir from Lanesborogh to North Adams, and an opportunity to paddle on the reservoir surrounded by the beautiful Berkshire Mountains. Or, you can give back to the trails with several trail maintenance opportunities. You can meet some of the Executive Committee members at our table at Diane's Twist on Main Street in Cheshire, get some cool swag, and learn more about what we do in the Chapter. If you'd rather do something in the Connecticut River Valley, our New England Trail Committee will be hosting a hike at the Holyoke Range State Park. If you're looking for something more challenging, you can join the group that will be hiking Mt Cube in NH. You will need to register for the activity you choose. Not all of the events have been posted yet so please keep checking. We hope to see you on National Trails Day!

May is National Bike Month

This is the perfect time to let you know about our Bicycling Committee. Made up entirely of volunteers, our Bicycling Committee plans rides in Western MA from easier warm-up rides in the spring to challenging rides in the Berkshires with rolling hills. If you are new to recreational cycling, you can reach out to the Bicycling Committee to inquire about an Intro to Recreational Cycling ride that would include a beginner ride with low mileage and an educational component focusing on basic riding skills, safety, and bike maintenance. There are other ways you can get involved in National Bike Safety Month. First, go to the Bicycling Committee page where you'll find great resources for cyclists and a listing of our upcoming rides to join. You can also celebrate by joining the Bike to Work Week (May 12-18) or the Bike to Work Day on May 16^th. So, dust off that bike and come ride with us!

Family Programs Opportunity

Are you looking for a fun way to share your skills and enthusiasm for the outdoors? The Family Programs Committee would love to have you assist with their outings. The Family Programs Committee schedules adventures in western MA every month throughout the year. These adventures include family-friendly hikes, experiential outdoor activities that teach outdoor skills and conservation concepts, seasonal crafts and games, camping, family nights, and much more. We strive to instill confidence, collaboration, understanding and an appreciation of the outdoors so as to foster respect and stewardship of our planet and all living things. Our focus is to get everyone outdoors. Children of all ages and their families (including grandparents) are invited to join us. We invite you to come volunteer your time to our child-friendly outdoor adventures and experience the joy of watching little ones grow and learn and become stewards of our planet. Your ideas will be welcomed! For more information please send a message to familyprograms@amc-wma.org.

iNaturalist Flowers and Fauna of the A.T.

This project is a smartphone-oriented extension of AMC's long-term monitoring program Mountain Watch, which has been tracking how plants are responding to climate change since 2004. Learn more about how to get involved with this community science effort here.

The NET is a 235-mile hiking trail route that has been in existence for over half a century. It travels through 41 communities in CT and MA, and is comprised primarily of the historic Mattabesett, Metacomet, and Monadnock (M-M-M) Trail systems. Visit the NET Hike Challenge 2025 page for more information, printable for kids, and FAQ's. Then, get your kids, the dog, family or friends and head out on the trail!

TAKE ACTION TODAY »

Celebrate National Park Week by hiking a section or two this week or join us as we work to maintain these beautiful trails. You can find lots of helpful information, links to trail maps, and opportunities to get involved in trail maintenance projects by going to the Committees page and selecting AT Management or NET Management. And don't forget to visit the NPS website for some fun videos celebrating this year's theme- National Park Playlist.

Did you know that the Chapter is entirely volunteer led? We want to express our sincere gratitude to all the volunteers in the Western MA Chapter! We are beyond grateful that you have chosen to share your skills, enthusiasm and passion for the outdoors with us! Meet some of our volunteers and find out ways that you can give back and get involved on our Volunteer pages. MORE PHOTOS »

VIDEO »

WATCH »

Miriam Maistelman, NET Coordinator, described upcoming trail work projects, which include the AMC Pro Trails crew, Holyoke Teen Crew and NET volunteers. Instruction was provided on AMC's new Outdoors Connector and upcoming training opportunities at Trail Skills College were summarized. We are grateful to all the trail adopters who volunteer their time and energy to care for the NET! If you want to learn how to get involved, visit our NET page for more information or contact the Western MA NET Chair.

From planning and leading recreational activities to seasonal trail work – here's what our committees were up to last month.

