The Western MA Exchange Archive

The Gorge is a great place for hiking year-round with gorgeous views of the river, and this time of year is perfect for snowshoeing, hiking, or cross-country skiing. In the warmer months, cyclists love it for mountain biking as the road continues for about 7 miles to the Knightville Dam. Families can be found picnicing along the river and wading in the water to cool off after a walk. There are two parking lots — one owned by The Trustees, which charges a nominal fee, and the other a private snowmobile club that asks for donations. Dogs are allowed by must be leashed at all times. This trail is accessible for children, jogging strollers, and adapted wheelchairs. MORE PHOTOS »

Thank you, Anne, for an unforgettable evening filled with rich discussion and the exploration of such an inspiring figure in hiking history. We're grateful for your talent and the joy you brought to our virtual book discussion! Learn more about Grandma Gatewood and her journey and visit Anne's website where she brings history to the present. And stay tuned for details about our third and final Winter Book Club Meeting which will be held on March 23.

MORE PHOTOS »

MORE PHOTOS »

AMC RESOURCES »

The trail, which follows the east branch of the Westfield River, was nicely packed by snowmobiles (though none were seen) and the weather hinted at spring which is just around the corner. Thanks for organizing it, Kathy Martin! MORE PHOTOS »

If you are interested in participating, please follow the links below and sign up for your desired event(s)! Saturday, March 7: Snowshoe Hike at Wendell State Forest
Friday, April 10: Guided Hike at Ashley Reservoir

We enjoyed delicious food provided by the Lenox High School Crew team, a major fundraiser for the team, and some social time with other members of our AMC Western MA community. Then the sold-out crowd was awed by inspiring and moving documentaries of people in the outdoors — from a paralyzed mountain bike rider creating an accessible trail for adapted mountain bikes to a pair of twins from Indonesia competing in mountain climbing at high level, despite lack of support and funding. The films were visually stunning and truly inspirational! If you have a chance to go to one of the showings, we highly recommend it.

We just lost a major battle in the fight to protect the outdoors. Yesterday, the EPA finalized its decision to revoke the endangerment finding — the science-based and common-sense determination that greenhouse gases harm human health and the environment. Without it, the agency loses its authority to regulate emissions, leaving our skies vulnerable to increased air pollution. Last September, when this rollback proposal was first introduced, AMC's Conservation Action Network showed up. You spoke up for science. You spoke up for public health. You spoke up for the outdoors we all share. Clean air is not an abstract policy. It's the difference between a joyful day outdoors and a harmful one. At AMC, we've seen firsthand what the Clean Air Act makes possible, and we know that the endangerment finding is the legal foundation for many of these protective programs. Through our multi-decade air quality research, we've measured meaningful progress toward clearer skies. AMC research has also documented how air pollution impacts even healthy hikers, causing irritation and increased asthma symptoms on poor air quality days. In the face of clear science, it's disheartening to speak up and feel ignored by decision makers. But we aren't done defending the outdoors, and our community must be louder than ever. What can you do? Join AMC's Conservation Action Network (CAN) to stay informed and take action. Your voice matters. No matter the challenge, we'll keep sending you ways to stay engaged so we can defend the outdoors together.

Fourteen volunteers received Hart or Pychowska awards from AMC for their service in 2025. Thirty-year volunteer, Steve Smith received the AMC Volunteer Leadership Award. Steve was unable to attend due to weather, but the award will be presented at the AMC 150 event at Noble View on May 23. Stay tuned for details!

The briefing saw a half-dozen speakers impressing the importance of road safety cameras from different perspectives. State Senator William Brownsberger and Representative Steve Owens welcomed everyone, emphasizing how strongly they feels about this particular technology in protecting vulnerable people on our roads. MassBike's UCLA law externship student Casey Simon-Plumb explained the ramifications of the bill for a municipality's options for traffic enforcement, and Somerville Mayor Jake Wilson frankly outlined his support for automated enforcement, saying that it was "just common sense." Four members of Families for Safe Streets Massachusetts spoke, all of whom had lost someone to traffic violence, reminding us of the reasons why we do this work. Worcester Police Sergeant Foley, joined by Chief Saucier, expounded on the difficulties in enforcing speed limits and how Worcester declared traffic crashes a "crisis" due dangerous driving, and he described the burden he personally faces as his job requires him to tell people about their family members who had been killed in a crash. Chief Saucier noted that his department is down 58 officers this year due to budget constraints, and having this tool will help them increase enforcement to be both equitable and affordable for the department. Audience members later described the deep emotional impact the featured speakers had on them. Watch the briefing and find out how to take action to support this bill.

