NORTHFIELD — A line of protesters walked down the sidewalk on Sunday afternoon in the last stretch of a march to stop the controversial gas pipeline that is planned to cross through several Franklin County towns.
A coalition dedicated to preventing the Kinder Morgan NED Pipeline, The Sugar Shack Alliance, organized a four-day, 46-mile walk which followed the approximate path of the proposed Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co. Northeast Energy Direct project between proposed compressor stations in Windsor and Northfield.
“It’s been quite the adventure. This is a movement that is only going to grow bigger and stronger. Everyone is really rising up to the occasion to fight this,” said Douglas Wight, a protester from Greenfield.
The energy infrastructure company, Kinder Morgan, plans to build the natural gas pipeline through eight Franklin County towns, but residents say they will do whatever it takes to stop the pipeline.
On Sunday afternoon cars honked in support as the last of the protesters arrived at the Green Trees Gallery on Main Street in Northfield. The protesters were greeted with macaroni and cheese, homemade gingerbread and warm beverages. The protesters said they shared a weekend of community and camaraderie. They sang songs and shared ideas about how to stop the pipeline from taking root in their backyards.
“This aquarium that we live in called earth is just going to be a mess. The impact of climate change is enormous,” said Bob Bady, a Brattleboro, Vt., resident who helped organize the protest.
“It’s so inspiring to be part of this community,” said Dineen O’Rourke, a third-year student at Hampshire College who also helped organize the protest. “We don’t believe that Kinder Morgan has a chance here.”
Like many of the protesters, she was happy to be greeted by a warm cup of ginger tea at the finish line in Northfield. Walking during the last few days left her with blisters on her feet. She carried and played her guitar for much of the route, taking a few breaks in a support vehicle that trailed the protesters along the way.
After enjoying a warm meal and a bathroom break, protesters gathered outside to share a few last words and reflections on their experience of the walk. Then a shuttle transported protesters back to the day’s starting point, Unity Park in Turners Falls.