20s/30s

Recent events include two XC skiing events at Notchview with the Worcester Chapter (02/22/2025 and 03/08/2025) and a hike at Mt Toby State Reservation (03/29/2025) ✧ The 20s/30s+ WhatsApp group now has over 70 members! ✧ Posted flyers on bulletin boards at local businesses throughout the valley and created an Instagram account

A.T. Management

There have been 2 wildlife transects since our last meeting: one on Race Mountain and the other in the Hop Brook area of Tyringham ✧ Seasonal project work has begun and includes bog bridge replacement and repair near the Shays' Rebellion monument in Sheffield, boundary maintenance around the Tyringham Cobble, brush clearing and blueberry bush trimming on Warner Hill in Hinsdale, and cleanup with chainsaws at 2 overnight sites after many hazardous trees were felled by professionals ✧ See the Outdoor Connector (OC) for details on upcoming A.T. projects and how to volunteer ✧ Volunteer recruitment needs include natural heritage monitors, trail maintainers, corridor monitors, and a shelter coordinator ✧ Next meeting: May 5, 2025

Communications

Our social media accounts continue to gain new followers. All Instagram data points showed improvement this month, while Facebook showed mixed results, despite an increase in the number of posts for the month. All of the data points for the emailed newsletter rose this month, including opening and link clicks ✧ Facebook: 27 posts (top post: Introducing Kim Carlino as a new MAL) ✧ Instagram: 19 posts (top post: Photos from the hike in Granby on March 5) ✧ Newsletters: 4086 messages sent ✧ Website: ongoing updates (activities, Western MA Exchange, conservation news, monthly maintenance)

Community Engagement

Working on an explanation of Affinity Trips and Allyship Guidelines ✧ Women+ Affinity Guided Wildflower Hike in the Southern Berkshires has been posted on OC ✧ The Interchapter Committee has been renamed the Community Engagement Committee and we are now meeting only bimonthly ✧ The Speaker Series has been renamed Community Voices Speaker Series ✧ We are hosting Karen Foster from AOA on May 1 2025 at 7:00 PM; she will speak on trip planning and preparation for folks with accessibility needs ✧ The Paddling Committee will have a transfer bench for use on the Trail Day paddle in the Berkshires. Interested volunteers can sign up to volunteer with AOA on Sign-Up-Genius ✧ Needed fixes on the All Persons Trail at Noble View have been reported to AMC ✧ Dawne attended an information session co-sponsored by Trails for All and AMC. The purpose of this session was to get the word out about "An Act Expanding Access To Trails For People Of All Abilities" (MA Bill S.548 H.915)

Family Programs

Nancy Condon, in collaboration with the Springfield Naturalist Club, designed a Vernal Pool Family Hike for Sunday April 6; outreach for this event has started ✧ The April StoryWalk^®, "Its Spring", will be installed on April 1, 2025 ✧ Dawne continues to take the lead in posting Family Programs into the OC; Laura starts OC training in April ✧ Reached out to a potential Family Programming committee member ✧ Contacted Hilltown Community Health Center to determine StoryWalk^® continuation at Noble View

Hiking

13 trip leaders were active this past quarter for 22 events

Membership

Obtaining AMC Western MA business cards and other literature ✧ Distributing AMC-branded cards to chapter chairs to share w/leaders ✧ Upcoming tabling event: National Trails Day at Diane's Twist on the Ashuwilticook Trail in Cheshire (06/07/2025, 10AM-2PM). Activities include a bike ride on the Ashuwilticook, a short hike on the A.T. near Cheshire, and paddling on Cheshire Lake. Refreshments will be provided. Giveaways: AMC cooling towels, new business cards, and pins ordered from the American Hiking Society ✧ Planning for promotional events continues

NET Management

The NET Mgmt Committee met on March 11 for 2025 Project Planning ✧ Connor Piechota - New England Trails Volunteer Program Supervisor was hired and will be assisting the NET Coordinator with the Holyoke Teen Crew and NET volunteer projects ✧ Adopters have already logged over 250 hours and removed 45 blowdowns ✧ The Adopter Spring Gathering was held on April 5 at the Notch Visitor Center at Mt Holyoke SP - over 20 adopters attended ✧ NET adopters will again assist on April 27 in conducting a trail clearing on Section 7 ( Mt Tom), in preparation for the Seven Sisters Trail Race scheduled for May 3

Paddling

The Paddling Committee last met on 03/19/2025; committee goals and plans for 2025 were discussed ✧ The Whitewater subcommittee will focus on our whitewater program, with Ann Gillard and another TBD volunteer organizing events ✧ Ann Gillard is working with Leigh Eubank of Hampshire College to arrange for whitewater kayaks and equipment to be borrowed for AMC trips ✧ Ann Gillard is developing whitewater leader training curriculum with input from others ✧ View upcoming trips on the OC

AMC RESOURCES »

This is a moderate to strenuous hike due to elevation changes and rocky terrain. The RFT route takes hikers over the top of the Range not once but twice, taking advantage of lower "saddles" in the ridge. The terrain is varied, with steep ascents and descents and also gentler flat or rolling rambles. Along the way, hikers experience both the northern and southern faces of the Range, portions of the famous ridgetop route with stunning views, and the lovely Lithia Springs Reservoir. This hike features varied landscapes, including hardwood forests, open ledges, and occasional steep sections that provide a good workout. We'll take breaks to enjoy the views and appreciate the natural beauty that inspired poet Robert Frost, for whom the trail is named. REGISTER »