ATC »

The AMC community grows stronger every time someone decides to lead. Interested in becoming a trip leader? Winter is a beautiful time to start! Contact info@amc-wma.org for information on how to become a trip leader with the AMC Western MA Chapter.

At the AMC annual business meeting last month, AMC announced this year's trail committee volunteer awards. Recipients from the Western MA Chapter have been marked with an asterisk. We offer our heartfelt gratitude to these dedicated volunteers for their commitment to preserving and maintaining our beloved trails!

Warren Hart Award

The Warren Hart Award bears the name of a volunteer who was AMC Councilor of Improvements (Trails) from 1908-1910. Hart was a stellar example of the spirit of trail volunteerism. He spent 28 days in 1908 creating trails in the Great Gulf Wilderness and inspired other members to join in the effort by his personal example. By 1910, Hart lead "working sections" of 40 people in summer trail building expeditions. This award goes to volunteers who record over 224 hours in one or more qualifying categories in a calendar year.Hart Awardees are:

• Gary Adamson*
• David Agneta
• John Bergacs
• Greg Bernet
• Dave Boone
• Warren Buhl*
• Cosmo Catalano*
• Dave Coderre*
• David Cohen*
• Phil Coyne
• Jim Fergione*
• Bob Goldsmith
• James Greaney
• Jim Liptack
• Ted Loukides*
• Gregg Nolting
• Jim Pelletier*
• Frank Polito
• Ruel Rene
• Kerry Robinson
• Peter Roderick
• Guay Scott
• Richard Silverberg
• Russ Skelton*
• Frederickson Skip
• Spencer Sprecker
• John Swanson
• Chip Ward

Marian Pychowska Award

The Marian Pychowska Award is named after a volunteer who stood out for her diverse activities. In the 1880s Pychowska helped build trails, created a trail map of the Northern Presidential Range, discovered the Pinnacle in Huntington Ravine, and may have been the first AMC-affiliated person to look at the impact of recreation. When a shelter was proposed near treeline she wrote, "we all fear if the public are invited to it the surroundings will become [littered]." Recipients of the Pychowska Award have recorded over 96 hours of volunteer time in one or more qualifying categories in a calendar year. They receive a $20 AMC gift card code, which can be used through AMC's online store. Recipients can also opt to receive a printed certificate on award paper. The Pychowska Awardees are:

• Ron Archambault
• Josh Barlow
• Bill Barrett
• Mies Bastille
• Gary Brigham
• Gale Carey
• Shaffer Cassandra
• Tony Chernasky
• Susan Cottle
• Bonnie Cramp*
• Rob Cramp*
• Garry Crane
• Steve Crowe
• Terry Delaney
• Wayne Desroches*
• Colleen Doshna
• Mary Eaton*
• Nancy Eaton*
• Christoph Geiss
• Rick Glatz
• Lou Graham
• Pat Grimm
• Cathy Hambleton
• Monty Harris
• Cassandra Haskell
• Joann Healey
• Terry Knuttunen
• Laura Lane
• Jeanine Libby
• Tim Linehan
• Adam Lippman
• Pete Malinowski
• Roy Marc
• Larry McAnallen
• Emily Merlino
• Judd Mora
• Peter Moulton
• Peter Nash
• Reder Paul
• Holly Riehl
• Knott Rota
• Phyllis Rubenstein
• Brian Sisko
• Ed Sokolnicki
• Sue Sorrow
• Janice Tassinari*
• Paul Thoma
• Judith Watson
• Josh Weeks*
• Debra Weisenstein*
• Doug Wilson

Congratulations to all the award recipients!

