Big News! The Charles River Mud has been officially renamed to the AMC Boston Newsletter, and is now posted on our Boston Chapter website each month!
This issue features the Chapter Chair’s Corner, details on the Boston Chapter’s recent 50th Anniversary Celebration, and an introduction to our new Boston Chapter officers. It also describes the upcoming AMC 150th Anniversary Relay, a host of Ski and Ride activities, a Mountains and Music upcoming weekend, the AMC’s Conservation Ballot Initiative, and a recap of the Conservation Committee’s recent open house. Enjoy!
Chair’s Corner, by Jesse Waites
Before looking ahead to the upcoming year, I want to share a few reflections from a recent milestone event, the Boston Chapter’s 50th Anniversary Gala.
The opening remarks set the stage by placing the evening in a broad historical context. It was striking to hear how the Appalachian Mountain Club can be approaching its 150th anniversary while Boston simultaneously celebrates 50 years as a chapter. Learning more about Boston’s long-standing role within AMC headquarters, and how local members helped shape the club from the inside for decades before formally organizing in 1975, made the celebration especially meaningful. The AMC Museum displays and historical artifacts reinforced the idea that AMC Boston history and AMC history are deeply intertwined.
What stood out most, however, was the sense of community and continuity. The gala was not just a look back at milestones and accomplishments, but a reminder that strong volunteer leadership and shared commitment have always been at the core of our club. Being surrounded by people who care deeply about the outdoors, stewardship, and shared experiences made the evening feel both celebratory and inspiring. The same spirit that has sustained the club for generations is still very much alive today.
Looking ahead, I am especially excited for the AMC 150th Relay, which begins March 14 and traces a remarkable route from Virginia to Maine. Chapters and volunteer leaders guiding the relay mile by mile is a powerful expression of AMC’s mission and history. Whether hiking, paddling, or gathering at events along the way, it offers a chance to celebrate this milestone together and to be part of something larger than any one chapter.
More details about the AMC 150th Anniversary Relay can be found in an upcoming article, AMC 150th Anniversary Relay, and at https://www.outdoors.org/amc150/.
Boston Chapter Celebrates 50 Years!
Last December 18, the Boston Chapter honored its 50-year anniversary at the Sandy Burr Country Club in Wayland. More than 100 AMC members attended this special event, A Night at the AMC Museum, which marked five decades of adventure, connection, and community within the Boston Chapter. The evening included a scrumptious dinner buffet; showcased unique historical artifacts highlighting AMC’s rich history (hence the event name); provided opportunities to reconnect with, and make new, friends who share our love of nature; and hosted a brief business meeting.
Insightful Speeches Chapter Chair Jesse Waites began the meeting by reminding us that, surprisingly, the Boston Chapter is one of the AMC’s youngest. “In 1975, we formally organized into a chapter, and the Boston Chapter has always kept close ties with the AMC.”
Next to speak was AMC President and CEO, Nicole Zussman. She emphasized the Boston Chapter’s vibrant and warm community. “This chapter is the heart and soul of the AMC. Our community is the best of the AMC, and community makes life worth living.”
“I hike, bike, paddle, and am also a history nut. It’s such an honor that the Boston Chapter has been around since 1975.”
The chapter was ratified on June 3, 1975, when 36 members were approved. In the winter of 1975‒1976, the Ski Committee hosted seven weekends at Pinkham Notch. In March 1976, the first Mountains and Music weekend was held, which included a ski and snowshoeing day along with a chamber music night. This committee is still going strong today.
“The Boston Chapter really focuses on AMC’s values of being collaborative, and shows the breadth and depth of our chapter. We’re the largest chapter, and are so vibrant. AMC wouldn’t be without all of you.”
Vice President of People, Libbi Cinti, said the Boston Chapter hosted 1,100 activities in 2025, with 10,500 participants. AMC-wide, there were 36,000 participants. “We’re creating welcoming activities, and the Boston Chapter shows what it takes to boldly go toward 2030. You are the heartbeat of the AMC, the reason it keeps evolving.”
Volunteer Service Awards In honor of their exemplary dedication and service, the following volunteers each received much deserved awards:
• Bicycling: Susan Christopherson and Peter Kilbridge
• Hiking and Backpacking: Stephen Dooley
• Leadership: Amy Kelliher
• Local Walks and Hikes: Pam Richardson
• Mountaineering: Seda Salar
• Ski and Ride: Steve Baker
• 20’s and 30’s: Ian Baker
And a special award to long-time member:
• Executive Committee: Keith Watling
Keith said, “Hiking with the AMC gives me a wonderful sense of rejuvenation, inspiring me to continue, and I’ve found incredible camaraderie within the AMC.”
Lastly, Past Chair Elizabeth Ryan presented the 2026 Slate of Officers. The gala attendees then voted on—and unanimously approved—all positions. (For a list of names and titles, see the next section, New Chapter Officers.)
New Chapter Officers
A hearty congratulations to the 2026 Boston Chapter officers!
• Chair: Jesse Waites
• Treasurer: Al Cooley
• Secretary: Olivia Drakes
• Members at Large: Tom Broom and James Dempsey
(Note: the Boston Chapter has three Member at Large positions. If you’re interested in taking on this important role, or just learning more about the position, get in touch!)
AMC 150th Anniversary Relay
The AMC150 Relay is a monumental 1,500-mile journey stretching from Virginia to Maine, organized to honor 150 years of adventure, trail building, and conservation excellence. Beginning on March 14, this historic event will be led by dedicated chapter and volunteer leaders who will facilitate the movement of a ceremonial pennant as it is passed hand-to-hand for every mile of the route.