AMC RESOURCES »

April is Conservation Month in the Chapter. We recently sponsored an online talk about the dangers of rodenticides on birds of prey and periodically offer trash clean-up and invasive species removal events. Earth Day is April 22nd and we'd like to invite you to test your knowledge of Earth Day trivia by taking our Earth Day and How Long Does It Take? interactive quizzes to test your knowledge of Leave No Trace principles. What can you do for the environment? Bring a bag on your hikes to gather trash, clear trails of small branches, join one of our trail maintenance projects, or reach out to your representatives to support legislation that protects the environment. Go to the Protection page to learn more. And, if you're not already a member, you can join AMC to support all of the work we do to protect and conserve land along the Appalachian Trail Corridor.

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES »

MORE PHOTOS »

AMC RESOURCES »

Kim has developed a love of all things botanical from her many wanderings, and is currently finishing a plant studies certificate with Native Plant Trust. She loves ferns, moss, native orchids and the Eastern Towhee. When not on the trail, Kim is an artist and can be seen painting murals across the Valley and beyond or exhibiting her eco-geometric paintings. She wanted to join AMC to be part of the incredible community and to volunteer to lead hikes that bring together ideas of art, nature and place. We are so happy that Kim has decided to share her passion for the outdoors and the arts with us! To learn about volunteer opportunities in the Chapter and meet some of our other volunteers, visit our volunteer pages.

MORE PHOTOS »

We'd like to introduce you to one of our new volunteers on the Western MA Chapter's Executive Committee, John Adams. John has joined as a Member At Large and will work on special projects within the Chapter. When asked to talk about his interests and what he loves about being an AMC volunteer, this was his response: "I was initially drawn to the AMC by its outdoor activities. I enjoy hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, kayaking, bicycling, and trail blazing. I ski out my back door when the snow conditions are right. I skate on a nearby pond and enjoy pond hockey. I cut and burn brush every year. I have launched my kayak on the Connecticut River. I have hiked sections of the A.T. and would like to do more. I'm a Massachusetts native and after a career in the federal government in Washington DC, I retired to western Massachusetts ten years ago." "I believe the benefits of the AMC go well beyond the pleasures of outdoor activities. We live in a challenging and changing natural environment. As the world grows warmer and more polluted, animal habitats shrink and species become extinct at an alarming rate, and our weather becomes more erratic, the AMC can help make a difference. It does this directly by acquiring and conserving forests, trails, rivers, and wild lands and advocating for legislation. The social benefits of the AMC are an added bonus. Strangers who share an interest in hiking and other outdoor activities quickly become friends, broadening our horizons, sharing knowledge, and enriching our lives." We are so grateful that John has chosen to share his passion, skills and commitment to the outdoors with us! If you are interested in sharing your talents with us, please check out our volunteer opportunities or contact us at info@amc-wma.org.

AMC RESOURCES »

For the last several years, bicycle trip leaders have scheduled several introductory road cycling activities in the spring and summer, each including a beginner ride with low mileage and an educational component focusing on basic riding skills, safety, and bike maintenance. Interest has been mixed. This year we're reaching out to our membership to assess demand for this activity for 2025. If you are interested in participating in this activity, please send an email to bicycling@amc-wma.org. A bike trip leader will reach out to you to schedule an Introduction to Recreational Riding program with you. BICYCLING COMMITTEE »

The purpose of a wild transect is to find and document evidence of wildlife activity in a given area. See additional photos from his outing here. There are more wildlife transects in the weeks to come, as well as trail work, cabin maintenance, and corridor monitoring. Visit the A.T. Management Committee's page to learn more. Photo: Fresh porcupine chew on a small beech tree, near den and hemlock nip twigs.

With temperatures rising into the 60s, the snow nearly melted, and my shoes caked in mud, there's no denying it – spring has arrived. It's that magical time of year when everything feels fresh, alive, and full of possibility. Spring is a season of renewal, adventure, and giving back to the places we love. Whether you're looking to challenge yourself on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.), celebrate Earth Day with meaningful action, or recognize the incredible volunteers who keep our trails and programs thriving, the Western MA Chapter has something for you! Join us for an unforgettable hiking series covering the entire 90 miles of the A.T. in Massachusetts – perfect for section hikers, aspiring thru-hikers, or anyone seeking an adventure. Celebrate Earth Day by learning how to protect our environment, testing your knowledge with our Earth Day quiz, or participating in hands-on conservation projects. And during National Volunteer Week, we recognize the dedicated individuals who keep our chapter running – entirely through volunteer efforts! Whether you want to hike, help maintain trails, or lend your skills to conservation work, there's a place for you in our community. Take that first step outside, connect with nature, and be part of something bigger this season! Kathy Martin, Western MA Chapter Chair

Come Section Hike the A.T. in Massachusetts with Us!