MORE PHOTOS »

ONE DRIVE »

FACEBOOK »

As we begin the new year, we're excited to share a snapshot of the energy, dedication, and community that make the AMC Western Massachusetts Chapter so special. This January highlight features the incredible work of our Appalachian Trail Management Committee, opportunities to get outside (and inside!) during the winter months with some truly unique outings, and an introduction to the volunteers who will be guiding our chapter forward as the 2026 Executive Committee. Together, these stories reflect the heart of our chapter: caring for the trails and lands we love, creating meaningful experiences for members of all ages, and supporting one another through strong volunteer leadership. And if you are new to our Chapter, we warmly welcome you and hope to get to know you better! Kathy Martin, Western MA Chapter Chair

Join Us for Some Fun and Unique Winter Activities

The winter months provide many opportunities for both indoor and outdoor activities. We are offering guided hikes, downhill skiing, indoor climbing in the gym, outdoor ice climbing, volunteer opportunities, a book club, and family activities. And coming up on February 1^st, we have two unique outings to consider. If you like to cross-country ski or snowshoe, come join us for a day of socializing and cross-country skiing or snowshoeing at Prospect Mountain in Woodford, Vermont. Prospect Mountain is the highest Nordic base lodge in Vermont at 2,250 feet and includes 40 km of groomed and tracked XC trails and snowshoe trails. We will meet for lunch at noon with complimentary hot cocoa. Click here for details and to register. Also on February 1^st, is an Owl Prowl, a family-friendly walk along a gravel road at the Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell, where great horned, barred, and screech owls may be calling from the shadows. Wrapped in scarves and starlight, we'll walk along the road lit by the full moon, listening for hoots and learning how these remarkable birds survive the harshest season of the year. We'll even teach you how to hoot and whistle like an owl. With luck, and a little patience, we may hear a pair calling back and forth across the icy hills.

January Committee Highlight- the Appalachian Trail Management Committee

The Chapter's AT Management Committee maintains and manages the Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts by partnering with Mass DCR and the National Park Service. The Committee organizes and supports the work of over 100 active volunteers who contributed over 8000 hours in 2025. In addition to "just" trail maintenance, the Committee's work covers multiple AT-related program areas: AT Lands Corridor monitoring and boundary maintenance, Natural Resource monitoring, Historical/Cultural Resource stewardship, and Overnight Site Maintenance. Volunteers also serve as 24/7 caretakers at Upper Goose Pond Cabin during the hiking season. The Committee's work also benefits from the support of four active AT Community organizations in North Adams, Cheshire, Dalton and Lee. You can find more information, resources, and upcoming volunteer activities on their committee page. The Committee holds an annual AT Volunteer Gathering for all AT volunteers and anyone interested in finding out more about what we do. This year's AT Gathering is on February 7^th in Dalton. All are welcome! Contact Cosmo for more information.

Meet the 2026 Executive Committee

At the 2025 Annual Business Meeting and Social in October, several new members were voted into the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee (ExCom) is the organizing level of chapter leadership, representing all the committees that keep bringing the wonderful AMC chapter activities and initiatives to members. The ExCom is made up entirely of volunteers, consisting of four officers, twelve committee chairs, and two members-at-large. The Executive Committee meets monthly to oversee all of the activities offered by the Chapter. Here are the 2026 Executive Committee Members.

FEATURED EVENT

Join AMC's Club-wide Conservation Committee (CCC) for an informative virtual open house on January 27 where volunteers, chapter leaders, and conservation champions from across AMC come together to shape what's next. Learn about our 2026 conservation strategy, celebrate 2025 local conservation actions, and explore chapter as well as volunteer camp & cabin opportunities to engage in 2026. Everyone is welcome, regardless of your experience and prior AMC conservation involvement. Learn more and register here.

AMC RESOURCES »

VT PUBLIC »

The gathering will start with some coffee and socializing, followed by a general session to highlight past activities and outline projects for 2026. After lunch there will be some breakout sessions to learn more about the activities of the Committee. This is open to all current A.T. volunteers and anyone interested in learning more about the Committee's projects. Contact Cosmo Catalano (catalano.cosmo@gmail.com) with questions and to register.

