The Western MA Exchange

Noble View Outdoor Center lies on the traditional lands of the Woronoco. Woronoco refers to the people of "the place of abundant salmon" and "where the river winds around the land". Russell, Southwick and Westfield were continuously occupied for thousands of years by Indigenous people. We would like to pay respect to those original people both past and present. We thank them for stewarding the land and the waterways throughout generations. Many are no longer here due to colonization, forced relocation, disease, and warfare. We also recognize the continued presence of Indigenous people on this territory who care for these lands. We acknowledge the Nipmuc, Mohican, and Abenaki people who have survived attempted genocide and who still hold ties to the land spiritually and culturally. We shall be good stewards of the land we all call Massachusetts, 'Great hill country'. AMC is in the process of committing to building relationships with the Native community. To learn more and to support the local Indigenous communities visit the Ohketeau Cultural Center and the Mashantucket Pequot Museum.

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Josh got involved in the Chapter's A.T. Management Committee in 2009 with his son. He explains how it came about. "He needed a service project and we both enjoy backpacking so we adopted a section of the A.T. to maintain. Since then, we have added another section and a shelter to caretake. 16 years later we are still at it with the help of my wife, daughter and brother-in-law. In addition, I have taken on the Northern Coordinator position of Maintainers and Overnight sites." Thank you Josh for sharing your skills, dedication and passion for the outdoors with us!

On October 5, 1999, Diane Crowell, June Hoerle, and Gloria LaFlamme organized and led the chapter's first Tuesday hike. The group started at Knightville Dam on the East Branch of the Westfield River and ended at Chesterfield Gorge, a nature reserve managed by the Trustees of Reservations. Each week their Tuesday adventure attracted more and more hikers, until it became something of a legend. This week, the Tuesday hikers celebrated 25 years of hiking togetherness because of these three women's love of the woods, nature and friendship. See all of the chapter's upcoming hikes, Tuesdays and other days, and come join us! MORE PHOTOS »

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After the ribbon cutting, folks walked on the .6-mile accessible trail, then enjoyed refreshments at the Double Cottage with beautiful views of the valley below. In the afternoon, everyone enjoyed music, games, crafts, a traveling magician, demonstrations and a paddling outing on Russell Pond under gorgeous blue skies. A huge thank you to all who worked on the trail, the event organizers, those who came to celebrate with us, and the countless volunteers, without whom we could not exist! MORE PHOTOS »

As I was sitting on my porch, working – favorite place to work – I heard a sound that seemed ... different. Like it was starting to rain, but not exactly. Then I looked up and realized that it was the magical sound of leaves falling in the woods, louder due to the lack of rain, and enough of a breeze to help them on their way. A little early in the season, I thought. Humbled, and asking myself what I can do to step more lightly on our beautiful planet home. Looking at the topics in this month's broadcast, I'm, again, humbled. I've been leading Tuesday hikes since 2018, and just to reflect on when and how the tradition started really puts it into perspective, and reminds me that someone created what we're now benefiting from. And at our Annual Meeting on October 25th, you'll witness my passing of the actual gavel from 1942 to the next Chapter Chair, as was done with all of the Chapter Chairs since the Western Massachusetts Chapter's beginnings. Shakes me right out of taking any of this for granted, and helps me remember the people who have made the Chapter's recreation and conservation activities happen, and kept it going. Read on for a few ways you can be part of history in the making! Diane Jones, Western MA Chapter Chair

Help the Chapter Grow and Get More People Outdoors!

We're excited about a new position on the Executive Committee and bringing in new members to fill current roles! Join our dynamic, friendly, and passionate team, dedicated to making getting outdoors safe and fun.

• The new Community Engagement Chair role includes finding ways to let western MA outdoor enthusiasts know about what our Chapter offers and how they can be involved, partnering with other Executive Committee members.
• The Chapter Vice Chair learns about Chapter governance and AMC workings, preparing to move into the Chapter Chair role in two years, jumping into any project that draws them in.
• The Member at Large observes the Chapter workings, contributes to Executive Committee decisions, and plugs into areas/activities of interest.
• The Training and Education Chair coordinates activity leader requirements and trainings, so leaders can feel confident sharing their favorite places with others.
• The Membership Chair focuses on recognizing and accommodating current AMC Western MA members, and letting others know the benefits of being an AMC member!
• Nominating Committee members help the Nominating Chair to identify and invite members to join the Executive Committee and/or volunteer on a committee. The Nominating Chair does the rest!

If any of these piques your interest and fits your skills, or if you're interested in being involved as a committee member in your favorite area, drop us a line at info@amc-wma.org. We'd love to add your talents and ideas to creating an even more vibrant AMC Western MA community!

Western MA Bash

There is still time to register for the Western Mass Bash, the Chapter's Annual Dinner, volunteer recognition, brief business meeting, and celebration! The evening will start with a social hour, the first chance for the whole Chapter to socialize in person since the last in-person Annual Meeting in 2019. Then, we will enjoy a delicious buffet meal followed by electing the new slate of Executive Committee members and taking a look back on all we have accomplished in 2024. Next, our Most Valuable Leaders from each committee will be recognized, followed by a presentation by AMC staff and our guest speaker, Karen Foster, the Executive Director of All Out Adventures. All this for only $25! View details and registration information on outdoors.org. Please register as soon as possible, preferably by October 7th, so we can give the venue a headcount and payment. We hope to see you there!

The Tuesday Hiking Group Celebrates 25 Years of Hikes

On October 5, 1999, Diane Crowell, June Hoerle, and Gloria LaFlamme organized and led the Chapter's first Tuesday hike. The group started at Knightville Dam on the East Branch of the Westfield River and ended at Chesterfield Gorge, a nature reserve managed by The Trustees of Reservations. Each week, their Tuesday adventure attracted more and more hikers, until it became something of a legend. In 2024, the Tuesday hikers will be celebrating 25 years of hiking togetherness because of these three women's love of the woods, nature, and friendship. Come join the celebratory hike along the gorgeous Westfield River followed by a potluck lunch starting at the Chesterfield Gorge main parking lot in Chesterfield on Tuesday October 1, 2024 from 9:30 to 2:00 pm. Registration is not required for this event.

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The afternoon will consist of guided hikes, live music, family games and crafts, a StoryWalk^®, bubbles, popcorn, and even some paddling at Russell Pond. So pack a picnic lunch and join us for a fun-filled day of music and outdoor adventures. Registration is not required- just come up to Noble View and join the fun. DETAILS »

Jonathan has completed the Triple Crown (the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail and the Appalachian Trail), and the NET is his fifth of eleven National Scenic Trails. Best wishes to Money Maker on his thru hike and many thanks to Kevin for all his work to maintain the NET! That was not an easy blow down to clear with a hand saw.

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