The Western MA Exchange
The online newsletter of the Western MA Chapter
Updated: 21-Sep-2023 | View Archive »
Updated: 21-Sep-2023 | View Archive »
In This Issue
A Quick History of AMC ✧ Family Forest Scavenger Hunt ✧ Guided Forest Resiliency Walk ✧ Volunteer with BEAT ✧ Source to Sea Cleanup ✧ Our Dynamic Forest ✧ Skirting the Westfield with AMC ✧ Leaf Peepers Rejoice! ✧ A Noble Sunrise ✧ Committee Reports ✧ Moonlight Paddle on Russell Pond ✧ New Bicyclist, Pedestrian Safety Law ✧ Morning Paddle on Russell Pond ✧ FallFest at Noble View ✧ Hunting Season is Here ✧ Our Dynamic Forest: A Hiking Workshop ✧ Happy National Wildlife Day! ✧ Unpaved Trails for All
A Quick History of AMC
[21‑Sep‑2023] Are you new to AMC? Learn all about us from our timeline, which takes you on a quick tour of everything AMC - from our inception in 1876 to our latest protection measures. AMC TIMELINE »

Family Forest Scavenger Hunt
[20‑Sep‑2023] Join us at FallFest from 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM for a family-fun session of nature bingo, where everyone of all ages is welcome to participate in an easy walk in the woods.

Guided Forest Resiliency Walk
[20‑Sep‑2023] Join us at #FallFest for a walk in the woods to learn about forest resiliency in the context of climate change, with Massachusetts DCR Climate Forester, Christina McKeown.
Volunteer with BEAT
[19‑Sep‑2023] Come join the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) on Fridays from 10:00 to 11:30 AM to help remove the invasive hardy kiwi plant in Pittsfield. BERKSHIRE ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION TEAM »
Source to Sea Cleanup
[18‑Sep‑2023] Join the effort to clean the Connecticut River in the 27th annual Source to Sea Cleanup on September 22 and 23, 2023.
There are many ways to help: start a clean-up group, join a clean-up group, donate money or help with a variety of other tasks before and after the event. CRC »

Our Dynamic Forest
[17‑Sep‑2023] Professor Jim Parshall, Chair of the Environmental Science Department at Westfield State University, led a hiking workshop on September 9 to explore how the forest of Noble View has changed over time. Participants learned about the history of the forest, the effects of climate change, and threats from non-native species. View more photos on our Facebook page.
Skirting the Westfield with AMC
[15‑Sep‑2023] AMC volunteers and NET maintainers Heather Wyman and Jerry Sambrook help thru hikers circumvent the Westfield River when the water level is too high to safely wade across. Here's how it's done. MASSLIVE »
Chapter Opportunities
Chapter Vice Chair - Spend time getting to know our operations and how the larger AMC organization works while preparing to take over the role of Chapter Chair.Chapter Membership Chair - Are you a "people person" who enjoys personal networking, meeting new people and planning events? If so, this position is for you!Conservation Committee Chair - Join us to collaborate with volunteers and staff to maintain a vibrant conservation presence in Western Massachusetts!SEE ALL CHAPTER OPPORTUNITIES »
Leaf Peepers Rejoice!
[14‑Sep‑2023] Here's a great list of fall hikes in the Berkshires and a wonderful reminder to remember with gratitude that we are walking on the ancestral homeland of native American tribes. What's your favorite hike to do in the fall? BERKSHIRE FAMILY HIKES »

A Noble Sunrise
[14‑Sep‑2023] This morning wasn't forecasted to be clear enough for a good sunrise. As usual, it surprised me. Have you been to Noble View yet? NOBLE VIEW OUTDOOR CENTER »
Committee Reports
August/September
[12‑Sep‑2023] See what our committees have been up to during the waning days of the summer. VIEW ARTICLE »

Moonlight Paddle on Russell Pond
[10‑Sep‑2023] Experience a leisurely moonlight paddle on Russell Pond after the 09/30 FallFest activities at the AMC Noble View Outdoor Center.
New Bicyclist, Pedestrian Safety Law
[10‑Sep‑2023] A new law requiring drivers to allow at least 4 feet when passing "vulnerable users", such as cyclists and pedestrians, went into effect this spring. The hope is that this law will lower fatalities. WWLP »

Morning Paddle on Russell Pond
[09‑Sep‑2023] Enjoy a morning of paddling on Russell Pond before the 09/30 FallFest barbeque and activities at the Noble View Outdoor Center.

FallFest at Noble View
[08‑Sep‑2023] Get ready to celebrate all things fall with the AMC Western Massachusetts Chapter on September 30, 2023 at the AMC Noble View Outdoor Center from 10:00 - 4:00. There will be a variety of guided and self-guided activities including hikes, morning and moonlight paddles on Russell Pond, and bike rides, as well as demonstrations, information tables, music, and of course, food. VIEW ACTIVITY »
Upcoming Activities
Little Known Trails in Leeds - Relatively easy hike in Leeds, MA. We will see a brook, a pond and some wetlands, plus we will enter a hidden Northampton conservation area. Part of the hike goes around the perimeter of the VA hospital and through an old tree farm. Wildlife Transect - It's time again to check on what the wild residents of our Appalachian Lands are up to. This time we'll be exploring the trail lands in the Old Adams Rd/Jones Nose/Noepel Shelter area. FallFest - Celebrate the changing of the seasons and the outdoors through fun and engaging activities, presentations, and performances at AMC's FallFest. Come experience the beautiful Noble View Outdoor Center with volunteer and staff led programs for families and adults.SEE ALL UPCOMING ACTIVITIES »Hunting Season is Here
[07‑Sep‑2023] Hunting season has started in Massachusetts so remember to wear orange and keep your dogs on a leash when hiking. Here is the full schedule.

Our Dynamic Forest: A Hiking Workshop
[06‑Sep‑2023] Join Dr. Tim Parshall, Forest Ecologist, and Chair of the Environmental Science Department at Westfield State University, to explore how the forest of Noble View has changed over time.

Happy National Wildlife Day!
[05‑Sep‑2023] Let's take this opportunity to be mindful that when we're exploring outdoors, we are encroaching on their homes. Let's commit ourselves to the principles of Leave No Trace, which includes respecting wildlife.
Unpaved Trails for All
[04‑Sep‑2023] Help bring more unpaved, accessible trails to all by using your voice to support legislation in Massachusetts. Universally accessible or "All Persons Trails" are multigenerational all-ability spaces that provide access to nature for everyone.
The Western MA Exchange
communications@amc-wma.org
editor: the communications chair ✧ typesetter: the chapter webmaster ✧ proofreader: the chapter chair ✧ contributors: our chapter members