TIMELINE »

Among several key themes, the need for better, more consolidated communication about the full range of outdoor recreation activities available in the region was a top priority. Thanks to funding received from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission developed this website in partnership with several fellow stakeholders. The AMC Western MA Chapter has several links on the Resources page that direct users to our activity committees' pages and to the Chapter Activities page of our website. Just click the link and find your next adventure! RESOURCES »

Thirty members hiked, cooked meals, played games, crafted, did puzzles, and practiced yoga and forest bathing throughout the weekend. They're planning to make this an annual event, renting out the entire lodge next year! Bravo to the leaders who planned this event and to all the folks who joined in and made it such as epic weekend! MORE PHOTOS »

AMC 150 »

FACEBOOK »

MORE PHOTOS »

AMC RESOURCES »

With the proper clothing and equipment, winter hiking is super fun. Here's an excellent list of essential gear for winter hiking to make sure you are well-equipped to go out in the cold. And, if you're looking for some great places to go hiking in the winter, check out this list on our Member Favorites page. This interactive map will point out 10 great spots for winter hiking and snowshoeing, or even cross-country skiing, in western Massachusetts. Once you get to the map, click each hiking icon to see the name of the location, a description of it, directions, contact information, and a website when available. And of course, you can always join us on our winter guided hikes, that are happening every week.

The group of current leaders and two folks interested in becoming leaders enjoyed sunny skies, fresh snowfall, and great comradery as they explored parts of the Robert Frost Trail, enjoying views of a heron rookery, the Mill River, and Puffers Pond. The group then gathered for hearty beef stew and hot cocoa at Mike's house. Thanks Mike for providing this awesome way to ring in the New Year! MORE PHOTOS »

NET »

The three-mile hike started and ended on the New England National Scenic Trail - NET Section 5 in Holyoke, bringing the group to a ridge with a view to the west of Hampton Ponds. After making a solstice toast with delicious hot cocoa at sunset, the group donned their headlamps, headed back to the cars, then to a local restaurant for dinner. What better way to celebrate the shortest day and the beginning of winter? MORE PHOTOS »

The hike series started on the CT border and followed the A.T. to the VT border in consecutive sections led by the Chapter's hike leaders. Congrats to all on their determination and commitment!

AMC RESOURCES »

Are you up for a challenge? The Western MA Chapter wants YOU! To help celebrate AMC's 150^th anniversary in 2026, we challenge you to participate in 150 miles "worth" of activities between January 1 and October 31, 2026. Those who meet the challenge will receive a special commemorative patch and a shout-out at our Fall Social and Annual Meeting. Come on out! Enjoy the outdoors! Try a new activity! Make new friends or renew old acquaintances! Activities with ANY AMC chapter count toward your goal. To register, email info@amc-wma.org. Once you have registered for the 150 Anniversary Challenge, sign up for AMC-led activities with the Western MA Chapter on the Chapter Activities page or any other Chapter on the Outdoor Connector. After completing each activity, email info@amc-wma.org with the trip name, leader, activity type, and miles. Our membership committee will track your miles and let you know how close you are to reaching the 150-mile goal. Since not all outings are alike, and to encourage your participation in different AMC-sponsored activities, we've created mileage equivalents:

• Hiking: number of miles hiked in one outing
• Snowshoeing: number of miles completed per outing
• Alpine Skiing: 1 outing = 10 miles
• Biking: 1 outing = 10 miles
• Conservation: 1/2 day = 15 miles
• Cross Country Skiing: 1 outing = 10 miles
• Family Program: 1 outing = 10 miles
• Mountaineering: 1 outing = 10 miles
• Paddling: 1 outing = 10 miles
• Trail Work: 1/2 day = 15 miles
• Volunteering and Shelter Watch: 1 outing = 10 miles

