Western MA Exchange Archive

No registration is required. Just bring your kids up to Noble View (635 S. Quarter Road in Russell) whenever you have time and stroll along the 1-mile, accessible trail to read this delightful story. A bonus right now is the stunning fall foliage! Drive about a half mile up the dirt road to the main parking lot. The trail starts there.

As the Appalachian Mountain Club approaches its historic 150^th anniversary in 2026, we take a moment to reflect on what has made this journey so extraordinary: you. For a century and a half, AMC has connected people to the outdoors through recreation, education, and conservation – and this milestone year is a chance to celebrate that shared legacy in meaningful ways. From the inspiring stories being collected for our 150^th Anniversary Relay, to the dedicated stewardship of trails like the New England National Scenic Trail, and the vibrant gatherings of local chapters like our upcoming Western MA Annual Meeting, each piece highlights the heart of AMC: its people. Whether you're hiking a segment of the 1,500-mile relay, maintaining a beloved trail, or joining us for a celebration in South Deerfield, you are part of a community that honors the past while shaping the future of outdoor adventure. Together, these stories show what it means to belong to the AMC family – and why the next 150 years look brighter than ever. Kathy Martin, Western MA Chapter Chair

Tell Us Your AMC Story!

As you may have heard, AMC will be celebrating a very exciting milestone in 2026 – its 150^th anniversary. Since 1876, AMC has connected people to the outdoors through recreation, education, and conservation. In 2026, we celebrate 150 years of that legacy with the AMC 150^th Relay – a 1,500-mile journey from VA to MA. Join the celebration by participating in a relay segment, attending a local event or sharing your AMC story. AMC has invited hikers, paddlers, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts to participate in a remarkable journey. From VA to MA, trained AMC leaders will hike, paddle, bike and climb along the route, passing along a commemorative banner. You will be able to sign up for a segment in the same way you would any other activity you have joined in the past. As we celebrate 150 years of adventure, community, and conservation, we want to hear from you. AMC is powered by people – your adventures, your connections, and your love for the outdoors. For 150 years, your experiences have shaped our legacy. Now we are gathering stories that reflect that legacy. Every submission will become part of our archives, helping us preserve the history of the oldest conservation and recreation organization in the country. Click here to submit your story. Together, we'll honor the past and shape the future of outdoor adventure.

The NET Committee

This month we'd like to highlight the Western MA Chapter's New England Trail (NET) Committee. The NET Committee is the primary steward for the National New England Scenic Trail, a 235-mile trail that has been in existence for over half a century. This federally-designated trail travels through 39 communities in CT and MA, and is composed primarily of the historic Mattabesett, Metacomet, and Monadnock (MMM or Triple-M) trails. There are 19 sections in MA that the NET Committee maintains. We are very grateful to all the section adopters who work year-round to keep the trail safe and accessible. The NET Committee:

• Meets monthly October-April and then bimonthly during the months of May-September.
• Trains and recruits Trail Adopters for the 19 sections it maintains.
• Makes site assessment visits for potential work party projects.
• Coordinates a Spring meeting and training event, as well as a Fall Trail Adopter appreciation dinner.
• Keeps the Trail Adopters updated on new training opportunities that include chainsaw certification, wilderness first aid (WFA), and other trail maintenance workshop.

We would like to acknowledge the contributions of Kevin Pelosky, the past Chair of the NET Committee, who recently completed his three year term as Committee Chair. In addition to Committee Chair, Kevin has been an active volunteer in the Committee and a trail maintainer for sections 11 and 15 for many years. We are grateful to Kevin for sharing his skills and passion for the outdoors with us! There is now an opportunity for someone to share their love of the outdoors, and the New England Trail specifically, as the new NET Committee Chair. Learn more here.

