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.
Mass Audubon is holding its annual statewide photo contest through Sept. 30. “Your Great Outdoors” attracts hundreds of photographers of all abilities, ages and backgrounds, encouraging them to record the natural beauty and biodiversity of the state. Looking for the most inspiring natural settings, eye-pleasing wildlife, and increasingly, children and adults as they forge personal connections with nature. Participants may compete in one of two age categories, 18 and older and younger than 18.
Subject areas include: people in nature, birds, mammals, other animals, landscapes and plants and fungi. Each entrant may submit up to 10 photographs, which must be taken in Massachusetts or at Mass Audubon’s Wildwood Camp in Rindge, N.H. Images may have been taken at any time prior to or during the contest. One grand-prize winner will be awarded a $250 gift card (to be redeemed at a Mass Audubon shop or a wildlife sanctuary), in addition to being featured in “Explore,” Mass Audubon’s member newsletter. Eleven winners will win $100 gift cards and at least six honorable mentions will win $50 gift cards. Additional honorable mentions may be awarded at the discretion of the judges. All submissions, regardless of original format, must be submitted online: massaudubon.org/picturethis.
Bald Eagles and Barton Cove Paddle: Saturday, July 1, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Join Northfield Mountain naturalist Kim Noyes for a morning paddle on the Connecticut River to explore scenic Barton Cove. Bald eagles first built a nest on Barton Cove Island in 1989, and have nested on the island continuously since. During the past few breeding seasons, three eaglets have successfully fledged from this historic nesting location. You’ll delve into the success of the restoration program, their fascinating life history and hopefully catch a glimpse of these majestic birds. The program is appropriate for both beginning and experienced paddlers, and is co-sponsored with the Athol Bird and Nature Club. Single and tandem kayaks available. The event is appropriate for ages 12 and older. It is free with your own boat, and $25 with kayak rental. Registration is required by calling 800-859-2960.
Paddle with a Purpose: Alien Invaders: On Thursday, July 6, from 6 to 8 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, as well. 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 chestnuts. 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. Appropriate for ages 10 and older. Call to register at
800-859-2960.
Kayaking for Seniors (ages 60 and older) Program: guided beginner kayaking program. Learn to fit lifejackets, get in and out of kayak and paddling strokes. Equipment and instruction provided. $10 per session. Connecticut River in Northampton. Weekly on Thursdays July 6 through Aug. 24. 10 to 11:30 a.m. For schedule and to sign up, call 413-584-2052 or email: info@alloutadventures.org. Visit: www.alloutadventures.org.