Questions? Email Kathy Kindness at info@amc-wma.org

As the days grow shorter and the nights come early, it's tempting to stay cozy indoors — especially if cold weather isn't your favorite. But winter is also a great time to stay connected with our AMC community in new ways. Below you'll find three December highlights from the Western Massachusetts Chapter: a new Online Winter Book Club that lets you connect from the comfort of home, an AMC 150 Activity Challenge to inspire you to get outside as we head into 2026, and a spotlight on the Communications Committee, the small-but-mighty team that keeps our website, newsletter, and social channels humming all year long. If you are new to AMC or to our Western Massachusetts Chapter — welcome! We're glad you're here. We invite you to join activities, volunteer, connect with a committee, or explore leadership opportunities at whatever pace feels right for you. Wishing you peace, joy, and adventure during this holiday season! Kathy Martin, Western MA Chapter Chair

Join our NEW Online Winter Book Club

Looking for a new way to have fun and make connections with other outdoor enthusiasts during the cold and dark winter months? The Appalachian Mountain Club's Western Massachusetts Chapter invites you to join a new Winter Book Club series running January through March 2026. The online book club will meet virtually on the fourth Monday of each month from 6:45 to 8:15 PM. The Meet & Greet portion offers participants a chance to arrive early, sign in, catch up with fellow members, hear Chapter updates, and settle in before the discussion begins. Whether you're a longtime AMC member or considering joining the outdoor community, all are welcome! The series begins with Heartwood by Amity Gaige, a suspenseful novel about a 42-year-old hiker who goes missing on the Appalachian Trail. The story weaves together three narratives: the missing woman's struggle for survival, a Maine State Game Warden's ground search, and a birdwatcher's investigation, exploring themes of survival and human connection that will resonate deeply with the AMC community. The group will choose the next two books at the first meeting. Next steps: register for the Book Club, read the book, then bring your hot cocoa, tea, or beverage of choice and join the conversation! Registered participants will receive a link to the meeting via email prior to each meeting. We recommend you register early as the group is limited to 25 participants. For more information contact Mary at secretary@amc-wma.org.

AMC 150 Activity Challenge

Are you up for a challenge? The Western Massachusetts Chapter wants YOU! To help celebrate AMC's 150^th anniversary in 2026, we challenge you to participate in 150 miles "worth" of activities between January 1 and October 31, 2026. Come on out! Enjoy the outdoors! Try a new activity! Make new friends or renew old acquaintances! Activities with ANY AMC chapter count toward your goal. Once you have registered for the 150 Anniversary Challenge, sign up for AMC-led activities with the WM Chapter on the Chapter Activities page of our website, or any other Chapter on the Outdoors Connector. After completing each activity, email info@amc-wma.org with the trip name, leader, activity type, and miles. Our Membership Committee will track your miles and let you know how close you are to reaching the 150-mile goal. Those who meet the challenge will receive a special commemorative patch and a shout-out at our Fall Social and Annual Meeting. Since not all outings are alike, and to encourage your participation in different AMC-sponsored activities, we've created mileage equivalents for activities other than hiking. Click here for details. Questions? Want to register? Email Kathy Kindness at info@amc-wma.org.

December Committee Highlight - Communications

This month we'd like to highlight the work of the Chapter's Communications Committee, which is just two people — the Communications Chair and the Webmaster. Together, they manage all of the communications from the Chapter. The Webmaster is hard at work making daily updates to the website, including the Chapter Activities page, listing all of the chapter activities that have been posted on AMC's Outdoor Connector, and our online newsletter, the Western MA Exchange. This newsletter is jam-packed with upcoming and past Chapter activities and events, articles of interest for the outdoor enthusiast, monthly Committee reports, volunteer opportunities, some of our social media posts, and more. Everything you need to know about Chapter happenings with just one click. The Communications Chair manages the Chapter's Facebook page and Instagram account. Besides following those accounts to see what's happening in the Chapter, you can now engage directly on Facebook by sharing your adventures with the Chapter in the recently added Facebook group. Just click the link, join the group, and share your photos of Chapter activities. We just ask that you adhere to the Group's rules: all posts must be positive and respectful and adhere to the AMC mission to foster the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the outdoors. Political posts and sales are prohibited. The Communications Chair also sends out a monthly email message to its members highlighting Chapter activities and events.

International Dinner Series at Pinkham Notch

From January through March join us on Wednesday evenings to celebrate a different country with a four-course meal and a trip presentation by fellow explorers and adventurers. Travel the world from New Hampshire's North Country! Learn more and see the calendar here.

