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.
On Wednesday, June 29, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., help save the Connecticut River from an alien invader. This is a great opportunity to get on the water and have some fun, all for a good cause.
Water chestnut is an invasive plant that has the potential to spread and get out of control. It is wreaking havoc on native species and interfering with recreation on our rivers. We will be hand-pulling the plants, which pull up easily.
Join staff from Northfield Mountain and the Connecticut River Watershed Council for this team effort to help keep the area in and around Barton Cove free of water chestnut.
Meet at the Barton Cove Canoe and Kayak rental office in Gill. A confirmation email with what to wear and bring will be shared with registered participants. This is a free event and is appropriate for ages 10 and older. Please call to pre-register at 800-859-2960.
Join Mass Audubon and Northfield Mountain naturalists on Saturday, July 2, from 9:30 a.m. until noon for a morning paddle on the Connecticut River as we explore scenic Barton Cove.
Bald Eagles first built a nest on Barton Cove Island in 1989 and have nested on the island continuously since then. During the past few breeding seasons, three eaglets have successfully fledged from this historic nesting location.
We’ll delve into the success of the restoration program, their fascinating life history and hopefully catch a glimpse of these majestic birds. This program is appropriate for both beginning and experienced paddlers and is co-sponsored with Massachusetts Audubon Society’s Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. Single and tandem kayaks available. Boat rental payable on day of program at Barton Cove. The fee is $10 per person, $25 plus tax for kayak rental.
Register by calling Arcadia at 413-584-3009 or visit: www.massaudubon.org
On Friday and Saturday, July 8 and 9, Northfield Mountain will host the 34th annual Connecticut River Valley Astronomer’s Conjunction. Enjoy the camaraderie of amateur astronomers learning and observing together at Northfield Mountain. Held during the dark of the moon, the weekend will be jam-packed full of slide presentations, talks, and night sky viewing through telescopes of all shapes and sizes. Check out the conjunction website: www.philharrington.net/astroconjunction
Registration forms available from Richard Sanderson at: rsanderson@springfieldmuseums.org
Or, write Jack Megas, Astronomy Conjunction, 311 Surrey Road, Springfield, MA 01118. This event is appropriate for ages 12 and older and is free to the public.