The first series of walks aimed to get to know our neighborhood, and local resources together.

Sunday May 20, 1:00 PM
Exploration of Prexy’s Ridge, an old-growth forest on the UMass campus. http://blogs.umass.edu/campbell/
This 24 acre forest in the northeast section of the UMass Amherst campus is now on the Inventory of Historic and Archaeological Assets of the Commonwealth. It contains some of the oldest trees in Amherst, because this site has never been cleared and has been a “witness” to the initial settlement of East Hadley, Amherst, and the University. Prexy’s Ridge also contains an old observatory on the top, and an old orchard on the eastern slope. Meet at parking lot #43, next to the Totman gymnasium on the UMass campus (at the corner of North Pleasant Street and Eastman Lane). Wear sturdy boots – the slope is steep! and dress for the weather. We’ll have a great time exploring and learning. Led by Elisa Campbell.

Sunday June 17, 1:00 PM
Hitchcock Center, 525 South Pleasant Street. http://www.hitchcockcenter.org
Join us for an exploratory nature walk on the trails at the Hitchcock Center at Larch Hill. We will ramble and observe and look more closely at the miracles of nature that can be found all around us! Bring binoculars and your curiosity. This will not be a strenuous walk. Ted Watt, Naturalist at the Hitchcock Center, will lead the walk. Ted is fascinated by all aspects of the natural world and enjoys wondering and thinking together with others about how it all fits together to support life.

Sunday July 8, 1:00 PM
Amherst College Sanctuary Trails. https://www.amherst.edu/museums/sanctuary/recreation
We’ll explore the woods, a small pond (where painted turtles, ducks, herons and muskrats are often sighted), a large meadow loop (full of birds), and the sweeping vista where the Amherst College ‘president’s house’ used to stand. Dress for the weather and bring your binoculars. Approximately 5 miles, but not strenuous. Meet at the trailhead at the intersection of College & Shumway Streets. Led by Dori Goldman.

Sunday July 22, 1:00 PM
Mid-summer Edible Mushroom Foraging
We will explore the mid-waters of the Amethyst and Buffam Brooks where we’ll be on the lookout for black trumpets and boletus mushrooms. Meet at the northern dead-end of Gates Rd (Meetinghouse Rd) in Pelham off of North Valley Rd. (as distinguished from the dead-end of this road on the southern end at Amherst Rd). Led by Wm Levine.

More to come…
All free, fun, and open to all

Already happened:

Sunday May 6, 4:00 PM until dusk
Many Hands Farm Corps, at Amethyst Farm, 132 Pelham Road. http://www.manyhandsfarmcorps.com
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm tour and picnic potluck. Bring something to share, a plate and utensil, a glass and something to drink, and spend the afternoon/evening enjoying the the open space, the beautiful weather, and the company of friends and neighbors. Led by Ryan Karb.

Sunday May 13, 1:00 PM
Hampshire College Farm Center, 791 West Street. http://www.hampshire.edu/academics/5728.htm
Tour of the Hampshire College Farm. Led by Leslie Cox, farm manager.