The Western MA Exchange

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Are you up for a challenge? The Western MA Chapter wants YOU! To help celebrate AMC's 150^th anniversary in 2026, we challenge you to participate in 150 miles "worth" of activities between January 1 and October 31, 2026. Those who meet the challenge will receive a special commemorative patch and a shout-out at our Fall Social and Annual Meeting. Come on out! Enjoy the outdoors! Try a new activity! Make new friends or renew old acquaintances! Activities with ANY AMC chapter count toward your goal. To register, email info@amc-wma.org. Once you have registered for the 150 Anniversary Challenge, sign up for AMC-led activities with the Western MA Chapter on the Chapter Activities page or any other Chapter on the Outdoor Connector. After completing each activity, email info@amc-wma.org with the trip name, leader, activity type, and miles. Our membership committee will track your miles and let you know how close you are to reaching the 150-mile goal. Since not all outings are alike, and to encourage your participation in different AMC-sponsored activities, we've created mileage equivalents:

• Hiking: number of miles hiked in one outing
• Snowshoeing: number of miles completed per outing
• Alpine Skiing: 1 outing = 10 miles
• Biking: 1 outing = 10 miles
• Conservation: 1/2 day = 15 miles
• Cross Country Skiing: 1 outing = 10 miles
• Family Program: 1 outing = 10 miles
• Mountaineering: 1 outing = 10 miles
• Paddling: 1 outing = 10 miles
• Trail Work: 1/2 day = 15 miles
• Volunteering and Shelter Watch: 1 outing = 10 miles

Questions? Email Kathy Kindness at info@amc-wma.org

As the days grow shorter and the nights come early, it's tempting to stay cozy indoors — especially if cold weather isn't your favorite. But winter is also a great time to stay connected with our AMC community in new ways. Below you'll find three December highlights from the Western Massachusetts Chapter: a new Online Winter Book Club that lets you connect from the comfort of home, an AMC 150 Activity Challenge to inspire you to get outside as we head into 2026, and a spotlight on the Communications Committee, the small-but-mighty team that keeps our website, newsletter, and social channels humming all year long. If you are new to AMC or to our Western Massachusetts Chapter — welcome! We're glad you're here. We invite you to join activities, volunteer, connect with a committee, or explore leadership opportunities at whatever pace feels right for you. Wishing you peace, joy, and adventure during this holiday season! Kathy Martin, Western MA Chapter Chair

Join our NEW Online Winter Book Club

Looking for a new way to have fun and make connections with other outdoor enthusiasts during the cold and dark winter months? The Appalachian Mountain Club's Western Massachusetts Chapter invites you to join a new Winter Book Club series running January through March 2026. The online book club will meet virtually on the fourth Monday of each month from 6:45 to 8:15 PM. The Meet & Greet portion offers participants a chance to arrive early, sign in, catch up with fellow members, hear Chapter updates, and settle in before the discussion begins. Whether you're a longtime AMC member or considering joining the outdoor community, all are welcome! The series begins with Heartwood by Amity Gaige, a suspenseful novel about a 42-year-old hiker who goes missing on the Appalachian Trail. The story weaves together three narratives: the missing woman's struggle for survival, a Maine State Game Warden's ground search, and a birdwatcher's investigation, exploring themes of survival and human connection that will resonate deeply with the AMC community. The group will choose the next two books at the first meeting. Next steps: register for the Book Club, read the book, then bring your hot cocoa, tea, or beverage of choice and join the conversation! Registered participants will receive a link to the meeting via email prior to each meeting. We recommend you register early as the group is limited to 25 participants. For more information contact Mary at secretary@amc-wma.org.

AMC 150 Activity Challenge

Are you up for a challenge? The Western Massachusetts Chapter wants YOU! To help celebrate AMC's 150^th anniversary in 2026, we challenge you to participate in 150 miles "worth" of activities between January 1 and October 31, 2026. Come on out! Enjoy the outdoors! Try a new activity! Make new friends or renew old acquaintances! Activities with ANY AMC chapter count toward your goal. Once you have registered for the 150 Anniversary Challenge, sign up for AMC-led activities with the WM Chapter on the Chapter Activities page of our website, or any other Chapter on the Outdoors Connector. After completing each activity, email info@amc-wma.org with the trip name, leader, activity type, and miles. Our Membership Committee will track your miles and let you know how close you are to reaching the 150-mile goal. Those who meet the challenge will receive a special commemorative patch and a shout-out at our Fall Social and Annual Meeting. Since not all outings are alike, and to encourage your participation in different AMC-sponsored activities, we've created mileage equivalents for activities other than hiking. Click here for details. Questions? Want to register? Email Kathy Kindness at info@amc-wma.org.