The relay features a diverse series of events in the Boston area starting in mid-June, beginning with a social gathering at Ponkapoag Camp in Randolph on June 13-14, followed by indoor rock climbing the next day. The journey continues through Milton with a hike to the Blue Hills Observatory and Eliot Tower on June 16, a trek across the Blue Hills Skyline Trail on June 17, and a cycling leg from the Blue Hills to Boston Common on June 18. Participants can then celebrate Juneteenth by hiking through Boston on June 19, followed by various social events held across Boston, Somerville, and Natick on June 20.
The final stretch of the local relay moves toward the suburbs and beyond, starting with a bike ride from Boston Common to Concord on June 21, and an exploration of the Brewster’s Woods All Persons Trail the following day. On June 23 and 24, the focus shifts to the water for a paddle along the Sudbury River before returning to the trails on June 25 to hike the Bay Circuit Trail from North Bridge to the Nashoba Brook Conservation Area. The event concludes its regional trek with cycling trips along the Bruce Freeman Trail on June 26 and a final ride from Lowell to Derry, New Hampshire, on June 27. For more information or to register for these events, interested participants can visit the official website at https://www.outdoors.org/amc150/.
Numerous Ski and Ride Activities This Winter
The Boston Ski and Ride Committee is gearing up for an incredibly active season, boasting a robust schedule of 70 events designed for winter sports enthusiasts of all skill levels. February serves as the peak of the calendar with 24 separate outings. Among the highlights are three “Learn to Cross-country” sessions held at the Weston, MA ski track, which provide an accessible entry point for beginners. The schedule also features specialized programming such as the SheJumps Women’s Back-country Weekend and the “Yeah Jay” excursion, which offers both front and backcountry alpine experiences at Vermont’s renowned Jay Peak Resort.
In addition to these flagship events, the committee has organized several weekend trips to premier Vermont destinations including Craftsbury and Stowe Resorts. Those looking for shorter commitments can take advantage of multiple day trips focused on both front and back-country cross-country skiing. For the more adventurous, the calendar includes alpine backcountry trips spanning the wilderness of both New Hampshire and Vermont, ensuring there is something for every type of explorer.
The season reaches a festive milestone on March 15 with a special multi-discipline ski day. This event brings together the Nordic, alpine, and backcountry communities for a day on the slopes, culminating in a large après-ski social at Foster’s Boiler Room in Plymouth, NH. Those interested in participating in these upcoming adventures can find more information and registration details through this link.
Mountains and Music Hosts Annual Winter Weekend
(Mountains & Music Leadership (l to r): Martha Beesley, Emily Wrubel, Kathryn Gatewood, Wendy Grey)
Approximately 60 musicians will gather this February 27 to March 1 at Potash Hill in Marlboro, Vermont—when the Green Mountains will ring with the intricate harmonies of beautiful-sounding instruments! Participants will form trios, quartets, quintets, and more to read through pieces written by “early” through contemporary composers.
Some participants have been attending AMC Mountains and Music events for years, and for others, this will be a first. Yet, everyone will leave with musician connections that continue long afterwards. If Mother Nature blesses southern Vermont with snow, an on-site Nordic trail center is available for skiing and snowshoeing.
Protect Water and Nature Ballot Initiative Moves Forward
After having met the first threshold for public support via a signature drive last year, the AMC is one step closer to securing unprecedented funding and investment in Massachusetts to benefit outdoor recreation and drive conservation! The Protect Water and Nature Ballot Initiative aims to dedicate funds from the existing state sales tax on sporting goods to protect and conserve water and nature throughout the Commonwealth.
If approved, this initiative will provide approximately $100 million each year to support the conservation and restoration of water and natural areas in Massachusetts, and create more outdoor recreational spaces such as trails and parks that everyone can enjoy. AMC is thrilled to help lead this campaign along with many partners. Your voice and engagement can be instrumental! Stay tuned for ways to get involved to ensure we succeed this November.
Chapter-wide Conservation Committee Meeting Held in January
On January 27, an AMC chapterwide conservation committee meeting was held via Zoom. This informative virtual open house enabled 41 conservation champions, chapter leaders, and volunteers from across the AMC to come together to help shape what’s next. The goal was to connect conservation-minded people with conservation committee members across AMC’s chapters. Everyone was welcome, regardless of experience or prior AMC conservation involvement.
The meeting celebrated 2025 local conservation actions, covered the 2026 conservation strategy, and explored chapter and volunteer camp and cabin opportunities to engage in this year. The overarching goal this year is to deliver even more conservation activities at the local level with hands-in-the-dirt activities, activism on local legislative issues, and enabling every AMC member to be a conservation ambassador.
Opportunities for Action Several opportunities are available, depending on your level of interest!
Action 1—If you’re not yet a members of your chapter’s conservation committee, contact either Jon Flynn, jonflynn@me.com, or Scott Redfern, sdredfern64@gmail.com, and they’ll connect you with a leader to help develop local action plans and activities.
Action 2—The conservation committee also needs your involvement to achieve its goals and deliver AMC’s conservation strategy at the local level. The committee will start work in the coming months to:
• Create new conservation training content for activity leaders that transcends basic Leave No Trace (LNT) information.
• Formalize what it means to be a “trained” conservation activity leader.
• Identify the types of conservation “personas” and how to enable them all to engage in AMC conservation. If you’d like to get involved in these efforts, reach out to Jon or Scott.
Action 3—If you’d like to be included in Conservation Committee communications and meetings, provide Scott your preferred email address, and which chapter you’re connected to. And don’t hesitate to bring a friend!
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