The Western MA Exchange

Bright Water Bog is a Kestrel Land Trust property that was donated by Julian Janowitz, a local psychiatrist and artist who wanted to share his love of art and nature with others. As you walk around Ames Pond on the trails and boardwalks through the bogs, you can view his amazing sculptures including a spider web and The Magical Door. The group also enjoyed identifying all the wildflowers on the trail which included trillium, a lady slipper, wild blueberries and strawberries, bluets, and littleleaf skullcap. It was a wonderful experience for all! MORE PHOTOS »

On Saturday, despite the gloomy weather, some significant preparatory work was done. Jon, Russ, Warren, Ed, Maggie, Sarah, Mike and Cosmo showed up as the rain was just winding down and trekked up a soggy Caretaker's Trail to the Cabin – of note, our efforts to maintain the road have paid off – it was quite driveable despite nearly 2" of rain. Upon arrival, our team of sawyers went off to address some hazard trees at the campsites, while the amphibious group got ready to install the dock parts. We quickly got the dock into the water and bolted together. Seems we might have finally gotten the hang of it...this might have been because our friend Mike Brick was not there directing traffic – I do miss that guy. We also removed quite a pile of scrap lumber from earlier projects that had been stored beneath the Cabin. It's been there – unused – for about 10 years "just in case we might need it". We'll cut it into fireplace lengths for campfires this season. Sitting under the Cabin it was a potential hazard in the event of a "ground fire", the frequency of which seems to be increasing the in the Berkshires. On Sunday – under blue skies and a nice breeze – Mary B, Mary E, Warren, Bonnie, Rob, Trish, Russ, and Cosmo made quick work of removing shutters, organizing the kitchen, setting up the wash station, testing the stove, gas lights, and fire alarms and generally getting things cleaned up and tidy for our first Caretaker, Nancy, who arrived about noon. We also replaced the broken fire grate and updated the fireplace screen with one that actually stands up on its own – plus some new fireplace tools. Our newly donated canoe was put into service collecting spring water from across the pond. The Cabin season is off to a great start – many thanks to all who have helped get things up and running over the past month (five of this weekend's crew were 2025 Caretakers)! Some of our upcoming projects:

• Saturday May 24th: Repairs to the Hop Brook Boardwalk.
• Saturday June 7th: National Trails Day – we will be clearing brush from the Reynolds Rock lookout in Cheshire.
• Sunday June 8th: We're working with Green Mountain Club volunteers to start work on a Trail relocation at the VT/MA border.
• Monday-Tuesday June 9th and 10th: We'll be monitoring rare plants in the Mt Greylock Summit area.

View our upcoming activities on our committee webpage.

Since 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club has been inspiring people to connect with the outdoors. From pioneering trails and protecting wild spaces to fostering a love of adventure across generations, AMC's story is one of conservation, community, and discovery. As we approach our 150^th anniversary in 2026, we invite you to celebrate this incredible milestone with the AMC 150^th Relay – a one-of-a-kind journey linking the iconic trails and landscapes we cherish. Together, let's honor our past and shape the future of outdoor recreation and stewardship. In celebration of 150 years, the Appalachian Mountain Club will host a historic 1,500-mile torch relay from Virginia to Maine, beginning in March and ending in October 2026. This epic journey will unite hikers, paddlers, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts to carry a ceremonial torch across cherished trails, breathtaking landscapes, and beloved AMC lodges and camps. Along the way, vibrant events in cities like New York and Boston and celebratory gatherings at key AMC locations will bring our mission to life. Together, we'll celebrate our shared love for nature, our commitment to conservation, and the spirit of adventure that connects us all. Everyone is invited to participate by cheering on the participants, adopting a leg of the relay, or showing up at one of the celebrations along the route. Visit the 150th Anniversary home page to view the relay route and learn how to get involved, or watch a short video presentation to learn more.

From planning and leading recreational activities to seasonal trail work – here's what our committees were up to last month.

