Spring is in the Air in Western Massachusetts

There's so much happening in the Western MA chapter, and we'd love for you to be a part of it! Whether you're drawn to the trails, the roads, or bringing families together in the great outdoors, there's an activity waiting for you. Join us on National Trails Day (June 7th) for scenic hikes, bike rides, or paddling adventures in the beautiful Berkshires, Connecticut River Valley and beyond. Celebrate National Bike Month by riding with our Bicycling Committee – whether you're a beginner or seasoned cyclist, we have rides and resources just for you. Or, if you're passionate about helping families connect with nature, consider volunteering with our Family Programs Committee. They host fun, hands-on adventures for kids and adults all year long. However you choose to participate, there's a place for you. So come explore, give back, and have fun – you bring the energy, we'll bring the adventure! Come join us! Kathy Martin, Western MA Chapter Chair

Save the date: Celebrate National Trails Day June 7^th

National Trails Day is celebrated annually on the first Saturday in June. This year, the Western MA Chapter invites you to a day of celebration in Cheshire on Saturday, June 7, 2025. We are offering many different activities on this day so you can choose your own adventure! We are hosting a hike on the Appalachian Trail to the Cheshire Cobbles with a beautiful view of Mt Greylock and Cheshire Reservoir, a bike ride along the Ashwillticook Rail Trail that travels along the shore of the reservoir from Lanesborogh to North Adams, and an opportunity to paddle on the reservoir surrounded by the beautiful Berkshire Mountains. Or, you can give back to the trails with several trail maintenance opportunities. You can meet some of the Executive Committee members at our table at Diane's Twist on Main Street in Cheshire, get some cool swag, and learn more about what we do in the Chapter. If you'd rather do something in the Connecticut River Valley, our New England Trail Committee will be hosting a hike at the Holyoke Range State Park. If you're looking for something more challenging, you can join the group that will be hiking Mt Cube in NH. You will need to register for the activity you choose. Not all of the events have been posted yet so please keep checking. We hope to see you on National Trails Day!

May is National Bike Month

This is the perfect time to let you know about our Bicycling Committee. Made up entirely of volunteers, our Bicycling Committee plans rides in Western MA from easier warm-up rides in the spring to challenging rides in the Berkshires with rolling hills. If you are new to recreational cycling, you can reach out to the Bicycling Committee to inquire about an Intro to Recreational Cycling ride that would include a beginner ride with low mileage and an educational component focusing on basic riding skills, safety, and bike maintenance. There are other ways you can get involved in National Bike Safety Month. First, go to the Bicycling Committee page where you'll find great resources for cyclists and a listing of our upcoming rides to join. You can also celebrate by joining the Bike to Work Week (May 12-18) or the Bike to Work Day on May 16^th. So, dust off that bike and come ride with us!

Family Programs Opportunity

Are you looking for a fun way to share your skills and enthusiasm for the outdoors? The Family Programs Committee would love to have you assist with their outings. The Family Programs Committee schedules adventures in western MA every month throughout the year. These adventures include family-friendly hikes, experiential outdoor activities that teach outdoor skills and conservation concepts, seasonal crafts and games, camping, family nights, and much more. We strive to instill confidence, collaboration, understanding and an appreciation of the outdoors so as to foster respect and stewardship of our planet and all living things. Our focus is to get everyone outdoors. Children of all ages and their families (including grandparents) are invited to join us. We invite you to come volunteer your time to our child-friendly outdoor adventures and experience the joy of watching little ones grow and learn and become stewards of our planet. Your ideas will be welcomed! For more information please send a message to familyprograms@amc-wma.org.

iNaturalist Flowers and Fauna of the A.T.

This project is a smartphone-oriented extension of AMC's long-term monitoring program Mountain Watch, which has been tracking how plants are responding to climate change since 2004. Learn more about how to get involved with this community science effort here.