AMC volunteers hosted over 5,029 activities this year, connecting 34,455 people to the outdoors. We maintained 786 miles of trail this year, removing 2,583 blowdowns and clearing 6,680 drainages. We acquired the 29,000-acre Barnard Forest bringing us to nearly 130,000 acres under the protection of our Maine Woods Initiative. Our Conservation Action Network tripled in size, and we sent 18,000 messages to decision makers about protecting the outdoors. We'd like to thank all those who have joined us in our adventures — whether participating in one of our guided activities, maintaining a trail, or joining a social event, we are grateful for you! If you are not a member yet, it's not too late to take advantage of the 50% discount available until December 31st:

• Individual: $25 (regularly $50)
• Family: $37 (regularly $75)
• U-30 (under age 30): $12.50 (regularly $25)
• Senior (age 70+): $12.50 (regularly $25)

Become a Member!

AMC's Western MA Chapter invites outdoor enthusiasts and book lovers to join a new Winter Book Club series running January through March 2026. The online book club will meet virtually on the fourth Monday of each month from 6:45 to 8:15 PM.

Schedule

• January 26, 2026
• February 23, 2026
• March 23, 2026

Details

• 6:45 PM. Meet & Greet (sign-in, chapter updates, and casual conversation)
• 7:00-8:15 PM. Book discussion
• Format: Online (link provided upon registration)

The series begins with Heartwood by Amity Gaige, a suspenseful novel about a 42-year-old hiker who goes missing on the Appalachian Trail. The story weaves together three narratives—the missing woman's struggle for survival, a Maine State Game Warden's ground search, and a birdwatcher's investigation—exploring themes of survival and human connection that will resonate deeply with the AMC community. The next two books will be decided at the first meeting. Next steps: register for the Book Club, read the book, then bring your hot cocoa, tea, or beverage of choice and join the conversation! Registered participants will receive a link to the meeting via email prior to each meeting. We recommend you register early as the group is limited to 25 participants. For more information contact Mary at secretary@amc-wma.org. "We're excited to bring our community together during the winter months to explore stories that connect us to nature and each other," said Chapter Chair Kathy Martin. "This is a wonderful opportunity for members and newcomers alike to connect over shared interests in literature and the outdoors." Whether you're a longtime AMC member or considering joining the outdoor community, all are welcome! We hope you will join us!

The Berry Song features a recurring "song" or chant listing various berries as a girl and her grandmother forage on their ancestral land in Southeast Alaska. It celebrates Indigenous values of gratitude and a reciprocal relationship with nature, where people sing to the land as the land sings to them. So bundle up the kids and come on up to beautiful Noble View and read the story as you walk the one-mile trail through the woods. And if there's snow on the ground, bring your sleds for some sledding on the hill near Double Cottage. After turning onto the access road off South Quarter Road, drive about a half mile to the parking lot. The All Persons Trail starts there. Happy hiking and reading!

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

20s/30s

The 20s/30s+ WhatsApp group has over 180 members! ✧ Recent events: Gym Night w/ Mountaineering (10/01), Mineral Hills Conservation Area (10/02), Pemberton Memorial Forest and Butter Hill Wildlife Sanctuary (10/07), Apple Picking Social (10/19), Sunset Hike @ Mt Toby (10/21), Mike's Maze Social (10/26), Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary (10/28), Quabbin Park/Winsor Dam (11/01), Interchapter Social w/ Worcester and Naragansett 20s/30s (11/01), Mindfulness Walk @ Burleigh Park (11/22), and Night Hike on the AT (12/01) ✧ Upcoming events: Winter Hiking Discussion & Walk, Wednesday Night Skiing, Winter Weekend @ Cardigan Lodge, XC Skiing @ Notchview, and Backpacking the Appalachian Trail

A.T. Management

The most recent A.T. Committee meeting was November 3 ✧ Seasonal project work has finished for the year ✧ David Cohen has taken the reins from Steve Smith as the leader of our Cultural Resources group ✧ Wildlife transects have been scheduled; wee the Outdoor Connector for details ✧ Planning for the committee's annual Gathering of Volunteers on Saturday February 7, 2016 in Dalton is underway ✧ Volunteer recruitment needs include trail maintainers, corridor monitors, and three coordinators: shelter, communications and group outreach ✧ The next A.T. Committee meeting is Monday, 1/5/2026