A.T. Management

The most recent A.T. Committee meeting was May 5 ✧ Seasonal project work is in full swing. Projects since the last report include a survey of the potential layout of the new Shaker campsite, blowdown clearing on Mt Greylock, brush clearing at Tyringham Cobble, corridor boundary maintenance in Tyringham, and corridor infringement monitoring ✧ Upper Goose Pond cabin was opened with a caretaker on Sunday, May 11 ✧ Work on the Upper Goose Pond cabin chimney was completed in early May ✧ Seasonal project work is ongoing; see the Outdoor Connector (OC) for details on upcoming A.T. projects and how to volunteer ✧ Volunteer recruitment needs include trail maintainers, corridor monitors, a shelter coordinator, and a communications coordinator ✧ Next meeting: August 25, 2025

Bicycling

April events: The warm-up ride on 04/12 was cancelled due to weather; the 04/26 warm-up ride has been rescheduled for 04/27 ✧ Upcoming May and June bike rides are posted on the OC: (05/24) Warm-up ride in the Berkshires; (06/07) National Trails Day (NTD) - Berkshire Rail Trail Ride

Communications

Our social media accounts continue to gain new followers. All Facebook data points decreased this month despite an increase in the number of posts, while Instagram showed mixed results. Both data points on the website increased slightly in April ✧ Facebook: 29 posts (top post: National Volunteer Week) ✧ Instagram: 19 posts (top post: Spring Warm-up Ride posted on 4/17) ✧ New this month on the website: an interactive map for NTD and an activities calendar, which downloads from the OC every six hours ✧ Ongoing webwork includes activity postings, updates to the Western MA Exchange, and site maintenance

Community Engagement

Planning continues for a Women+ Juneteenth Reflection Hike, a successful outing last year ✧ Karen Foster from our partner, All Out Adventures (AOA), presented trip planning and preparation for folks with accessibility needs on 05/01 ✧ We're planning hikes on the New England Scenic Trail (NET) with Miriam Maistelman, to be led with AOA as part of a grant received by AMC ✧ Visit Sign Up Genius to volunteer with AOA ✧ The Western MA Paddling Committee will have a transfer bench for use on the NTD paddle in the Berkshires ✧ We are continuing to reach out to folks about "An Act Expanding Access To Trails For People Of All Abilities" (MA Bill S.548). Sign our group support letter to the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources or use this form to send a letter to your state Rep and Senator ✧ The Interchapter Community Engagement Committee meets bimonthly

Family Programs

Held the "Family Vernal Pool Hike" with Nancy Condon and The Naturalist Club on 04/06 ✧ April's StoryWalk^® was "Its Spring" and continues through May 15^th ✧ Future StoryWalks^® have been secured with our collaborator, Hilltown Community Health Center, through contact with the new Hilltown Family Center director ✧ Utilized the HillTown Families marketing platform for "An UnderWater World: Creatures & Critters in the Stream" ✧ Scheduled the Wildflower Walk and Fairy House Creation Display for Sunday, May 18, 2025

Membership

Obtained AMC Western MA business cards and other literature ✧ Currently distributing AMC-branded cards to chapter chairs to share w/leaders ✧ Attending Tuesday hikes to meet leaders and other AMC members ✧ Planning continues for our NTD tabling event at Diane's Twist on the Ashuwilticook Trail in Cheshire (06/07/2025, 10AM-2PM). See all Western MA NTD events on the OC

NET Management

NET adopters, trail runners, and DCR staff gathered to do trail maintenance on Section 7 before the Seven Sisters Trail Race. Volunteers contributed over 60 hours at this 3^rd annual partnership event ✧ NET adopters participated in Adaptive Hiking Training with AOA at Noble View ✧ The NET Committee is providing updates for the new edition of the AMC MA Hiking Guide, which includes the NET and is updated every 5 years ✧ The NET Committee is working with the Membership and Communications chairs on NTD activities, which include staffing a table and a hike on the NET ✧ Wendell State Forest Shelter project planning continues with another site visit, acquisition of a building permit, and an update of material costs. We will remove and replace existing roof shingles and rotting structural beams ✧ NET adopters have reported almost 200 hours of volunteer time since the April 14 NET Committee report ✧ The next NET Committee meeting is scheduled for May 19, 2025

Paddling

The Paddling Committee last met on 03/19; committee goals and plans for 2025 were discussed ✧ Ann Gillard is working with Leigh Eubank of Hampshire College to borrow whitewater kayaks and equipment on AMC trips. Working through Aaron Gorban of AMC's Risk Management Office, a Memorandum of Understanding with Hampshire College has been signed and a Certificate of Insurance has been obtained ✧ Ann Gillard is developing a whitewater leader training curriculum with input from Deb and others ✧ Find upcoming trips on the OC

