Western MA Exchange Archive

Bay Circuit Trail End-to-End Hike

AMC Weekend Feature

[15‑Sep‑2024] On June 2, 2024, I found myself in waist-deep swamp water traversing a flooded dike. As I trudged through the muck, I entertained the possibility of snakes slipping through this water, of leeches latching onto my ankles. Story and photograph by Amber Stearns. AMC BLOG »

Hawks at Mt. Tom

[15‑Sep‑2024] There was a huge turnout for today's Hawks at Mt. Tom event, which provided a fascinating look at local raptors and an opportunity to see them up close and personal.

A Reluctant Owl Returns to the Wild

[15‑Sep‑2024] Tom Ricardi released a rehabilitated (and somewhat reluctant owl) into the wild at the Hawks at Mt. Tom event, following a show-and-tell on hawks, a golden eagle, and a turkey vulture. VIDEO »

Hawks at Mt. Tom!

September 15, 2024

[14‑Sep‑2024] Come learn about the annual hawk migration and see a hawk up close as it's released into the wild with hawk experts Tom Ricardi and Marcia and Mark Wilson. And you can join a guided hike to look for migrating hawks. Meet at the Mt. Tom Visitors Center. Hope to see you there!

Favorite Outdoor Spaces from the Executive Committee

[14‑Sep‑2024] Looking for ideas of where to go for some spectacular outdoor activities? Check out our newest interactive map, which features the Executive Committee's favorite locations for outdoor adventures. When you get to the map, click on the pin to see the exact location, some information about what's there, directions and a website when available. INTERACTIVE MAP »

Committee Reports

August 2024

[14‑Sep‑2024] From club-wide strategizing and event planning to trip leadership and outdoor training – here's what our committees were up to last month. VIEW ARTICLE »

September StoryWalk^®

[10‑Sep‑2024] This month's StoryWalk^® is "Just Ask: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You". This best-selling book, written by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and illustrated by Rafael Lopez, encourages children to embrace their differences. Just like different types of plants and flowers make a garden more beautiful and enjoyable, different types of people make our world more vibrant and wonderful. Come up to Noble View and walk the new accessible trail as you read this award-winning story with your children or grandchildren.

Behind the Gravel: How AMC Became a Leader in Accessible Trail Construction

AMC Weekend Feature

[08‑Sep‑2024] In September 2023 AMC's Professional Trail Crew unveiled a trail unlike any they'd worked on. Story by Matt Morris. AMC BLOG »

Happy September!

[02‑Sep‑2024] This month marks the end of summer, cooler temperatures and the start of the fall foliage season. Join us in one of the myriad activities we lead, including hikes, bike rides, paddling outings, trail maintenance, facility repair and our All For Fall celebration. VIEW ACTIVITIES »

TikTok is Right

AMC Weekend Feature

[01‑Sep‑2024] There are rattlesnakes in Massachusetts. While these snakes are rare and reclusive, they are very much a part of the region's diverse wildlife. Read on to learn more about these elusive creatures, how to identify them, and what to do if you happen to cross paths. Story by Lauren Murdock. AMC BLOG »

Western MA Celebration

October 25, 2024

[01‑Sep‑2024] This year, for the first time since 2019, the Chapter will hold its annual business meeting and volunteer celebration in person. It will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024 from 5:00-9:00 PM at the Summit View Banquet and Meeting House in Holyoke.