December Committee Highlight - Communications

This month we'd like to highlight the work of the Chapter's Communications Committee, which is just two people — the Communications Chair and the Webmaster. Together, they manage all of the communications from the Chapter. The Webmaster is hard at work making daily updates to the website, including the Chapter Activities page, listing all of the chapter activities that have been posted on AMC's Outdoor Connector, and our online newsletter, the Western MA Exchange. This newsletter is jam-packed with upcoming and past Chapter activities and events, articles of interest for the outdoor enthusiast, monthly Committee reports, volunteer opportunities, some of our social media posts, and more. Everything you need to know about Chapter happenings with just one click. The Communications Chair manages the Chapter's Facebook page and Instagram account. Besides following those accounts to see what's happening in the Chapter, you can now engage directly on Facebook by sharing your adventures with the Chapter in the recently added Facebook group. Just click the link, join the group, and share your photos of Chapter activities. We just ask that you adhere to the Group's rules: all posts must be positive and respectful and adhere to the AMC mission to foster the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the outdoors. Political posts and sales are prohibited. The Communications Chair also sends out a monthly email message to its members highlighting Chapter activities and events.

International Dinner Series at Pinkham Notch

From January through March join us on Wednesday evenings to celebrate a different country with a four-course meal and a trip presentation by fellow explorers and adventurers. Travel the world from New Hampshire's North Country! Learn more and see the calendar here.

AMC volunteers hosted over 5,029 activities this year, connecting 34,455 people to the outdoors. We maintained 786 miles of trail this year, removing 2,583 blowdowns and clearing 6,680 drainages. We acquired the 29,000-acre Barnard Forest bringing us to nearly 130,000 acres under the protection of our Maine Woods Initiative. Our Conservation Action Network tripled in size, and we sent 18,000 messages to decision makers about protecting the outdoors. We'd like to thank all those who have joined us in our adventures — whether participating in one of our guided activities, maintaining a trail, or joining a social event, we are grateful for you! If you are not a member yet, it's not too late to take advantage of the 50% discount available until December 31st:

• Individual: $25 (regularly $50)
• Family: $37 (regularly $75)
• U-30 (under age 30): $12.50 (regularly $25)
• Senior (age 70+): $12.50 (regularly $25)

Become a Member!

AMC's Western MA Chapter invites outdoor enthusiasts and book lovers to join a new Winter Book Club series running January through March 2026. The online book club will meet virtually on the fourth Monday of each month from 6:45 to 8:15 PM.

Schedule

• January 26, 2026
• February 23, 2026
• March 23, 2026

Details

• 6:45 PM. Meet & Greet (sign-in, chapter updates, and casual conversation)
• 7:00-8:15 PM. Book discussion
• Format: Online (link provided upon registration)

The series begins with Heartwood by Amity Gaige, a suspenseful novel about a 42-year-old hiker who goes missing on the Appalachian Trail. The story weaves together three narratives—the missing woman's struggle for survival, a Maine State Game Warden's ground search, and a birdwatcher's investigation—exploring themes of survival and human connection that will resonate deeply with the AMC community. The next two books will be decided at the first meeting. Next steps: register for the Book Club, read the book, then bring your hot cocoa, tea, or beverage of choice and join the conversation! Registered participants will receive a link to the meeting via email prior to each meeting. We recommend you register early as the group is limited to 25 participants. For more information contact Mary at secretary@amc-wma.org. "We're excited to bring our community together during the winter months to explore stories that connect us to nature and each other," said Chapter Chair Kathy Martin. "This is a wonderful opportunity for members and newcomers alike to connect over shared interests in literature and the outdoors." Whether you're a longtime AMC member or considering joining the outdoor community, all are welcome! We hope you will join us!

