Kestrel Land Trust

09/03/2026

On August 20th, 5 members of the land and trail crew installed 85 feet of bog bridging at Pemberton Memorial Forest in Pelham. Earlier this summer, the crew installed 100 feet. There are only 15 feet to go! Previous volunteers helped carry the 200 feet of wood into the forest, covering an average of .75 miles.

Bog bridging makes trails more accessible to hikers and mitigates damage to sensitive habitats. The process has relatively low impact, with minimal disturbance to the ground.

Come check out the trails at this quiet conservation area. You can find a map of the trail on our website!

08/26/2026

When we’re walking in the woods, we usually pay attention to what’s happening above the ground. Yet beneath our feet, intertwined with the roots of trees, is an extensive microscopic network of fungus. Through this network, plants share water, trade essential nutrients, and send early warning signals about pests, acting as a cooperative community.

The vast and colorful above-ground mushrooms we see are the “fruit” of this fungal network, and the focus of a guided walk with mushroom expert Paul Lagrèze around Kestrel Land Trust’s headquarters in Amherst. Join us on Saturday, September 26, 10:00 AM-Noon if you would like to explore the rich fungal ecology found in the Connecticut River Valley.

08/13/2026

Summer days call for fun on the water! Kestrel recently teamed up with and for a fun canoe trip along Lake Warner in Hadley.

Native wetland flora were in bloom, including duckweed, bladderworts and water lilies. Great blue herons, painted turtles, little green herons, and cedar waxwings were also spotted along the lake!

This annual event offers an opportunity for youth, with their families and mentors, to have an experience in nature that they may not otherwise have had access to. Connecting with nature helps inspire people of all ages to protect it, and events like these remind us of the importance of supporting each other in our community.

Thank you to Adventure East for generously providing their boats and experienced guide to make this program possible every year!

08/12/2026

Kestrel hosted our first Family Summer Social at Plum Brook Pond last week. Led by our Youth Engagement Coordinator Ari, families participated in a guided fern walk along the trail. After the walk, families learned how to make nature-inspired crafts, including cyanotypes, coffee filter butterflies, and wildflower seed balls!

Be sure to check out our website to register for more upcoming events.

08/10/2026

If you love wildlife and a beautiful natural setting, don't miss this unique event hosted by our friends at Quonquont Farm and the amazing local naturalist Laurie Sanders! We'll be there: will you?

08/07/2026

More from our Watershed Walk! When the group returned to the Kestrel Office, we had an open discussion about conservation efforts, including ways to get involved to protect forests and watersheds where native species, such as brook trout, can thrive. If you are interested in volunteering through Kestrel, check out our website and fill out an inquiry form to learn about future opportunities.

08/05/2026

This past weekend, Kestrel hosted a Watershed Woods walk with DCR Interpreter Joshua Epstein. Starting at the Notch Visitor’s Center in Amherst, Joshua shared his knowledge of watersheds and appreciation for the elusive brook trout, a key indicator species of safe water.

Watersheds are essential for healthy ecosystems. They distribute stormwater, protect water quality, and support wildlife.

Did you know that over half of the U.S relies on drinking water originating from forested areas?

Hikers on our walk found brook trout along trail streams with the help of Joshua and Kestrel staff. Brook trout are a sensitive species that can only survive in clean, cold water. Seeing brook trout is reflective of the care and protection that goes into land conservation efforts within the Valley. Kestrel has helped conserve forested areas within the Mount Holyoke range that contribute to healthier watersheds and drinking water.

08/01/2026

At our Sweet Alice Trail in Amherst, you are likely to see a variety of native plants this time of year. Right now, many perennials and annuals are flowering. Some of the most visible species along the trail bridge that passes through the pond’s marshy inlet include monkeyflowers and jewelweed.

Monkeyflowers prefer moist soils, and they can be found near streams or wetlands.
Jewelweeds are also known as “touch-me-nots” because their seed pods will burst at the slightest touch.

Common boneset attracts birds, butterflies, and other insects. Boneset has medicinal properties, and it was used to treat “break-bone” fever, which is where its name originates.

Eastern enchanter’s nightshade can also be found here; it’s a perennial herb that produces hooked seeds that attach to passing wildlife (or your pants!), allowing them to spread rapidly in shady, moist soil.

07/29/2026

Folks, this is an amazing opportunity for all of Massachusetts! Learn about the Protect Water and Nature ballot initiative and help us Vote Yes on 6 in November!

The Vote Yes on 6 to Protect Water and Nature campaign has officially launched!

Today, we gathered along the Charles River with members of the Nature For MA Coalition and its supporters to begin the next push to secure funding for water and nature. By setting aside just a portion of the revenue already generated from the existing sales tax on sporting goods, we would be able to dedicate as much as $100 million every year for the Fund without any increase in taxes.

We are counting on YOU (yes, you!) to join us in voting Yes on 6 this November. Stay tuned for more on this initiative and get involved at massaudubon.org/natureformass.

07/27/2026

Oh, deer! On our Sweet Alice trail cam, we’ve had many deer visitors in the past few months. Trail cams are a great way to gauge wildlife populations within habitats. Deer populations have grown significantly over the past few decades, which is most likely a result of declines in natural predators. This time of year, does are focusing on feeding their fawns and bucks are growing new antlers, which leads to an increased demand in food. This can attract deer to more suburban areas with native plants and vegetable crops.