Amherst, The Notch Walks & Talks

September 2021 Events at Mount Holyoke Range State Park

All programs are free and open to the public. Bring water, wear sunscreen/bug spray, dress in layers, and wear good footwear.  An adult must accompany children. Inclement weather cancels outdoor programs. For questions, call (413) 253-2883, or email [email protected] Please follow all current COVID guidelines.

NOTCH BIRDING

Sundays, 10:00—10:30 a.m. and Mondays 9:00—9:30 a.m.

For ages 7 and up. Join a Park Interpreter to discover more about birds, their behaviors, needs, and habitats. Listen, watch, sketch, or journal during this interactive program. Includes a moderate, 1/4-mile-long hike in the woods.

WILD WOODS WALK

Mondays, 1:00—2:30 p.m.

For all ages. Join the park interpreter for an eye-opening stroll. Discover dynamic, colorful, and life-supporting plants in the Mount Holyoke Range. This is a moderate, 3/4-mile-long walk on the Laurel Loop Trail. *Severe weather cancels the program.

OUR OWN JURASSIC PARK

Tuesdays, 10:00—10:30 a.m.

For all ages. Explore the unique geologic story of the Mount Holyoke Range, formed and shaped by fire and ice! Experience a dinosaur footprint, or two. This program takes place inside the Notch Visitor Center.

Trolley trail

Wednesdays, 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.

For ages 12 and up. The trolley that ran through the Pioneer the early 1900s enhanced transportation, communication, and commerce. Find out why the Notch was a significant link to this information superhighway. This program takes place inside the Notch Visitor Center.

Trolley trail

Thursdays, 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.

For ages 12 and up. The trolley that ran through the Pioneer the early 1900s enhanced transportation, communication, and commerce. Find out why the Notch was a significant link to this information superhighway. This program takes place inside the Notch Visitor Center.

ROCKS TO ROOTS

Fridays, 11:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.

For teens to adults. Basalt bedrock is a significant part of the Range. It supports an uncertain, microclimate where rare plant communities live. This guided hike climbs up a steep, rocky trail up to Bare Mountain summit. *Severe weather cancels the program.

FIRE AND ICE GEOLOGY

Fridays, 1:00—1:30 p.m.

For all ages. The Holyoke Range was formed from fire and ice! Hear the 200-million-year-old story of dinosaurs, lava and glaciers. This program takes place inside the Notch Visitor Center.

EMPOWERMENT HIKE

Saturdays, 10:00—11:00 a.m.

For teen to adults. Park interpreter-guided hike on a challenging, but fun, steep trail up to Bare Mountain summit. Build your trail navigation skills, connect to nature, and learn how to become a better steward. Hike is moderate to advanced ability, 1-mile roundtrip, with challenging rocky terrain. *Severe weather cancels the program.

Mount Holyoke Range State Park & Notch Visitor Center

1500 West Street, Amherst, MA