[04‑Sep‑2026] Each month we highlight one of the committees in the Western MA Chapter, to showcase who our volunteers are and what they do, and to highlight Chapter programs, recreational activities, and volunteer opportunities. This month we're featuring the 20s/30s Committee. VIEW ARTICLE »
Volunteer Spotlight: 20s/30s Committee
The AMC Western MA 20s/30s community is designed for young adults who want to get outside, build skills, and form meaningful connections. We strive to create a welcoming, inclusive space where people feel comfortable showing up as they are. Whether you're new to the outdoors, new to the area, or just looking to meet people who also love being outside, you'll find a place here.
We organize outdoor activities throughout western MA and beyond — from local hikes in the Connecticut River Valley and the Berkshires, to paddling on the Deerfield River, skiing and snowshoeing in winter, and weekend adventures in the White Mountains. Our activities range from relaxed and beginner-friendly to more challenging outings for those looking to stretch themselves.
It's been a busy summer for the 20s/30s! We've continued the weeknight hike tradition and also gained a plethora of knowledge about our local ecology through exploratory tree identification treks and hikes guided by Tom Wessels's New England Roadside Ecology. Embracing our social dynamic as a group has brought us together for local gear swaps and book club hikes.
We look forward to continuing the fun and community feel through the rest of the summer and into the fall by taking on the Deerfield River for some whitewater rafting fun, getting out for a few short backpacking trips in Monroe State Forest and beyond, and hitting the road by bike throughout the region. We are always looking for ways to expand our offerings and recognize the diverse ways our members enjoy the outdoors!
Learn more about the 20s/30s Committee, join the WhatsApp group, and browse upcoming activities.
Becoming a Leader
[03‑Sep‑2026] The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is a volunteer-driven organization. Most AMC trips and activities are led by trained volunteers who enjoy helping others get outside safely, responsibly, and confidently. If you're interested in becoming a leader with the AMC Western MA Chapter, there is a clear, step-by-step process, which is now easier than ever with the addition of online training. VIEW ARTICLE »
Becoming a Leader
The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is a volunteer-driven organization. Most AMC trips and activities are led by trained volunteers who enjoy helping others get outside safely, responsibly, and confidently. If you're interested in becoming a leader with the AMC Western MA Chapter, there is a clear, step-by-step process, which is now easier than ever with the addition of the online training.
While details vary by activity, all new leaders follow the same general pathway — and leaders continue to receive support long after they are approved to lead. You are not expected to figure things out on your own. Becoming a leader means joining a welcoming, experienced community of volunteers who support one another.
Here's the process:
Step 1. All new leaders begin by completing Outdoor Leader Fundamentals, AMC's required online leadership training. This self-paced course introduces the core responsibilities of leading AMC activities. Register here.
Step 2. After completing the online training, you'll work with the AMC volunteer committee that supports the type of activity you want to lead, such as hiking, paddling, bicycling, or mountaineering.
Step 3. Before leading trips on your own, you'll gain experience by assisting or co-leading trips with experienced AMC leaders.
If you have any questions about the leadership training process, please reach out to us at info@amc-wma.org. We'd love to help you get started on your leadership journey!
Follow the Blazes, Thank a Trail Adopter
[03‑Sep‑2026] Trail Adopters help steward designated sections of trail, from clearing drainages and brushing vegetation to painting blazes and reporting conditions back to AMC's Trails team.
Follow the Blazes, Thank a Trail Adopter
So far this season, Adoption Program volunteers and AMC Volunteer Trails staff have logged: 3,766 hours of work, 3,403 drainages cleared, 1,834 blowdowns removed, 629 blazes painted or installed, 101 new or rebuilt cairns, and 97 miles of trail brushed.
We have over 250 trail maintenance volunteers right here in Western MA working hard to maintain the Appalachian Trail and the New England Trail.
Learn more about Adopt-A-Trail. MORE PHOTOS »
Grey Beard Sanders Reclaims Record
[02‑Sep‑2026] Dale "Grey Beard" Sanders, 91, just became the oldest person to thru hike the Appalachian Trail on Monday. Grey Beard was hiking through Western MA in May when he came upon members of the Chapter including our Chapter Chair, Kathy Martin. Kathy captured this selfie with him. On behalf of the AMC Western MA Chapter, we congratulate Grey Beard on this phenomenal feat! AP NEWS »
[01‑Sep‑2026] What a delightful month! The temperatures are cool but just warm enough to be comfortable. The leaves will start their progression from green to the glorious colors of fall- red, orange and yellow. And it's the perfect time to get outdoors with us! We have hiking, paddling, biking, trail maintenance, climbing, and conservation outings. Check it out on the Outdoors Connector and come join us!
Happy September!
And this is a great time to remind you about our weekly email message sent out on Monday mornings that provides the Chapter's activities for the following two weeks. Subscribe here.
New NET Campsite in the Works
[30‑Aug‑2026] On Section 2 of the New England Trail, volunteers and AMC Staff have been working on a new campsite. After a weekend of moving lumber from the road to the site, construction of the privy has started! Thanks to the help of our volunteers, the main base of the privy and part of its ramp have already been completed! MORE PHOTOS »