The Berry Song features a recurring "song" or chant listing various berries as a girl and her grandmother forage on their ancestral land in Southeast Alaska. It celebrates Indigenous values of gratitude and a reciprocal relationship with nature, where people sing to the land as the land sings to them. So bundle up the kids and come on up to beautiful Noble View and read the story as you walk the one-mile trail through the woods. And if there's snow on the ground, bring your sleds for some sledding on the hill near Double Cottage. After turning onto the access road off South Quarter Road, drive about a half mile to the parking lot. The All Persons Trail starts there. Happy hiking and reading!

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

20s/30s

The 20s/30s+ WhatsApp group has over 180 members! ✧ Recent events: Gym Night w/ Mountaineering (10/01), Mineral Hills Conservation Area (10/02), Pemberton Memorial Forest and Butter Hill Wildlife Sanctuary (10/07), Apple Picking Social (10/19), Sunset Hike @ Mt Toby (10/21), Mike's Maze Social (10/26), Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary (10/28), Quabbin Park/Winsor Dam (11/01), Interchapter Social w/ Worcester and Naragansett 20s/30s (11/01), Mindfulness Walk @ Burleigh Park (11/22), and Night Hike on the AT (12/01) ✧ Upcoming events: Winter Hiking Discussion & Walk, Wednesday Night Skiing, Winter Weekend @ Cardigan Lodge, XC Skiing @ Notchview, and Backpacking the Appalachian Trail

A.T. Management

The most recent A.T. Committee meeting was November 3 ✧ Seasonal project work has finished for the year ✧ David Cohen has taken the reins from Steve Smith as the leader of our Cultural Resources group ✧ Wildlife transects have been scheduled; wee the Outdoor Connector for details ✧ Planning for the committee's annual Gathering of Volunteers on Saturday February 7, 2016 in Dalton is underway ✧ Volunteer recruitment needs include trail maintainers, corridor monitors, and three coordinators: shelter, communications and group outreach ✧ The next A.T. Committee meeting is Monday, 1/5/2026

Bicycling

The Bicycling Committee continues to work on 2026 goals, including training new leaders and developing relationships with a bike shop and a community organization to partner in sponsoring rides ✧ Our ride schedule will resume in April

Communications

The Chapter's social media accounts continue to gain new followers - 17 on Facebook and 28 on Instagram since the September report ✧ Started a Facebook group for the Chapter so leaders and participants can share photos of Western MA trips ✧ Facebook (28 posts) with a total of 10,067 views. Top post: The Tuesday Hikers hike in Cummington and Worthington ✧ Instagram (15 posts) with 9,452 views. Top post: Membership discount ✧ The website saw another record-setting month: views (6,009) increased by 106%; users (4,478) increased by 234% ✧ The webpage with the highest views (after the home page) was Chapter activities

Family Programs

StoryWalk^® "The Berry Song" by Michaela Goady continues to be open to Noble View visitors ✧ 20 attendees participated in Tom Condon's Naturalist Walk at Noble View for Scouts troop ✧ Laura attended the Western MA Annual Meeting and staffed the name tags & sign-in table ✧ Planning continues for a rock climbing outing, the Condon's Owl Prowl hike, and the Plein Air Painting Program

Hiking

Led 135 outings (hikes, walks, etc) ✧ We successfully completed the A.T. MA and RFT series ✧ We continue to collaborate with the 20/30s committee, the Tuesday hiking group, and the Worcester Chapter regarding events and training ✧ Backpacking was initiated and revitalized with 1 trip; at least 2 are planned for spring 2026 ✧ We purchased the following for our lending library: New England Trail Map & Guide, AMC's Best Day Hikes in the Berkshires, Massachusetts Trail Guide, Massachusetts Trail Map, Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide, AMC's Best Day Hikes in Central Massachusetts, and the Southern New Hampshire Trail Map

Membership

New memberships are 50% off until 12/31 ✧ On January 1, we're starting the AMC 150 Challenge; let's see how many of our folks we can get involved in doing 150 miles worth of activity before 10/31/26 ✧