Maybe you wouldn't even consider hiking the entire A.T. – all 2,197.4 miles, 5 million steps, and 14 states of it – from Georgia to Maine but would love to do parts of it, or maybe that's a bucket list item. Wherever you stand, the Western MA Chapter is here to help you take that first step! Join us this summer for an exciting and challenging hiking series covering the entire 90 miles of the A.T. in Massachusetts. Whether you're testing the waters for a future thru-hike or just looking for an unforgettable adventure, this series is your gateway to the trail! There will be 14 hikes every weekend (Saturday or Sunday) from May 3 to August 4th. The hikes will range from 5.0 to 9.5 miles, averaging 7.2 miles. The series moves south to north, but leaders may adjust the direction of an individual hike section based on preference and parking. Each hike will be posted individually starting in early April. Use Keyword Search "AT Hiking Series" on the AMC Outdoors Connector to register for the individual hikes. Preference will be given to those committing to the full series. Click HERE for details. Happy trails!

How Will You Recognize Earth Day?

Earth Day has been a global celebration every April 22^nd since 1970. Earth Day was begun by a U.S. senator to raise national awareness of deteriorating environmental conditions across the country. The first Earth Day achieved a rare political alignment between Republicans and Democrats, rich and poor, urban dwellers and farmers, and business and labor leaders, and united individual activists in their fight against pollution. This led to the consolidation of environmental responsibilities under one federal government agency, the EPA, and decades of regulations to curb ecological damage. One of the AMC's primary goals is to protect the mountains, forests, waters, and trails of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions through hands-on stewardship, scientific research, and public policy advocacy. Here in western MA, we strive to support this mission through the work of volunteers in the Appalachian Trail Management Committee, the New England Trail Management Committee, and the Conservation Committee. Want to know what can you do to help?

• You can go to any one of those Committee pages to learn what the Chapter is doing to conserve, maintain and protect the trails, forests and waterways in western Massachusetts.
• You can join an online workshop coming up next week: Protect Our Predators: Your Role in Safeguarding Birds of Prey from Rodent Poison.
• You can test your knowledge by taking our Earth Day Quiz.
• And, finally, you can go to the Chapter Activities page to join specific activities such as wildlife transects, maintaining the trail corridor boundary, trail maintenance, bridge repair and other hands-on projects. We are always looking for new volunteers.

National Volunteer Week

Lend your skills and passion for the outdoors
National Volunteer Week is coming up next month – April 20-26 – and we would like to take this opportunity to recognize the hundreds of volunteers in the Western MA Chapter. Did you know that the Chapter is run entirely by volunteers? This includes the members of the Executive Committee, hundreds of trail maintainers on the A.T. and the NET, and countless activity leaders who guide hiking, bicycling, paddling, climbing, skiing, conservation, and trail work outings. We cannot thank them enough for their commitment and dedication to fulfilling AMC's mission to foster the protection, enjoyment and understanding of the outdoors!
We would love to have you lend your skills and passion for the outdoors with us. To meet some of our wonderful volunteers, and to find out ways to get involved in Chapter, go our Volunteer page and join the fun!

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Ever consider becoming an activity leader for AMC? We're offering two in-person training opportunities so you can lead hiking, paddling, bicycling, climbing, or skiing outings: Outdoor Leadership Training Weekend on April 12 and 13 in Holden, MA 8-hr Leadership Training on April 26 at Hammonasset State Beach, Madison, CT The format consists of lectures, small group exercises, and role-play scenarios. Topics include trip planning and trip organization, safety, leadership approaches, group dynamics, and conservation with an emphasis on decision-making skills.

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We will start in the pool on Saturday morning, learning about boats, equipment, and fit; how to safely exit a capsized kayak; and basic paddle strokes and maneuvers. In the afternoon, we will either continue in the pool or travel to a class 1-2 river within 90 minutes to practice river skills (ferrying, eddying out, peeling out) on easier water, based on the needs and interests of the group. On Sunday, we will meet at a class 1-2 river and enjoy a river run. Rivers will be selected based on flows appropriate for beginner whitewater kayakers. Possibilities include Satan's Kingdom or the upper Tariffville section of the Farmington River in CT, or the Shunpike or upper Fife sections of the Deerfield River in MA. Click here to register.

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