Western MA Exchange Archive

$951,000 Awarded to Protect Forest Reserves in Western MA

[08‑Jun‑2026] The Healey-Driscoll Administration has awarded $951,000 in grants to permanently protect 430 acres of managed forest reserves. Three projects in Belchertown, Huntington, and Wendell will receive funds to offer outdoor recreational opportunities, store carbon to mitigate climate change, and protect habitats important to biodiversity. MASS.GOV »

Appalachian Trail Hike Series #4

[08‑Jun‑2026] Twelve hikers joined Chapter Chair and hike leader Kathy Martin on yesterday's Appalachian Trail (A.T.) Hike Series #4 near Great Barrington.

Leader Training

[08‑Jun‑2026] Paddling leaders-in-training got a little wet during the Paddling Leader Training on Saturday in Cheshire. Five LITs and 7 current leaders practiced how to get back in their kayak in open water and various rescue techniques. The scenarios, discussions, and rescue practice was valuable for all.

National Trails Day Celebrated

[07‑Jun‑2026] Yesterday, on National Trails Day (NTD) the Western MA Chapter came together to celebrate in a big way! Under the phenomenal leadership of Membership Chair Kathy Kindness, Chapter activity leaders led three hikes, a bike ride, a trails maintenance activity, and a paddling outing and leadership training on the Cheshire Reservoir.

The AMC 150 Relay in MA

[05‑Jun‑2026] After months of planning, the AMC 150 Relay entered MA on May 17, and made its way through western MA for 16 days before entering Worcester County. Here's the recap: 32 leaders planned 14 adventures with 224 participants. What a joyous adventure!

AMC Conservation Coffee Chat

[03‑Jun‑2026] Join our club-wide conservation community members for our regular "coffee chat" discussion to hear from AMC Conservation and Policy staff including Mandy Warner, Sr Director of Policy. The virtual format is relaxed and informal.

Lost Cats on the A.T.

[02‑Jun‑2026] An A.T. hiker needs help finding his two cats that got lost on the trail during the owner's medical emergency on May 14. They were last seen near Pattinson Road and the Wilbur shelter in the Mt Greylock Reservation in the North Adams and Adams area. Please be on the lookout for Pi and Rosie, and send a message to Jeff Rufo if you should find them: jeffrufo83@gmail.com.

A Perfect Day

[01‑Jun‑2026] After a cool and rainy Saturday, Mother Nature delivered a perfect day yesterday for the Chapter's Appalachian Trail (A.T.) Section 3 hike in Sheffield. Spring 2026 »
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