January Highlights: Stewardship, Winter Adventure, and Leadership

As we begin the new year, we're excited to share a snapshot of the energy, dedication, and community that make the AMC Western Massachusetts Chapter so special. This January highlight features the incredible work of our Appalachian Trail Management Committee, opportunities to get outside (and inside!) during the winter months with some truly unique outings, and an introduction to the volunteers who will be guiding our chapter forward as the 2026 Executive Committee. Together, these stories reflect the heart of our chapter: caring for the trails and lands we love, creating meaningful experiences for members of all ages, and supporting one another through strong volunteer leadership. And if you are new to our Chapter, we warmly welcome you and hope to get to know you better! Kathy Martin, Western MA Chapter Chair

Join Us for Some Fun and Unique Winter Activities

The winter months provide many opportunities for both indoor and outdoor activities. We are offering guided hikes, downhill skiing, indoor climbing in the gym, outdoor ice climbing, volunteer opportunities, a book club, and family activities. And coming up on February 1^st, we have two unique outings to consider. If you like to cross-country ski or snowshoe, come join us for a day of socializing and cross-country skiing or snowshoeing at Prospect Mountain in Woodford, Vermont. Prospect Mountain is the highest Nordic base lodge in Vermont at 2,250 feet and includes 40 km of groomed and tracked XC trails and snowshoe trails. We will meet for lunch at noon with complimentary hot cocoa. Click here for details and to register. Also on February 1^st, is an Owl Prowl, a family-friendly walk along a gravel road at the Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell, where great horned, barred, and screech owls may be calling from the shadows. Wrapped in scarves and starlight, we'll walk along the road lit by the full moon, listening for hoots and learning how these remarkable birds survive the harshest season of the year. We'll even teach you how to hoot and whistle like an owl. With luck, and a little patience, we may hear a pair calling back and forth across the icy hills.

January Committee Highlight- the Appalachian Trail Management Committee

The Chapter's AT Management Committee maintains and manages the Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts by partnering with Mass DCR and the National Park Service. The Committee organizes and supports the work of over 100 active volunteers who contributed over 8000 hours in 2025. In addition to "just" trail maintenance, the Committee's work covers multiple AT-related program areas: AT Lands Corridor monitoring and boundary maintenance, Natural Resource monitoring, Historical/Cultural Resource stewardship, and Overnight Site Maintenance. Volunteers also serve as 24/7 caretakers at Upper Goose Pond Cabin during the hiking season. The Committee's work also benefits from the support of four active AT Community organizations in North Adams, Cheshire, Dalton and Lee. You can find more information, resources, and upcoming volunteer activities on their committee page. The Committee holds an annual AT Volunteer Gathering for all AT volunteers and anyone interested in finding out more about what we do. This year's AT Gathering is on February 7^th in Dalton. All are welcome! Contact Cosmo for more information.

Meet the 2026 Executive Committee

At the 2025 Annual Business Meeting and Social in October, several new members were voted into the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee (ExCom) is the organizing level of chapter leadership, representing all the committees that keep bringing the wonderful AMC chapter activities and initiatives to members. The ExCom is made up entirely of volunteers, consisting of four officers, twelve committee chairs, and two members-at-large. The Executive Committee meets monthly to oversee all of the activities offered by the Chapter. Here are the 2026 Executive Committee Members.

FEATURED EVENT

Join AMC's Club-wide Conservation Committee (CCC) for an informative virtual open house on January 27 where volunteers, chapter leaders, and conservation champions from across AMC come together to shape what's next. Learn about our 2026 conservation strategy, celebrate 2025 local conservation actions, and explore chapter as well as volunteer camp & cabin opportunities to engage in 2026. Everyone is welcome, regardless of your experience and prior AMC conservation involvement. Learn more and register here.