Western MA Annual Meeting and Celebration

Where: Polish American Citizens' Club, 46 S. Main St, South Deerfield, MA, 01373
What: Socialize, grab some AMC swag, and celebrate our fabulous chapter! It's time to register for the annual dinner! Join us for a FREE social gathering and the business meeting of the AMC Western MA Chapter. We'll elect our new slate of officers, review the year's accomplishments, and share plans for 2026 - the 150^th anniversary of AMC. Member Jim Pelletier will present on wildlife in Western MA, and will update us on the Mass Pike wildlife bridges study. Member Dani Rich will share how being outdoors can be beneficial to our mental health and social well-being. As part of our commitment to giving back to the communities where we live, work, and recreate, our chapter is collecting lightly used winter gear for unhoused individuals across western Massachusetts. Please consider bringing gently used winter coats (insulated, softshell, Gore-Tex, hardshell, or fleece), winter boots, hats, gloves, or scarves. Your donations will help keep someone warm this winter—thank you for your support! Our gathering will include light refreshments and a cash-only bar. Space is limited so sign up today!

Volunteer Opportunity: Help Get the Protect Water and Nature Initiative on the Ballot!

Want to make a difference for trails, land, and water across the state? Become a Regional Signature Gathering Lead for the Nature for MA campaign and help AMC put a question on the 2026 ballot to dedicate funding to protect water and nature. This is a great way to connect with your community, support the outdoors, and advocate for lasting environmental protection. Interested? Reach out to amcconservation@outdoors.org for more info or sign up here for an information session.

REGISTER »

Member Jim Pelletier will present on wildlife in western MA, and will update us on the Mass Pike wildlife bridges study. Member Dani Rich will share how being outdoors can be beneficial to our mental health and social well-being. As part of our commitment to giving back to the communities where we live, work, and recreate, our chapter is collecting lightly used winter gear for unhoused individuals across western MA. Please consider bringing gently used winter coats (insulated, softshell, Gore-Tex, hardshell, or fleece), winter boots, hats, gloves, or scarves. Your donations will help keep someone warm this winter. Thank you for your support! Our gathering will include light refreshments and a cash-only bar. Space is limited so sign up today! REGISTER »

This promotion is for newly joining members only. Please send any questions to Jon Cocina, Director of Membership at jconina@outdoors.org. Become a member to support AMC's conservation efforts and join the fun!

SIGN UP HERE »

AMC RESOURCES »

MORE INFORMATION »

THE TREK »

ATC »

The five-mile loop provided pretty views of the West Branch of the Westfield River and a chance to see three of the majestic keystone arch bridges built in the 1830s. The double bridge is found right next to the trail head parking lot and is still in use today. The two other bridges are no longer used since the track was rerouted in 1912 but have remained standing and are now part of the trail as you walk over them. After the hike, many of the participants visited the Chester Railway Museum for a private tour by Dave Pierce, President of the Chester Foundation and the Friends of the Keystone Arch Bridges. Dave shared many interesting and fun facts about the bridges and the history of the area. Many thanks to Dave for volunteering his time to share his wealth of knowledge! MORE PHOTOS »

• Youth Deer Hunt Day: September 27
• Shotgun Season: December 1 – December 13
• Primitive Firearms Season: December 15 – December 31
• Turkey
  • Archery only: October 6 – October 18
  • Shotgun, muzzleloading shotgun, or archery: October 20 – November 1
  • Archery only: November 3 – November 29

MA HUNTING SEASONS »

Thirty women from MA, some surrounding states, and as far away as VA, gathered at the AMC Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell on Saturday to learn, play and enjoy the outdoors together. Workshops throughout the day included painting, creative writing, yoga, orienteering, plant identification, edible and medicinal plants, and of course some hikes on the beautiful trails at Noble View. Participants shared breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as comradery and friendships - seeing old friends and making new ones. When the tornado warning sounded, everyone went inside the North Cottage, the musicians broke out their instruments and they had an impromptu sing-along until they could go back outside. A huge shout-out to Dawne Piers-Gamble, the Community Engagement Chair for the Western MA Chapter, for organizing the event, to all the experts who came to share their knowledge, and to all the volunteers who helped Dawne! What an incredible event! MORE PHOTOS »

REGISTER »

September. One of the best months of the year to get out and enjoy the outdoors. The temperatures are cooler and the bugs seem to disappear. We have lots of opportunities to join the fun with us – hikes, bike, rides, yoga, family activities, paddling, events for young members and so much more! There are several ways to stay informed of what's coming up: the Chapter Activities page of our website, the Activities Calendar to browse by date, and the AMC website to search for activities anywhere in the western MA area. We hope you will join us!