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.
Junior Rangers — Earn your Junior Ranger Patch from Mass Parks! Become a Connecticut River Watershed expert and find out who lives along the canal and river in Turners Falls. Ages 8 to 11. Workshops are at 10:30 a.m. on Mondays: today, Aug. 8 and 15. Friends and siblings welcome. Children with a parent/guardian should meet at the Discovery Center lobby. Free. Register at 413-863-3221.
Trees on the Trail — Meet at the entrance to the center to learn fun facts and identify characteristics of native trees that help keep our watershed healthy. Children all ages accompanied by adult. Sunday, Aug. 21, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Explore the Canalside Rail Trail. Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray.
The Discovery Center is at 2 Ave. A in Turners Falls.
Deerfield Dirt Road Randonnee bike ride — Saturday, Aug. 20. The course follows the region’s narrowest, oldest, quietest and most scenic dirt roads. More than 1,400 bike riders from around the world participate. Rides range from 20 flat miles along the Deerfield River to ones as long as 100 kilometers. The ride is a key fundraiser for the land trust. To learn more about D2R2 visit:
www.franklinlandtrust.org
Kids Cruise on Board the
Quinnetukut II — Friday, Aug. 5, from 11 a.m. to noon. Head downstream through the scenic French King Gorge. Travel beneath the French King Bridge, cruise alongside rocky cliffs and meet the captain. Register by calling 800-859-2960 or online at: www.bookeo.com/northfield
Life Around the Lake — Beavers have the most impact of any animal on the planet, besides humans. Saturday, Aug. 6 at 10:30 a.m. One-hour stroll to see the changes made by beavers. Meet at Lake Bray.
Hike on M/M Trail to Whiting Peak — Saturday, Aug. 6 at 1 p.m. Terrain is moderately strenuous and pace is slow. Views will overlook from cliffs hundreds of feet high.
Birding for Beginners — One-hour program will help beginners learn the basics of birding. Sunday, Aug. 7 at 10:30 a.m. Bird guides, lists and binoculars will be used to learn about local feathered inhabitants of Mount Tom.
Sunday afternoon family program — “Ponding.” Aug. 7 at 1 p.m. What animals live in Bray Lake, besides the fish? Come find out.
Unless noted, all programs start at the Stone House Visitors Center — a half-mile from the entrance to the park. There is a $5 per car fee seven days a week, but programs are free and open to the public.
Entrance to the state reservation is located on the Holyoke-Easthampton line with entrances on Route 5 and Route 141.
For more information, call 413-527-4805.