Bicycling

The Bicycling Committee continues to work on 2026 goals, including training new leaders and developing relationships with a bike shop and a community organization to partner in sponsoring rides ✧ Our ride schedule will resume in April

Communications

The Chapter's social media accounts continue to gain new followers - 17 on Facebook and 28 on Instagram since the September report ✧ Started a Facebook group for the Chapter so leaders and participants can share photos of Western MA trips ✧ Facebook (28 posts) with a total of 10,067 views. Top post: The Tuesday Hikers hike in Cummington and Worthington ✧ Instagram (15 posts) with 9,452 views. Top post: Membership discount ✧ The website saw another record-setting month: views (6,009) increased by 106%; users (4,478) increased by 234% ✧ The webpage with the highest views (after the home page) was Chapter activities

Family Programs

StoryWalk^® "The Berry Song" by Michaela Goady continues to be open to Noble View visitors ✧ 20 attendees participated in Tom Condon's Naturalist Walk at Noble View for Scouts troop ✧ Laura attended the Western MA Annual Meeting and staffed the name tags & sign-in table ✧ Planning continues for a rock climbing outing, the Condon's Owl Prowl hike, and the Plein Air Painting Program

Hiking

Led 135 outings (hikes, walks, etc) ✧ We successfully completed the A.T. MA and RFT series ✧ We continue to collaborate with the 20/30s committee, the Tuesday hiking group, and the Worcester Chapter regarding events and training ✧ Backpacking was initiated and revitalized with 1 trip; at least 2 are planned for spring 2026 ✧ We purchased the following for our lending library: New England Trail Map & Guide, AMC's Best Day Hikes in the Berkshires, Massachusetts Trail Guide, Massachusetts Trail Map, Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide, AMC's Best Day Hikes in Central Massachusetts, and the Southern New Hampshire Trail Map

Membership

New memberships are 50% off until 12/31 ✧ On January 1, we're starting the AMC 150 Challenge; let's see how many of our folks we can get involved in doing 150 miles worth of activity before 10/31/26 ✧

Paddling

The Paddling Committee last met on 09/30 ✧ Committee purchased 1 whitewater paddle, 1 throw bag, 4 dry bags, 4 carabiners and 2 z-drag pulleys for safety and loaner gear to be used on AMC trips ✧ Deb is involved in planning a second Canoe Camping Workshop with AMC NH Canoe Committee for January 18 ✧ Committee purchased 1 whitewater paddle, 1 throw bag, 4 dry bags, 4 carabiners and 2 z-drag pulleys for safety and loaner gear to be used on AMC trips. Deb is involved in planning a second Canoe Camping Workshop with AMC NH Canoe Committee for January 18 Upcoming scheduled and posted events: AMC150 trip on the Westfield River (May 24, 2026 - Class 1), AMC150 trip on the Connecticut River (May 27, 2026 with All Out Adventures), AMC150 trip on the Connecticut River in VT (July 11) ✧ Currently working with the Westfield Wildwater Race committee to organize training for safety volunteers for a whitewater race on April 18, 2026

Attendees from the Western MA, Connecticut, and Worcester Chapters spent the morning in the classroom reviewing material learned during the online portion of the training, then went outdoors for a short hike to role play some potential scenarios of situations they may encounter as an AMC hiking leader. This made for a fun and informative afternoon as all participants engaged in the role-playing scenarios. The last phase of the training is to lead two hikes with a trained mentor. Once completed, these enthusiastic and qualified outdoor enthusiasts will be able to lead hikes independently with AMC. If you're interested in learning more about our Leadership Training, contact info@amc-wma.org. MORE PHOTOS »

MORE PHOTOS »

This expression reflects a cultural emphasis on being prepared for harsh weather conditions by dressing appropriately, encouraging people to go outside regardless of the elements. What better time to share this helpful article about dressing for the cold?