ATC »

50% OFF »

This online course will prepare you to safely lead groups on activities following AMC guidelines and protocols. After completion of the course, the Chapter's Training and Education Committee will contact you to set up the second phase of the training - in-person mentoring to plan and lead two outings in your chosen area (hiking, paddling, climbing, or cycling). For questions contact training@amc-wma.org.  »

Register for your adventure early as participation is limited on some of the activities. And don't forget to stop by Diane's Twist at 13 Main Street, Cheshire to grab a snack and some cool swag, and to learn about the exciting adventures we offer in the Western MA Chapter. We hope to see you on the 7^th! ACTIVITIES »

So make a plan come up to Noble View to walk the APT and read this beautiful story. You will also be able to view some fairy houses along the way and gather materials for your own fairy house. Bring a picnic lunch to sit on the lawn of the cottages and enjoy the view! From the entrance on South Quarter Road, follow the dirt road about a half a mile to the parking lot. The APT starts there.

MORE PHOTOS »

AMC RESOURCES »

The weather is perfect and there are so many great places to ride in western Massachusetts, from bike paths to rural rolling hills to challenging mountain roads. Here are some ways that you can commemorate this month:

• National Ride A Bike Day (May 4, 2025)
• Walk Bike & Roll to School Day (May 7, 2025)
• Bike to Work Week (May 12-18, 2025)
• Bike to Work Day (May 16, 2025)

We also want to let you know about our Bicycling Committee. Made up entirely of volunteers, we plan outings in western Massachusetts, from easier warm-up rides in the spring to challenging rides in the Berkshires. If you are new to recreational cycling, you can reach out to the Bicycling Committee (bicycling@amc-wma.org) to inquire about introductory classes that include a beginner ride with low mileage and an educational component focusing on basic riding skills, safety, and bike maintenance. Go to the Bicycling Committee page where you'll find great resources for cyclists and a listing of upcoming rides to join.

Trail work included removing multiple blowdowns, clearing the trail corridor, cutting back encroaching vegetation, and improving the traction on a staircase located between Bare Mt and Mt Hitchcock by installing wire meshing. Numerous runners who were training for the upcoming race, considered to be one of the hardest in the Northeast, expressed their gratitude to the volunteers with words of thanks and appreciation as they ran past. Our Chapter appreciates the hard work of our trail volunteers! Many thanks!! If you're interested in participating in future volunteer opportunities, visit our volunteer activities page. MORE PHOTOS »

We hope you will come join us as we explore the outdoors in one of the year's most beautiful periods. We have a full schedule of activities for you to join - hikes of course, but also family events to search for wildflowers or creatures in the stream, trail work outings to maintain trails and buildings, bicycling rides throughout the area, paddling outings and a hike for the 20s/30s - something for everyone! So choose your own adventure and come join the fun! UPCOMING ACTIVITIES »

There's so much happening in the Western MA chapter, and we'd love for you to be a part of it! Whether you're drawn to the trails, the roads, or bringing families together in the great outdoors, there's an activity waiting for you. Join us on National Trails Day (June 7th) for scenic hikes, bike rides, or paddling adventures in the beautiful Berkshires, Connecticut River Valley and beyond. Celebrate National Bike Month by riding with our Bicycling Committee – whether you're a beginner or seasoned cyclist, we have rides and resources just for you. Or, if you're passionate about helping families connect with nature, consider volunteering with our Family Programs Committee. They host fun, hands-on adventures for kids and adults all year long. However you choose to participate, there's a place for you. So come explore, give back, and have fun – you bring the energy, we'll bring the adventure! Come join us! Kathy Martin, Western MA Chapter Chair

