The Western MA Exchange

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We have cycling (both road and gravel), paddling (flat and white water), easy walks, trail maintenance activities, conservation outings (corridor boundary work and invasive plant removal), climbing, and lots of hikes from easy to vigorous (the Appalachian Trail section hike series throughout the spring and summer, AMC 150 anniversary hikes, wildflower and nature journaling hikes, easy walks, and backpacking outings). We also have two in-person events to connect with others who love the outdoors: the AMC 150 Celebration on May 23^rd at Noble View Outdoor Center and a National Trails Day celebration on Saturday, June 6^th in Cheshire. WESTERN MA ACTIVITIES »

A top priority for AMC in MA this year is the passage of the Nature for MA ballot question. The question — if passed by voters on the November 2026 ballot — would dedicate funds from the existing state sales tax on sporting goods to raise an estimated $100 million every year for protecting and conserving water and nature in MA. Some of this funding could also go toward outdoor recreation priorities. The Boston Globe published a great piece on this last weekend, authored by AMC Board Member William Hill. To get this question on the ballot in November, 21,000 signatures need to be collected between May 8 and June 14. Please join us in collecting signatures from May 8 to June 14 and mobilize your members to do the same. Visit the Nature for Massachusetts Coalition website for volunteer information, including background, timeline, and resources like the signature collection training video, fact sheet, do's and dont's, and FAQs. More information about the Nature for MA initiative can also be found on the AMC blog. We would like to stress the urgency of this ballot initiative. Across MA, we are in the middle of a major generational transfer of land. Farms, forests, and undeveloped parcels are changing hands as landowners retire or sell. In each case, there is a choice: conserve the land or develop it. That decision happens once. Conservation tools like easements and land acquisition only work at the moment of transfer. Once land is developed, the opportunity to protect it is lost. A dedicated, consistent funding source is what allows conservation organizations and communities to act when it matters most. At the same time, shifting federal priorities have made state-level investment more important than ever. With uncertainty around federal conservation funding, MA has an opportunity — and a responsibility — to lead. Please consider volunteering to get signatures!

The hike, led by Jeannette Pierce, followed the Border Trail that winds its way through the woods along the Little River, revealing a wide variety of wildflowers. After a picnic lunch, the group explored the duck ponds and the beautiful gardens of the park. MORE PHOTOS »

On Sunday, we repaired the failing boardwalk in the nearby Hop Brook valley. This boardwalk provides a scenic break in the A.T. "green tunnel" with expansive views of the hills in Beartown State Forest to the west and A.T. lands on the ridge to the east. The large open area preserves a unique habitat that includes some plants rare to the Berkshires. This weekend's repair was temporary, to keep the Trail open — full replacement of the boardwalk will be performed by a contractor through Legacy Restoration Funds provided by the National Park Service — work is expected to begin in 2027. View the A.T. Committee's full project schedule with descriptions and a link to register. PROJECT SCHEDULE »

There are lots of opportunities to join a hike, bike ride, or paddling outing as part of the relay. Go to the Chapter Activities page and search for AMC 150 events. Don't miss out on this epic adventure! We'd also like to invite you to join in the AMC 150 Celebration at Noble View Outdoor Center for a day of history, trails, and community. Enjoy guided walks, trail work, demonstrations, hikes, family activities, and a free BBQ as we explore Noble View's past, present, and future. The morning will consist of trail work and hikes to explore the Noble View property. From 1:00 to 4:30 PM we will have demonstrations, a presentation about the history of Noble View, a free BBQ, and cake! Register soon as space is limited.

Mt Tom State Reservation in Easthampton and Holyoke is a 2,161-acre park known for its rugged traprock cliffs and panoramic views of the Connecticut River Valley. Mt Tom is the highest peak of the Metacomet Ridge in MA, rising to 1,202 feet! With 22 miles of trails, from the easy Bray Loop Trail, to the more challenging New England National Scenic Trail (NET) Section 6 which traverses the Mt Tom ridge across the park, there is something for everyone. If you make your way to the Eyrie Ruins on Mt Nonotuck you will find the remnants of an exclusive 19th century mountaintop hotel that burned down in 1901, where the beautiful stone arches and walls remain. You will also find remnants of another hotel on Mt Tom on the western side of the park. In addition, the park has an awesome playground with rock climbing features, picnic areas with grills, and a visitors center that houses a small natural museum. Fishing is permitted in Lake Bray near the Holyoke entrance. Mt Tom is open year-round, but a wonderful time to go is when the Mountain Laurels are in bloom in May and June. They grace the trails throughout the park and are truly spectacular! Mt Tom can be accessed by car from the Rte 5 entrance in Holyoke and the Rte 141 entrance in Easthampton. You can also park at the Mt Tom North Trailhead parking lot on East St in Easthampton to begin a hike up the accessible trail and on to the NET. A seasonal fee is typically charged from May through October. Dogs are permitted but must be on a leash at all times. Check here for more information and a trail map. View more photos on our Facebook page.