Paddling

The Paddling Committee last met on 09/30 ✧ Committee purchased 1 whitewater paddle, 1 throw bag, 4 dry bags, 4 carabiners and 2 z-drag pulleys for safety and loaner gear to be used on AMC trips ✧ Deb is involved in planning a second Canoe Camping Workshop with AMC NH Canoe Committee for January 18 ✧ Committee purchased 1 whitewater paddle, 1 throw bag, 4 dry bags, 4 carabiners and 2 z-drag pulleys for safety and loaner gear to be used on AMC trips. Deb is involved in planning a second Canoe Camping Workshop with AMC NH Canoe Committee for January 18 Upcoming scheduled and posted events: AMC150 trip on the Westfield River (May 24, 2026 - Class 1), AMC150 trip on the Connecticut River (May 27, 2026 with All Out Adventures), AMC150 trip on the Connecticut River in VT (July 11) ✧ Currently working with the Westfield Wildwater Race committee to organize training for safety volunteers for a whitewater race on April 18, 2026

Attendees from the Western MA, Connecticut, and Worcester Chapters spent the morning in the classroom reviewing material learned during the online portion of the training, then went outdoors for a short hike to role play some potential scenarios of situations they may encounter as an AMC hiking leader. This made for a fun and informative afternoon as all participants engaged in the role-playing scenarios. The last phase of the training is to lead two hikes with a trained mentor. Once completed, these enthusiastic and qualified outdoor enthusiasts will be able to lead hikes independently with AMC. If you're interested in learning more about our Leadership Training, contact training@amc-wma.org. MORE PHOTOS »

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This expression reflects a cultural emphasis on being prepared for harsh weather conditions by dressing appropriately, encouraging people to go outside regardless of the elements. What better time to share this helpful article about dressing for the cold?

As we enter the season of gratitude and Thanksgiving, we're delighted to share recent highlights from our community. This month, we celebrate volunteers whose dedication strengthens our chapter and inspires others to enjoy the outdoors. We honor Appie of the Year, Janine Papesh, and recognize our 2025 Most Valuable Committee Members — each deserving of our heartfelt thanks. We're also spotlighting the wonderful work of our Mountaineering Committee, which continues to offer year-round opportunities for climbers to learn, grow, and explore the classic cliffs of Western MA. If you are new to the AMC or to our Western MA Chapter, welcome! We're grateful you've joined us. There are many ways to get involved — join activities, volunteer, connect with a committee, or explore leadership opportunities. We also have two openings on our Executive Committee for 2026: Conservation Chair and Vice Chair. If you're interested in helping shape the future of the chapter, we'd love to hear from you. Thank you for being part of the AMC Western MA community during this season of appreciation! Kathy Martin, Western MA Chapter Chair

Appie of the Year Janine Papesh

Janine Papesh was awarded the Appie of the Year at the Chapter's Annual Meeting and Celebration last month. Janine has worked tirelessly for many years in both the Boston and Western MA Chapters. She was most recently the Bicycling Committee Chair, which she started after moving to the area in 2016, and has led over 50 cycling trips in western MA. In Boston, she led both cycling and skiing trips. For more than thirty years, Janine has exemplified the spirit of the Appalachian Mountain Club by being someone who inspires joyous, meaningful outdoor experiences. Her leadership has built community and encouraged countless people to get outside on bikes and skis. We'd also like to congratulate the 2025 Most Valuable Committee Members for the WM Chapter:

• 20s/30s: Kevin Morgan-Rothschild
  
• A.T. Management: Gary Adamson
• Bicycling: Robyn Maislin
• Communications: Lisa Taylor
• Family Programs: Dawne Piers-Gamble
• Hiking: Margot Lacey
• Mountaineering: Danielle Rich
• NET Management: Patrick Henry
• Paddling: Ann Gillard
• Training and Education: Hew Hart

Congratulations to all! We'd like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for their dedication and commitment to furthering the mission of the AMC!