Save the date: Celebrate National Trails Day June 7^th

National Trails Day is celebrated annually on the first Saturday in June. This year, the Western MA Chapter invites you to a day of celebration in Cheshire on Saturday, June 7, 2025. We are offering many different activities on this day so you can choose your own adventure! We are hosting a hike on the Appalachian Trail to the Cheshire Cobbles with a beautiful view of Mt Greylock and Cheshire Reservoir, a bike ride along the Ashwillticook Rail Trail that travels along the shore of the reservoir from Lanesborogh to North Adams, and an opportunity to paddle on the reservoir surrounded by the beautiful Berkshire Mountains. Or, you can give back to the trails with several trail maintenance opportunities. You can meet some of the Executive Committee members at our table at Diane's Twist on Main Street in Cheshire, get some cool swag, and learn more about what we do in the Chapter. If you'd rather do something in the Connecticut River Valley, our New England Trail Committee will be hosting a hike at the Holyoke Range State Park. If you're looking for something more challenging, you can join the group that will be hiking Mt Cube in NH. You will need to register for the activity you choose. Not all of the events have been posted yet so please keep checking. We hope to see you on National Trails Day!

May is National Bike Month

This is the perfect time to let you know about our Bicycling Committee. Made up entirely of volunteers, our Bicycling Committee plans rides in Western MA from easier warm-up rides in the spring to challenging rides in the Berkshires with rolling hills. If you are new to recreational cycling, you can reach out to the Bicycling Committee to inquire about an Intro to Recreational Cycling ride that would include a beginner ride with low mileage and an educational component focusing on basic riding skills, safety, and bike maintenance. There are other ways you can get involved in National Bike Safety Month. First, go to the Bicycling Committee page where you'll find great resources for cyclists and a listing of our upcoming rides to join. You can also celebrate by joining the Bike to Work Week (May 12-18) or the Bike to Work Day on May 16^th. So, dust off that bike and come ride with us!

Family Programs Opportunity

Are you looking for a fun way to share your skills and enthusiasm for the outdoors? The Family Programs Committee would love to have you assist with their outings. The Family Programs Committee schedules adventures in western MA every month throughout the year. These adventures include family-friendly hikes, experiential outdoor activities that teach outdoor skills and conservation concepts, seasonal crafts and games, camping, family nights, and much more. We strive to instill confidence, collaboration, understanding and an appreciation of the outdoors so as to foster respect and stewardship of our planet and all living things. Our focus is to get everyone outdoors. Children of all ages and their families (including grandparents) are invited to join us. We invite you to come volunteer your time to our child-friendly outdoor adventures and experience the joy of watching little ones grow and learn and become stewards of our planet. Your ideas will be welcomed! For more information please send a message to familyprograms@amc-wma.org.

iNaturalist Flowers and Fauna of the A.T.

This project is a smartphone-oriented extension of AMC's long-term monitoring program Mountain Watch, which has been tracking how plants are responding to climate change since 2004. Learn more about how to get involved with this community science effort here.

We're hosting a hike on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail to the Cheshire Cobbles with a beautiful view of Mt Greylock and Cheshire Reservoir, a bike ride along the Ashwillticook Rail Trail that travels along the shore of the reservoir from Lanesborough to North Adams, and an opportunity to paddle on the reservoir surrounded by the beautiful Berkshire Mountains, as seen in this photo. Or, you can give back to the trails with several trail maintenance opportunities. You can meet some of the Executive Committee members at our table at Diane's Twist on Main Street in Cheshire, get some cool swag and a snack, and learn more about what we do in the Chapter. If you'd rather stay in the Connecticut River Valley, the New England Trail Maintenance Committee will be leading a hike at the Holyoke Range State Park. And if you're looking for something more challenging, you can join the group that will be hiking Mt. Cube in New Hampshire. You will need to register for the activity you choose. Not all of the events have been posted yet so please keep checking. We hope you will come celebrate National Trails Day with us!

The NET is a 235-mile hiking trail route that has been in existence for over half a century. It travels through 41 communities in CT and MA, and is comprised primarily of the historic Mattabesett, Metacomet, and Monadnock (M-M-M) Trail systems. Visit the NET Hike Challenge 2025 page for more information, printable for kids, and FAQ's. Then, get your kids, the dog, family or friends and head out on the trail!

TAKE ACTION TODAY »

Celebrate National Park Week by hiking a section or two this week or join us as we work to maintain these beautiful trails. You can find lots of helpful information, links to trail maps, and opportunities to get involved in trail maintenance projects by going to the Committees page and selecting AT Management or NET Management. And don't forget to visit the NPS website for some fun videos celebrating this year's theme- National Park Playlist.