Editor’s Note: Listings in Trail Mix are free. Email: outdoor@recorder.com The deadline is Tuesday by 8 a.m. Questions? Call 413-772-0261, ext. 276. Weather may cancel or force the rescheduling of some of these events. Additionally, space is often limited. Please contact organizers to ensure you can attend. This is particularly important if registration is required.
Join shortnose sturgeon expert and author Dr. Boyd Kynard and environmental journalist Karl Meyer for a visit to the Rock Dam in Turners Falls on Saturday, April 23, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. The Rock Dam is a geological gem — as well as the only documented natural spawning site for the endangered shortnose sturgeon in the Connecticut River ecosystem. Kynard will cover shortnose sturgeon life history and biology; Meyer covers the natural and human history of this spectacular site. No pre-registration required. Wear sturdy shoes; bring lunch if you wish.
Directions: Cross the 11th St. Bridge in Turners Falls; at first stop sign turn left down G Street. Meet at public lot at the end of G Street, just before the entrance sign for the U.S. Conte Fish Lab.
Nature-based programs for women who wish to cultivate a deeper connection to the natural world. Experiential programs include both wilderness and resiliency skills such as sensory and nature awareness; wild edibles and medicinals; food preservation skills; tracking and animal sign; cheese and bread making; camping and outdoor travel skills; birch-bark and pine-needle baskets and more. For information, visit: www.herwildroots.com
As the sun begins to set, the stage is ready for the woodcock to perform his courtship flight. On Tuesday, April 12th, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Dickinson Memorial Library in Northfield, join Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center Naturalist, Kim Noyes for “Woodcocks at Twilight.” This unusual bird, also known as the timberdoodle, performs an air-born ritual accompanied by a variety of unique sounds. It is a spring tradition not to be missed. This free program, for adults and children ages 10 and older, will begin with an indoor introduction in the Community Room at Northfield’s Dickinson Memorial Library, 115 Main Street. We will then walk or drive to a courtship field (weather permitting) to watch and listen for woodcock. There is no registration required. Dress warmly, wear boots and dark clothes and bring a blanket or chair to sit on. Please be prepared to sit quietly outdoors for 30 minutes.
On Thursday, April 14, from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m., join Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center for a sunset-moonlight hike. Stunning three-state views at sunset, rich wetland areas, upland hardwood forests, and farm fields with grazing highland cattle will enchant hikers on this three-mile loop, partially on the New England Scenic Trail, in Erving and Northfield. Participants should be comfortable on rolling terrain with some rock scrambling, wear shoes that can get wet, and bring trail snacks, supper, and water. Our return trip in the moonlight will largely be on paved or dirt roads. Directions to meeting location will be shared with registered participants. Please call to register at 800-859-2960.
Join us for refreshments and a look back in time at the Opening Reception for “Vintage Powerhouse: Cabot Station — One Hundred Year Retrospective” on Saturday, April 9th, from 1 to 3:30 p.m.. at the Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls, MA. This exhibit features historical photographs dating from the early 1900s. Together, these photos tell the story of the construction of the new concrete dam at Turners Falls, new power station and the power canal expansion. At the time of its construction and for many years after, Cabot Station was the largest hydroelectric facility east of Niagara Falls. This exhibit will run through May 28th. This is a free event and no registration is required.