Exciting Times in the Western MA Chapter!

It's been a big year for our Chapter, and the momentum just keeps building! From brand new committees full of energy, to unique training opportunities, to special weekends designed to connect people with nature and each other – there's something for everyone on the horizon. Whether you're looking to meet new friends, grow your outdoor skills, or simply spend more time outside, the Western MA Chapter has plenty in store. Read on to see just a few highlights of what's happening and how you can get involved!
Kathy Martin, Western MA Chapter Chair

Committee Highlight: Western MA 20s/30s Committee is on the Rise!

The Western MA 20s/30s Committee has seen incredible growth and energy in the past year, transforming from a dormant group into one of the most active in the Chapter, now boasting over 160 members. This young-member community hosts a wide variety of events, from hiking and paddling to cross-country skiing, film nights at Tanglewood, backpacking, whitewater kayaking, and climbing trips. Many of the outings are capped off with relaxed, social gatherings, such as grabbing a beer at a local brewery or enjoying ice cream together after a hike. It's a great way to connect with others who enjoy the outdoors and are looking to build community along the way. If you or someone you know is in their 20s/30s, the best way to get involved is to join the committee's WhatsApp group where upcoming events are announced and informal activities are organized. There's also the @amcwesternma Instagram page and the 20s/30s committee page on the Chapter website if you'd like to connect in that way.

Southern New England Trail Skills College

We are happy to announce that the registration for the First Annual Southern New England Trail Skills College is now open! This 3-day event on September 10-21, 2025 at Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell, MA is filled with a variety of trainings and workshops that any trail or outdoor enthusiast would love. We are lucky to have a robust selection of courses and grateful to have so many of the industry's best providing instruction. This collaborative event is for the entire trails community – volunteers and professional trail stewards alike – with all levels of experience. Whether you're just starting out and looking for ways to get involved, or a professional looking to further your skills and build your network, this event offers opportunities for everyone, and all are welcome. Learn more and register here. Thanks to all the instructors and event planning team for putting this together! If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to our Trails Training Programs Supervisor, Erik Samia at esamia@outdoors.org. We hope to see you at this year's "Fall Semester"!

Western MA Fourth Annual Connecting Women, Connecting with Nature Weekend

This year's Women's Weekend will be held on September 6, 2025, 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM, at Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell, MA. We've scheduled a variety of traditional and non-traditional outdoor pursuits in the hope of attracting women to the joy and rejuvenation provided by experiencing the outdoors. This is a women-only event that uses an inclusive definition of women. We respectfully welcome all women including non-binary, gender non-conforming, trans-women and individuals who identify as a woman as the best expression of themselves. Some of the planned activities include forest bathing, watercolor painting, bird walking, yoga, plant/tree identification, hiking, and a campfire with music. Two big changes this year are that we will not have the cottages for overnight accommodations and our activities will be held on Saturday only. We invite women to stay over Friday, September 5^th and Saturday, September 6^th at the AMC Noble View Outdoor Center campsites. Campsites include a raised platform to place your own tent and supplies on. Please be aware that AMC Noble View's cottages are now the summer home of the AMC Professional Trail Crew (mixed gender) and that Noble View is open to the public. However, we will be the sole occupants of the campsites during Women's Weekend. Click here for details and to register.

Help Put Nature on the Ballot in 2026

AMC is leading the charge to put nature on the ballot in 2026 through the Protect Water and Nature Initiative and Nature for MA Coalition, which would dedicate $100 million annually to land and water conservation, climate resilience, and outdoor recreation – without raising taxes. To get there, we must collect 90,000 signatures this fall, and we need your help! Sign up for a signature collection training today and be part of this once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect nature and expand access to the outdoors. Questions? Email amcconservation@outdoors.org.