Events happening today and more!
Da...@dhsmall.net
Athol Bird & Nature Club
Field Trips & Meetings 2025
http://www.atholbirdclub.org
Fridays April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23 @ 7:00 am Early Bird Birding with Jeff
Join Jeff Johnstone here at the Center (100 Main Street Athol) before heading out to explore the North Quabbin area for spring migrant birds. These are great events for the novice birder to learn from one of our best field naturalists. Come for as long as your schedule allows. Severe weather cancels. Info: Jeff Johnstone, 978-249-9052.
Friday, April 25th 1:00-3:00 p.m. Vernal Pool Exploration
South Athol Conservation Area at LeBlanc Entrance – 3801 S. Athol Road
Mount Grace Conservation Director (and ABNC president) Dave Small and retired entomologist Cathy Cszal will guide us in discovering critters and learning about the unique life found in vernal pools. Bring waterproof boots, a snack, drinking water, and a sense of adventure. This spring vacation event is geared to families.
To find the South Athol Conservation Area entrance: travel south on South Athol Road from Athol Center. The entrance will be on the right 1.1 miles south of the Route 2 overpass, between the intersections of Riceville Road and Conant Road. A Conservation Area sign at the driveway will point you down the dirt roadway to a small parking area on the right before the gate (private residence). Free and open to all
Now through Saturday May 10, 2025. Hawk Watch at Adams Farm. Great action at Hawkwatch.
If you are interested in participating this spring, here is the contact information. If you are unsure on days with weather predicted and no announcements are made, just contact me or Eric to get the latest scoop, Mark Morris 978-868-6354 mdmrem...@gmail.com Eric Mueller 978-337-9150
Sunday 1:00 pm April 27, 2025, in-person+ zoom Dale Monette – Steve Destefano "Moose in Massachusetts: Life on the 
Edge", the "edge" could be related to (1) living in cold and deep winter conditions, (2) the southern edge of their range in southern New England, and (3) the current situation with climate change, winter tick, etc. throughout much of their range. In person @ at the Center (100 Main Street Athol) To register for this zoom event: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kLdo58D0S5KwWHyuwmLR_g
Sunday, April 27, 2025 1PM - 3PM - Join Karro Frost, MassWildlife botanist, and Jack Cadwell for a nature walk at the Poplar
Mountain Conservation Area in Erving. Meet at the conservation area parking lot on north side of Old State Rd.
Monday, April 28, 2025 10AM - Noon - Join Lynn Harper for a nature walk at the Trustees' Notchview Reservation in Windsor. Meet at the reservation parking area off Rt. 9.
The Northfield Bird Club :
Tuesday, April 29 5:30 p.m. Providing Nesting Opportunities for Swallows: (note location correction) A Two Part Program with Mara Silver Dickinson Library Northfield Ma. Go to the Programs page of the website for more information.
Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 2:30 PM Forest Stewardship Options for the South Athol Conservation Area. Millers River Environmental Center 100 Main Street Athol. Presented by the Forest Resources Management class, UMass Amherst
Senior undergraduate forestry majors have spent the semester visiting and researching the South Athol Conservation Area. Presentation by the students will highlight potential management options that address, wildlife habitat enhancement, climate resilience, and public access. Free and open to all.
A short film about Bruce Spencer and the management of his Two Brothers Woodlot in Leverett, MA. Harvard Forest Premiere of
Views From a Woodlot
A meditative profile of a New England forester & his low-impact forestry philosophy that prioritizes the forest and the future. Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 7 pm At the Harvard Forest Fisher Museum 324 N. Main St., Petersham, MA
Following the film, there will be a Q&A with Bruce and the filmmaker.
The film is the creation of Chris Hardee of High Cairn Films.
For more information on the film, visit the High Cairns Films, Views from a Woodlot webpage, https://www.highcairnfilms.com/views-from-a-woodlot
TO SIGN UP: Send your request to: In...@greeninggreenfieldma.org
DCR - Les and Terry Campbell Quabbin Visitor Center
Saturday, May 17, 2025 11am – 1:30pm Exploring the North Side of the Quabbin Watershed via Gate 29
2.4 miles Moderate Quabbin Reservoir Gate 29, Rt. 202 (Daniel Shays Highway) New Salem, MA 01007 Join us for a 2.4-mile out/back hike on Quabbin’s north side of the watershed. We will be walking through the forest on a dirt road and ending at the shoreline of the reservoir. Walking to the water, the hike covers 1.2-miles and relatively little change in elevation. We will then backtrack and head out the way we came in. Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring water and snacks.
Hike begins at Quabbin Reservoir’s Gate 29. The parking area is located on the south side of Rt. 202 (Daniel Shays Highway) in New Salem. Dogs are not allowed. Register here: Exploring the North Side of the Quabbin Watershed via Gate 29
Saturday, June 7 10am-1pm Exploring the Road to Dana Common 3.6 miles Moderate The old foundations, stone walls, and shade trees of Dana Common will transport you to the past as you explore Quabbin’s unique history. This 3.6 mile round-trip hike will introduce you to some of the notable residents of Dana as you discover what life was like in the Swift River Valley over a hundred years ago. Photos illustrating Quabbin’s past will bring Dana to life before your eyes.
Meet at Gate 40 on Rt 32A in Petersham. Please bring water and dress appropriately for the weather. All ages welcome. Dogs are not allowed. Register here: Saturday June 7, 10am – 1pm Exploring the Road to Dana Common
Saturday, June 14, 2025 11am – 1pm Exploring the North Side of the Quabbin Watershed via Gate 22 4 miles Moderate
Join us for a 4-mile out/back hike on Quabbin’s north side of the watershed. We will be walking down to the water on a dirt road through the forest. Walking to the water, the hike covers 2-miles and drops 180 ft. in elevation. We will then backtrack uphill and head back uphill the way we came in. Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring water and snacks.
Hike begins at Quabbin Reservoir’s Gate 22. The parking area for Gate 22 is located at the end of Shutesbury Road in the town of Shutesbury. Dogs are not allowed. Register here: Exploring the North Side -Gate 22
Dave Small
978-413-1772
Athol Bird and Nature Club
Millers River Environmental Center
100 Main Street, Athol Ma 01331
The Environmental Center is now open by appointment and available for use by our partners
