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.
Greening Greenfield
Getting to Know Our Local Ferns at Mount Toby Reservation: Saturday, July 8, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Join naturalist Ted Watt for an exploration of a variety of ferns found in the local forests, fields and rock ledges of Mount Toby. Watt will explain some simple ways of looking at ferns to be able to distinguish the various species. No previous knowledge needed. Free and open to the public. Easy walk with some uneven ground. Geared to adults and children 10 years old and older. Limited to 15 participants. Wear sturdy footwear and prepare for biting insects and ticks. Heavy rain cancels. Register with Pat Serrentino at 413-325-6828 or email: pserr@crocker.com.
Northfield Mountain
Bald Eagles and Barton Cove Paddle: Saturday, July 1, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Join Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center naturalist Kim Noyes for a morning paddle on the Connecticut River to explore Barton Cove. During the past few breeding seasons, three eaglets have successfully fledged from this historic nesting location. Barton Cove is rich with special places and stories, including ancient waterfalls and dinosaur footprints. Appropriate for beginning and experienced paddlers. Co-sponsored with the Athol Bird and Nature Club. Single and tandem kayaks available. Appropriate for ages 12 and older. Free with your own boat, $25 with kayak rental. Registration required by calling 800-859-2960.
Paddle with a Purpose: Alien Invaders: Thursday, July 6, from 6 to 8 p.m., help save the Connecticut River from an alien invader. Water chestnut is an invasive plant that has the potential to spread and get out of control. It’s wreaking havoc on native species and interfering with recreation on our rivers. Hand-pull these plants. They pull up easily. Join staff from Northfield Mountain and the Connecticut River Watershed Council for this effort. Meet at Barton Cove Canoe and Kayak Rental Office in Gill. A confirmation email will be shared with registered participants. Appropriate for age 10 and older. Call to register at 800-859-2960.
“RARE: Creatures of the Photo Ark”: Join Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center and WGBY on Saturday, July 8, from 2 to 4 p.m. Free advance screening at Northfield Mountain. See selected highlights of the series before it airs. Tom Ricardi and his live birds of prey will be there at 3 p.m. Wildlife photography, live birds of prey and nature activities. Bring a blanket or portable chair.
Exploring Barton Cove ferns with Elizabeth Farnsworth, co-author of the “Peterson Field Guide to the Ferns of Northeastern and Central North America.” Botanists know this area as one rich in diversity of fern species. Join Sunday, July 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants will walk the shady, rocky trails in search of ferns of woodland and rocky habitats. Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a hand lens, if available, and a snack and water. $15. Register by calling 413-584-3009.
Kayaking for Veterans Program: Thursdays from July 6 through Aug. 24 from noon to 1:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Adaptive kayaking for veterans and disabled members of the armed forces and their loved ones. Paddle solo or tandem on a guided-tour of the Connecticut River in Northampton. Certified kayak instructors. Accessible site. Free for veterans and their loved ones. Equipment is limited, so sign up soon. All equipment provided, but you must register. For schedule and to sign up, call 413-584-2052 or visit: www.alloutadventures.org,
