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, butterflies on Sept. 7, river otters on Sept. 14, bobcats on Sept. 21 and moose on Sept. 28. Kidleidoscope is a free child-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.
Canal Drawdown and Powertown History Stroll: Sept. 21, 5 to 7 p.m. Take a stroll back in time along the Canalside Rail Trail during the annual water drawdown of the canal. Discover rich industrial history with local historian Ed Gregory, the Department of Conservation and Rrecreation’s Janel Nockleby and Northfield Mountain’s Kim Noyes. Wear walking shoes and meet at the entrance of the center for this two-mile walk on flat terrain. Free. Register at 800-859-2960.
Source to Sea Cleanup: Sept. 29, various times and locations. The annual fall trash cleanup of the Connecticut River includes rivers, streams, parks and trails. All ages and abilities can volunteer at places of their choice along the four-state watershed. Clean up on foot or by boat. You can register for the cleanup through the Connecticut River Conservancy. To learn more and to sign-up, visit: ctriver.org or call Stacey at 413-772-2020, ext. 211.
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.
Mount Holyoke Range State Park
Birding for Explorers: Aug. 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: Aug. 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.
Joseph Allen Skinner State Park
Watching for Hawks: Aug. 27, 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.
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: Aug. 31, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 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.
