The Western MA Exchange

Guided Family Forest Scavenger Hunt
September 30, 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. Let's go exploring! This event will be led by Massachusetts DCR Climate Forester, Christina McKeown. We will meet at the info/registration table. Then stay for the FallFest celebration including a BBQ lunch and tons of fun activities including music, crafts, games, demonstrations and much more. Register separately for the scavenger hike and FallFest.

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. We will meet near the registration/information table. This walk is intended for adults and older children and will be on primarily flat or easy terrain. Then stay for the BBQ lunch and fun activities in the afternoon, including music, games, and crafts. Click here to register for the hike. Register for the FallFest afternoon activities including the lunch here.

See what our committees have been up to during the waning days of the summer.

A.T. Management

Scheduled upcoming wildlife transects ✧ Corridor monitoring continues ✧ Summer project schedule (trail work, maintenance, and monitoring activities) is winding down ✧ Have three new B-level sawyers ✧ Volunteer monitors (natural heritage and corridor) and a shelter coordinator are needed

Bicycling

West Connecticut River Valley Ride (19-Aug-2023) ✧ Berkshires- Great Barrington to Mill River Ride (20-Aut-2023) ✧ Turners Falls to Northfield (26-Aug-2023) ✧ September's bike rides are listed in the AMC's activities database and on the Western MA bicycling webpage

Communications

August was a great month for the Communications Team! We saw big increases in some of the data that we are tracking, such as Facebook and Instagram interactions and website views ✧ Posted 17 items on Facebook ✧ Posted 12 items on Instagram ✧ Sent 1,408 newsletters ✧ Pushed two new initiatives live (Pit Privy Replacements and Invasive Species Removal) ✧ Pushed the new Families Outdoors page live ✧ Created and deployed the Western MA Exchange online newsletter ✧ Created a photo album for the Conservation Committee ✧ Updated activities and volunteer bios ✧ Performed general maintenance on the website

Family Outings

We redesigned the StoryWalk^® path at Noble View to create a walking loop ✧ The September StoryWalk^® (until 09-Sep-2023) is "The Camping Trip", installed in collaboration with the Hilltown Family Center ✧ A natural woods playground for families is under construction on the Dry Trail at Noble View, overseen by H. Wyman in collaboration with local Boy Scouts ✧ Attended two FallFest planning meetings ✧ Planning for new events and collaborations is currently ongoing

Hiking

Trips this past month: Mount Tom (01-Aug-2023) ✧ North and South Sugarloaf (15-Aug-2023) ✧ CT NET (22-Aug-2023) ✧ Currently working with committees on Fallfest activities and Women's Weekend ✧ Compilation of volunteer bios for the website continues

Paddling

D. Piers-Gamble completed her second co-lead and is now a qualified paddling leader ✧ Trips this past month: Whitewater Class II trip on the Deerfield River, Fife Brook section lead by M.T. Durr (17-Aug-2023) ✧ Womens+ Affinity Flatwater Paddle on Littleville Reservoir, lead by D. Weisenstein and D. Piers-Gamble (08-Sep-2023)

Training and Education

Ongoing planning continues for new training classes

Experience a leisurely moonlight paddle on Russell Pond after the 09/30 FallFest activities at the AMC Noble View Outdoor Center. Prior paddling experience and swimming ability required of all participants. Canoes, kayaks and necessary equipment are available from the H.A. Moses Scout Reservation, or you may bring your own boat, paddle and PFD. Glow sticks provide for the ends of each boat, but bring your own headlamp as well. The moon rises at 7:18 pm. Please sign up here and notify leaders if you plan to borrow a boat.

Enjoy a morning of paddling on Russell Pond before the 09/30 FallFest barbeque and activities at the Noble View Outdoor Center. Beginner and intermediate paddlers are welcome, and children over 10 if accompanied on the water by a parent. Swimming ability required of all participants. Canoes and kayaks are available from the H.A. Moses Scout Reservation, or you may bring your own boat and equipment, paddle and PFD. Instruction in basic paddle strokes will be available if requested. Please sign up here and notify leaders if you plan to borrow a boat.

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. A BBQ lunch will be served from 12:00 - 2:00, as well as popcorn and cider throughout the day. Family activities will be offered including a StoryWalk, pumpkin craft and games. A suggested donation of per family includes BBQ lunch, access to activities, and free one-year membership for first-time members. Registrants have an option to select a different registration fee. Click or tap here for details and to register.

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. We will traverse some of the lesser-known trails to look for clues on the landscape to learn the history of this forest. We'll reflect on the future of this woodland by considering non-native threats and the effects of climate change on the ecology of the northern forests. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather. Trails may be rocky and root covered. Bring water and a snack or enjoy your bag lunch after the hike at the picnic tables by Noble View's 50-mile view. Heavy rain will postpone the event. Register here.

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. And remember, when hiking with dogs, always keep them on a leash. This prevents them from veering off trail and potentially disturbing wildlife. This photo of a black bear was taken on Section 5 of the New England Trail.

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. They typically have a gentle grade and surfaces that allow for easier use of mobility devices. For folks with limited mobility, low vision, or blindness these trails are also easier to navigate because they have fewer barriers and inclusive wayfinding signage. Learn more about accessible trails for all, the two Massachusetts bills and how you can show your support for them.