AMCBerkshire.OrgThe Western Massachusetts chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club

This June, AMC’s volunteers invite you to get into conservation by doing some trail work, helping with a clean up, or finally learning the name of that beautiful white flower you see every year. See below for a link to the list of opportunities for training, education, and recreation throughout AMC’s region.

For a list and to register for these events go to http://www.outdoors.org/conservation/green-june.cfm and get in touch with the leaders. With your help we will have a very Green June.

The Student Conservation Association, in partnership with the Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees), will be hosting a volunteer work day at The Trustees’ Little Tom property on Saturday, May 15th, 2010. The property and its trails, which will be open to the public in 2012, will eventually connect to the existing trail system at DCR’s Mount Tom State Reservation, allowing hikers and runners a view of the vernal pool at the top of Little Mt. Tom.

During the AMC Annual Meeting there was the presentation of awards in recognition of the outstanding number of hours contributed by volunteer AMC members. Areas of service included 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).