Mountaineering Committee

The Western MA Mountaineering Committee offers year-round opportunities for climbers and aspiring climbers to develop skills, find partners, and enjoy the classic cliffs of our region. We organize instruction and trips in top-roping, sport/trad climbing, anchor building, ice climbing, and mountaineering fundamentals, always grounded in AMC's emphasis on safety, stewardship, and good judgment. Our leaders are trained volunteers who know the local crags — places like Chapel Ledge, Rose Ledge, and the Keene Rail Cut — and who are committed to helping people progress in a responsible way. We also support trip planning for bigger objectives, encourage Leave No Trace practices at the cliff, and work to build a welcoming climbing community in Western MA through trainings, social events, and collaboration with other AMC programs. For more information visit the Mountaineering Committee's webpage. You'll find helpful information about climbing, upcoming events, a resources page with informative articles like Beginner Resources and Favorite Climbs. Feel free to reach out to the mountaineering committee if you have any questions: mountaineering@amc-wma.org.

Share your talents with the Western MA Chapter

Are you passionate about the outdoors and looking to make a tangible impact in the community? The AMC Western MA Chapter has two opportunities on the Executive Committee for 2026: Conservation Chair and Vice Chair. The Conservation Chair is a member of the Western MA Executive Committee, responsible for organizing and directing the Conservation Committee, coordinating conservation events, managing related budgets and supplies, and serving as the liaison to the Chapter Executive Committee. The Vice Chair position is a 1-year term as Vice Chair, with the expectation of stepping into the Chapter Chair role afterward. It's a unique chance to learn about AMC leadership, support outdoor programs in western MA, and make a real impact in the outdoor community. You'll collaborate with committees, help with events and recruitment, and represent the Chapter in the broader AMC network. Full support and orientation are provided. Curious or interested? Email us at info@amc-wma.org.

Nature for MA Event

AMC is a proud leader in a nearly 100-member coalition working to create a dedicated, annual funding stream for water and land conservation, urban greenspace, climate resilience, and outdoor recreation — without raising taxes. The initiative would set aside revenue from the existing state sales tax on sporting goods to generate $100 million each year for conservation, recreation, trails, and protecting clean water, and will appear on the 2026 ballot. Thanks to incredible volunteer support, we've collected 75,000+ signatures from MA voters. To celebrate, join us on December 1 for an urban hike from AMC's Charlestown office to the State House, where we'll deliver signatures and hold a 10:30 AM rally on the Statehouse steps demonstrating strong public backing for the initiative. Gear is available to borrow. EVENT DETAILS Help AMC lead the way — register today! Can't attend? Sign up for AMC's Conservation Action Network for updates on the Nature for MA campaign. Questions? Email AMCConservation@outdoors.org or visit Nature For MA on the web and Facebook to learn more.

The AMC Western MA Mountaineering Committee offers year-round opportunities for climbers and aspiring climbers to develop skills, find partners, and enjoy the classic cliffs of our region. We organize instruction and trips in top-roping, sport/trad climbing, anchor building, ice climbing, and mountaineering fundamentals, always grounded in AMC's emphasis on safety, stewardship, and good judgment. Our leaders are trained volunteers who know the local crags — places like Chapel Ledge, Rose Ledge, and the Keene Rail Cut — and who are committed to helping people progress in a responsible way. We also support trip planning for bigger objectives, encourage Leave No Trace practices at the cliff, and work to build a welcoming climbing community in Western MA through trainings, social events, and collaboration with other AMC programs. For more information visit the Mountaineering Committee webpage. You'll find helpful information about climbing, upcoming events, a resources page with informative articles like Beginner Resources and Favorite Climbs.

The Conservation Chair is a member of the Western MA Executive Committee, responsible for organizing and directing the Conservation Committee, coordinating conservation events, managing related budgets and supplies, and serving as the liaison to the Chapter Executive Committee. The Conservation Chair works closely with AMC's Conservation Policy and Research Staff to educate and engage members and non-members in conservation action and stewardship activities. In addition, they report on opportunities for AMC to engage in local conservation actions such as providing comments for proposed legislation, writing letters relating to local issues, and responding to inquiries and requests from members and partners. To find out more or to express your interest, please write to chair@amc-wma.org. We'd love to hear from, and about, you!

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The first hike started at the William Cullen Bryant homestead in Cummington for an easy walk through an old growth forest dusted with a touch of snow. The trail brought the group to Rivulet Brook, where they could read Bryant's poem "The Rivulet" - a story about his childhood on the property. The group then drove to the Conwell Property Trail in South Worthington for the second hike featuring two ponds and a huge beaver dam. It was great to have three first-timers with us! MORE PHOTOS »

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