LGBTQ Easy Winter Eco-Hike: Historic Mary Flynn Trail (Stockbridge, MA)

Join LGBTQ people from all over the region in this easy Winter Eco-Hike on a beautiful gravel flat trail along the river & through ancient forest. Learn about the historical importance of this stretch of river & forest to the native American Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans, and the hard work over more than 100 years to preseve one of the last stands of old growth in the adjacent Ice Glen Preserve, as well as how this part of the river is an important eco-system being challenged by climate change, PCB contamination in river sediment, & development upstream. Most of all enjoy one of the prettiest and easiest winter hikes in the region & connecting with your LGBTQ neighbors who love the beauty of winter in the Berkshires. Walking through the snowy forest is one of the most iconic & inspiring ways to enjoy winter in the Berkshires.

HIKE LEADER: Hike will be led by Patrick White, a life-time resident of Stockbridge who wrote a $2.26 million state grant to acquire a permanent reserve for the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans in Stockbridge, and who has played a pivotal role in preserving some of the last old growth forest in the adjacent Ice Glen preserve. Patrick also was chair of the Stockbridge Select Board and has studied and advocated extensively on preserving eco-systems & responding to climate change.

AFTER-HIKE ALTERNATIVE VALENTINE'S DAY POTLUCK: Join us after the hike for an optional alternative valentine's day potluck at the beautiful home of Patrick White in Stockbridge.

WHAT TO BRING:

• rain-gear & warm layers (rain coat, rain pants, fleece or sweater, warm hat, gloves)
• appropriate water-proof footwear (that can get muddy, snowy & has traction in snow/ice),
• snacks, water,
• If you are going to the after-hike potluck, consider dropping off you food/beverages BEFORE the hike at Patrick's home so it doesn't freeze in your car. SEND US A NOTE if you want to make arrangements to drop off your food before the hike
• consider bringing hiking poles and cleats/crampons, especially if conditions may be muddy, snowy, icy, &/or uneven/rocky, (we can lend you hiking poles if you don't have a set); you also may consider bringing snow shoes if the trail is still covered in snow, but you don't need them, as the easy trail is accessible with just hiking boots.
• Please bring $10-$20 Tax-Deductible Donation (paid online or as cash or check made out to "Q-MoB Inc"), unless this is your very 1st Q-MoB event ever, or you are a Q-MoB monthly donor, or you would like to request a low-income/SNAP/Medicaid scholarship or work-exchange. Q-MoB is a registered 501(c)3 Non-Profit Public Charity in MA and with the IRS & your donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

WEATHER: Please check the weather at the hike location from your home before you leave for the hike, so that you will be able bring the right clothes to deal with any last minute changes in the weather. Weather in the Berkshires can change quickly and it always good to be prepared for rain, wind, snow, sleet, ice, mud, & unexpectedly cooler or warmer temps than were forecast the day before. We will only cancel the hike if there is a forecast of a thunderstorm or ice storm or the Mass DOT declares a weather emergency and discourages driving. We will text you should this happen the morning of the hike. We hike in rain or light snow, so long as trail conditions are safe.

SERIES OF LGBTQ RECREATION ACTIVITIES: Bart Church, Q-MoB Executive Director & a Certified Wilderness First Responder, will be co-leading the hike & helping the group to remain safe & able to have fun, as well as appreciate both the history & ecology of each site. Bart is coordinating a series of 12 LGBTQ hiking, biking, eco-walking, paddling events funded by the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR) and the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation Barrett Fund. Q-MoB wishes to thank Mass Audubon, Berkshire Natural Resources Council, Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, Mass Department of Conservation & Recreation & the many state & town parks we will be exploring in the Berkshires, Berkshire Outfitters, Arcadian Outdoor Shop, True Wheels Bike Shop, and all of the town & park volunteers who will be co-leading these 12 recreation activities.

CARPOOLING/RIDE-SHARE: Carpooling is a great way to get to know other people, save money on gas, and help to reduce your carbon footprint and save the planet. If you need a ride or are open to carpooling, please indicate that when you are registering, & our ride coordinator will try to match you with people nearby who are interested in carpooling or offering rides.

REACHING US DAY OF HIKE: If you have trouble finding us, will be late, or can't make it, please call/text Bart at 413-344-8162

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Host or Publisher Q-MoB (Queer Men of the Berkshires)