Editor’s Note: Listings in Trail Mix are free. Email: outdoor@recorder.com. The deadline is Thursday by noon. Questions? Call 413-772-0261, ext. 276. Weather may cancel or force the rescheduling of some of these events.
Great Falls Discovery Center
Kidleidoscope Fridays: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Come each week to learn about our wildlife neighbors who share our home in the Connecticut River Watershed. Upcoming topics include snakes on Aug. 31. Kidleidoscope is a free kid-friendly, hands-on environmental experience for young children. Each topic includes a story, interactive activities and a craft to introduce you and your child to the natural world. For ages 3 to 6. For more information, call 413-863-3221.
Monarch Butterfly StoryWalk: Aug. 25, 1 to 2 p.m. Read “Gotta Go! Gotta Go!” by Sam Swope, the story of a Monarch butterfly caterpillar. Free copies will be provided to participants who register in advance by emailing janel.nockleby@state.ma.us.
Northfield Mountain
Children’s Riverboat Cruise: Aug. 31, 11 a.m. to noon. Celebrate summer and the river with a children’s cruise on board the Heritage Riverboat. These cruises are the perfect length for children to get a taste of the river, heading downstream through the scenic French King Gorge. Travel beneath the French King Bridge, towering 140 feet above the boat, cruise alongside rocky cliffs, meet the captain and enjoy an outing on the beautiful Connecticut River. $8. Reserve your seats in advance by visiting www.bookeo.com/northfield or by calling 800-859-2960.
Sunset and Full Moon Eve Paddle: Aug. 25, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Join Northfield Mountain naturalist Kim Noyes for an evening paddle on the Connecticut River highlighted by the sun setting and the moon rising. Explore the quiet, scenic beauty of Barton Cove. Bring dinner or snacks, water and a flashlight. Appropriate for both beginning and experienced paddlers. Tandem kayaks available. Free with your own kayak; rentals are $25. Appropriate for ages 12 and up. Advance registration is required by calling 800-859-2960.
Mount Holyoke Range State Park
Birding for Explorers: Wednesday and Sunday, Aug. 26 and 29, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. For ages 10 and up. Explore birds with an easy walk around the main building. Listen, watch, sketch or journal. Wear sturdy footwear and bring water, insect repellant and binoculars if you have them. In case of rain, call to confirm. Meet inside the Visitor Center at 1500 West St. (Route 116), Amherst. 413-253-2883.
Empowerment Hikes: Fridays and Saturdays, Aug. 25 and 31, 9 to 10:30 a.m. For ages 12 and up. Take a hike up Bare Mountain, connect to nature and learn how we can become better stewards. Moderate to advanced 1 mile roundtrip hike on the M&M Trail with challenging terrain over rocks and boulders. Wear sturdy footwear and bring water, insect repellant and sunscreen. Severe weather cancels; call to confirm. Meet inside the Visitor Center.
Scavenger Hunt: Saturday, Aug. 25, 2 to 3 p.m. For ages 6 and up. Wear sturdy footwear and bring water and insect repellant. In case of rain, call to confirm. Meet inside the Visitor Center.
Super Sensory Walk: Sunday, Aug. 26, 2 to 3 p.m. What are you hearing and seeing among the trees and plants? Wear sturdy footwear and bring water and insect repellant. In case of rain, call to confirm. Meet inside the Visitor Center.
Joseph Allen Skinner State Park
Jurassic View: Aug. 24, 1 to 3 p.m. Explore the area’s geological history through a hike to the summit. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. In case of rain, call to confirm. Suitable for adults and families with children ages 12 and up.
Watching for Hawks: Mondays, Aug. 20 and 27, and Saturday, Aug. 25, 9:30 to 11 a.m. View hawks, falcons, eagles, osprey, harriers and vultures from the Summit House deck as the birds migrate south. Accompanied by a park interpreter. Bring binoculars if you have them.
The Mighty Monarch Migration: Aug. 26, 12:30 to 1 p.m. The Monarch butterfly population is threatened by pesticide use, diminishing habitat and climate change. Learn about the species’ yearly migration and how you can help butterflies. Meet on the Summit House deck.
Southbound Songbirds: Aug. 31, 11 to 11:30 a.m. Venture out for a day of birding during the southbound exodus of warblers and other songbirds. For ages 12 and up. Meet on the Summit House deck.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Adaptive Cycling: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays, Aug. 24 and 31. Explore a wide variety of adaptive bikes for adults and children, including hand cycles, trikes, tandems and recumbent bikes. $3. Registration is required by calling 413-584-2052 or emailing info@alloutadventures.org.
Kayaking: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 20, and 9:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 22. Hour-long paddles at the Daughters of the American Revolution State Forest, 78 Cape St., Goshen. Registration is required by calling 413-259-0009 for Monday sessions, and 413-584-2052 for Wednesday sessions.
