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. on Fridays. Come each week to learn about our wildlife neighbors who share our home in the Connecticut River Watershed. 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. Upcoming topics include osprey on April 26. For ages 3 to 6. For more information, call 413-863-3221.
“Park Serve Day: Give a Day, Make a Difference”: Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. to noon. The Department of Conservation and Recreation invites you to the Great Falls Discovery Center to lend a hand during a day of volunteer service at our state parks. To discuss any special accommodations or needs you may have, call 413-863-3221. To register, visit mass.gov/dcr.
Northfield Mountain
“Trees and Botanical Wonders of Barton Cove”: Saturday, May 11, 1 to 3:30 p.m. Join naturalist Nancy Goodman and Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center staff for a free botanical exploration of Barton Cove. Identify a variety of trees, early spring wildflowers and evergreen ferns during this 1½ mile walk. Wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring insect repellant, water, and a magnifying glass and binoculars if available. Meet at the picnic area in the Barton Cove Day-Use Area (Barton Cove Road in Gill). Appropriate for ages 16 and older. Heavy rain cancels. Advance registration is required by calling 800-859-2960.
“Migrating Fish, Mills and More”: Saturday, May 18, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Join staff from the Turners Falls Fishway for a free guided walk along the popular canalside trail and bike path. Learn about the amazing journeys of migratory fish as they travel upriver during their spring spawning run. Discover the history of the mills along the canal when Turners Falls was a paper and cutlery powerhouse. Meet at the picnic tables next to the entrance of the Turners Falls Fishway (15 1st St. in Turners Falls). Total length of the walk is less than 1 mile along flat terrain. All ages are welcome. Heavy rain cancels. No registration required.
Quabbin Photo Group
“Discover the Birds of Costa Rica with Peter Christoph”: Monday, April 22, 7 p.m. at Hope United Methodist Church, 31 Main St. in Belchertown. Due to its diverse topography, Costa Rica contains several life zones supporting more than 600 birds, from tiny iridescent hummingbirds to colorful toucans. Discover Costa Rica’s national treasures with wildlife photographer Peter Christoph who will share photos of his travels by boat through mangrove swamps and wetlands, and hikes into lush rainforests on the side of a volcano. Refreshments served at 7, program at 7:30. Free. Contact Elaine Darr-Morton by phone at 413-323-9212 or by email at darrmorton@charter.net for more information.
Connecticut River Conservancy
Skinner Mountain Hike: May 11, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join CRC River Steward Andrea Donlon for a moderate hike with great river views, and conversation at the Summit House in Hadley. Free, but registration is encouraged. For more information, email slennard@ctriver.org or call 413-772-2020, ext. 211.
Hitchcock Center for the Environment
“The Arctic on Fire: The Impacts of Climate Change on Tundra Ecosystems”: Thursday, April 25, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Due to climate change, the Arctic is experiencing an increase in wildfires. Natalie Baillargeon and Rhys MacArthur, who participated in an expedition to the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta last summer, began a collaborative project investigating the impacts that wildfires have on plant composition and nutrient cycling, and will now share their findings. Free. Registration is encouraged at bit.ly/2uuVJKL.
May Migration Spring Birding Course: April 27 and May 4, 11 and 18, 7 a.m. to noon. Join Dan Ziomek of WRSI’s “Bird Songs” in a variety of local habitats during peak birding migration. $90 to $115. Space is limited. Register at bit.ly/2Ovdp1S.
Second Saturday Family Science Series: 10 to 11 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month. Designed for children with their parents, these programs will explore cool topics in nature. Upcoming topics include ladybugs on May 11. Free, but registration is encouraged at bit.ly/2zof6XW. Groups of six or more should call ahead at 413-256-6006.
Homeschool Discovery Days: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on one Tuesday each month. Explore science and nature topics with Katie Koerten and Jeff Mazur, meet science experts and sometimes go on field trips. Upcoming topics include mountains and valleys on May 7 and life in a pond on June 11. Designed as a drop-off program for children ages 6 to 12. Limited to 12 participants per program. Register at bit.ly/2ECwLQF. $45 to $55.