Earth Day is an annual celebration that honors the achievements of the environmental movement and raises awareness of the need to protect Earth's natural resources for future generations. Held on April 22, Earth Day was begun by U.S. Senator Gaylork Nelson of Wisconsin to raise national awareness of deteriorating environmental conditions across the country. The first Earth Day, on April 22, 1970 achieved a rare political alignment between Republicans and Democrats, rich and poor, urban dwellers and farmers, and business and labor leaders, and united individual activists in their fight against pollution. This led to the consolidation of environmental responsibilities under one federal government agency, the EPA, and decades of regulations to curb ecological damage. Now more than ever, your help is needed to protect our natural spaces. So what can you do? Conservation is woven into all we do in the Western MA Chapter. There are many opportunities for you to join in our conservation efforts. Consider joining a wildlife transect, an invasive special removal, or trail maintenance activity. Visit our activities page and click on the Conservation button. You can also go to AMC's website to view ways to take action to support legislation for the environment, including joining the Conservation Action Network, to stay informed about initiatives and actions. Or even simply, taking a trash bag with you on your adventures and picking up trash along the way. Mother Earth, and all who enjoy her gifts, thank you!

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Armed with field guides and iNaturalist apps, the group wandered along the main trail identifying spring ephemerals and wildflowers, learning about the difference between them, their reproductive cycles, and of course, their names. After the hike, some in the group gathered at a cafe to do some nature journaling. Such a lovely morning! Kim will be offering more wildflower hikes and nature journaling outings in the months to come. Browse the Chapter Activities page and click on Hiking. MORE PHOTOS »

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We will provide an overview of proper tools for critical maintenance. From the trailhead, we will venture Southbound on the trail towards Mt Tom. Over a 3-5 mile hike, we will go over critical maintenance, including corridor cleaning, drainage, and water bar management, brushing, and work reporting. There will be ample opportunity for seasoned volunteers to showcase their experience and support for those who are new to trail work. We will also provide education on the New England Trail history, ongoing stewardship efforts, and how to continue your involvement in supporting this community-driven trail system. REGISTER »

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This weekend is an opportunity to hike together, share ideas, and strengthen the connective tissue of our chapter—on and off the trail. We hope you'll join us for a weekend that's not only fun, but energizing — where you might just discover a gem in the Whites, perfect for future trips and shared adventures. We're looking for folks to help shape this into a dynamic, community-driven experience. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just beginning to explore leadership, this is a chance to collaborate, swap stories, and build something meaningful together. We're especially excited about bringing together our energetic 20s/30s group with our more seasoned leaders. Picture the conversations, the mentorship, the laughter — and the miles covered side by side. This kind of cross-pollination could be something special. REGISTER »

During the 16-hour workshop, the instructor, Kyle, taught participants a method for systematically assessing the patient, treating common injuries, and determining an evacuation plan if necessary. This is a valuable certification for volunteers to have to help keep everyone safe on outings, or assisting anyone who is injured in the wilderness. MORE PHOTOS »

Each month, we highlight one of the committees in the Western MA Chapter, to showcase who our volunteers are and what they do, and to highlight Chapter programs, recreational activities, and volunteer opportunities. This month we're featuring the Hiking Committee. Under the leadership of Hiking Chair Mike April, the Hiking Committee plans a variety of hiking opportunities throughout the year. There are about forty trained and experienced hiking leaders in the Western MA Chapter offering all kinds of hikes from relaxed, easy walks to vigorous hikes on challenging trails. The Committee currently has 43 posted upcoming hikes including a Wildflower and Journaling hike series, an Appalachian Trail Massachusetts hike series, AMC 150 Anniversary hikes, historic canal walks, nice and easy trail walks, family hikes, hikes for younger members, and even a gear swap social. Come and explore new places, meet new folks, and experience the joy of outdoor adventures with others! Go to the Chapter Activities mosaic and click on the Hiking button. Would you like to learn about how to share your love of the outdoors with others? It's now easier than ever to become a Hike Leader. Contact Mike for information: hiking@amc-wma.org. More Photos

For 150 years, the Appalachian Mountain Club has been a community built around getting outdoors together and protecting the places we love. In D.C., that mission continues through our policy team, advocating for conservation, climate action, and outdoor access across the region. This stop on the relay is a celebration of that work, and a reminder that protecting the outdoors happens both on the trail and beyond it. Be part of the journey!

All Out Adventures is a non-profit organization in Northampton, MA, that provides inclusive outdoor recreation for people with disabilities, seniors, and veterans, offering activities like cycling, kayaking, and skiing at low or no cost. The NET Committee will be coordinating more opportunities for volunteers to get involved in similar activities in the future. Check the Chapter Activities page for upcoming events. MORE PHOTOS »

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