AMCBerkshire.OrgThe Western Massachusetts chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club

During the AMC Annual Meeting there was the presentation of awards in recognition of the outstanding contributions of volunteer time by AMC members to stewardship and public service activities in Trails, Conservation, Education, and Research Programs. The Berkshire Chapter AT Committee had ten members awarded in two categories: The Warren Hart Award which is given in recognition of more than 224 hours of service and The Marian Pychowska Award for 96-223 hours contributed.

Ken and Bonnie Hargreaves — Members of AMC since 1992, Ken and Bonnie met on a Berkshire Chapter hike. Together, they are active in the Berkshire Chapter, President’s Society and on the Board of Advisors since 2001.

AMC-Berkshire’s ‘Massachusetts Appalachian Trail Management Committee’ is responsible for the maintenance, management, and protection of the almost 90 miles of Appalachian Trail within Massachusetts, coordinating the extensive volunteer effort that keeps the trail open and beautiful. We work in partnership with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), and the National Park Service (NPS).

The Outings Committee is looking for volunteers to plan outings and recruit leaders for the outings, as well as volunteers to be activity leaders.

Chapter Chair Jon Hanauer has announced that Deborah Levine, the Chapter’s membership chair, has accepted the Chapter vice chair position.

The AMC/Berkshire Chapter is looking for a few good people to serve on its Executive Committee. Several jobs are available, including family programs chair and young members chair. Anyone interested in working with some really nice people should contact Jon Hanauer at Chapterchair@amcberkshire.org or 413-568-0990.

The Massachusetts Appalachian Trail Management Committee organizes Appalachian Trail supervision and maintenance within Massachusetts. If you’d like to be a part of this, get in touch with our chair (see below)!

Volunteers are needed to have fun, mingle and socialize — and, of course, to do good works at the same time. Join like-minded individuals in serving the Berkshire Chapter, the environment, and all outdoors enthusiasts.

Many areas of expertise are required to fulfill chapter needs. Join us to help out with a one-time or short event or for a longer-duration role. The only required skill is an ability to enjoy yourself. For further information contact our Chapter Chair or any relevant committee chairperson (see our Executive Committee roster).

Trail maintainers keep the footpath free of obstructions such as brush, and fallen trees. They also keep the white paint blazes that mark the AT fresh and easy to see. Shelter adopters take care of a particular shelter along the trail.

Boundary and Corridor Monitoring

Boundary and corridor monitors are volunteers who keep AT Corridor lands free from boundary encroachment and misuse. They also serve as an information source for trail neighbors (abutters) with questions or concerns about AT lands.