The Gansett Gazette
February-March
2011
I invite members and other readers to join us as we move forward in this effort. Become a member of the AMC if you are not already; become a leader in one or more activity areas such as hiking, biking, kayaking, climbing, skiing; join a committee, or volunteer to assist with special projects such as a new members Pot Luck supper, or a big trails repair project; or join the Leadership group by considering a position on the Executive Committee. In this issue, you will find the list of names, positions, and contact information for our Executive Committee/Leadership group. As you know, volunteers are the lifeblood of the AMC. There is a huge amount of talent and dedication out there – please let me or another member of the Leadership group hear from you.
On behalf of the Executive Committee and the entire Leadership Team, I extend great thanks to all, for the amazing things you do to insure that the next generations of AMC members and families will also be outdoors, and able to experience and enjoy this fabulous planet, as we do.
Chapter Chair,
Bonnie England
The AMC Narragansett Family Outing Committee is gearing up for 2011. Our objective is to provide a variety of opportunities to get our families outdoors. We have exciting plans for 2011 including introductory and education sessions, orienteering, staying found, hiking, paddling, snowshoeing, rock climbing, geo-caching, letterboxing, and conservation. Truly something for everyone, but we need your help to do it all.
Do you have an interest you would like to share with our families? Do you know how to prep kids for hiking in the cold? Do you have a favorite hike and some tricks about hiking with small children you are willing to offer? Do you simply enjoy seeing kids learn to enjoy all the outdoors has to offer? We need leaders and “experts” to make sure our events happen. The amount you do is up to you, and even hosting a single event is fine. Contact Debbie Mitchell debamitchell@yahoo.com or 401-743-4192 ASAP and let us know which passions you want to share. Not a leader? Not a problem, we will pair you with an experienced leader who will work with you to host your event.
Starting now, look for a Family Outing Committee Activities update in each issue of the Gazette through 2011. We will announce upcoming events, share seasonally appropriate knowledge, and highlight resources to get you and our families outdoors. As an additional source of information, check out the AMC’s Great Kids and Great Outdoors Blog. Sign up online to receive a weekly update from Kristin Lane of the NH Chapter. Get to it through the AMC website at www.outdoors.org or link straight to it at http://greatkids.outdoors.org/. It is a short but helpful read each week.
On behalf of the Family Outing Committee we thank you in advance for your support and participation. Please let us know how you would like to help ASAP. We can’t wait to see more families outside!
Tom Eagan was heartily thanked for his outstanding contributions as Chair for the past two years, and Bonnie England was welcomed into the position of Chair for the year 2011. Representing the AMC Club staff, Mike Barry and Faith Salter spoke briefly, recognizing the accomplishments of the Narragansett Chapter, and thanking the members and leaders for a very fine year.
The recipients of the Chapter’s Major Awards, Denise Poyer and Debbie Mitchell, were recognized, lauded, and applauded enthusiastically by all present. Denise and Debbie exemplify the mission of the AMC in many different and impressive ways. After the presentation of these Major Awards, dinner was enjoyed, and everyone settled in for Erika Bloom’s delightful photographic tour of a Mt. Kilimanjaro climb and Tanzanian Safari. Erika, an AMC Major Excursions Leader and Owner of Serengeti Pride Safaris, was sponsored by REI of Cranston.
Appie award to Denise Poyer
In presenting the award, her husband Ed (himself an accomplished leader and 1999 Appie winner) told the crowd that Denise has been an AMC member since the 1990’s. Her leadership started with local hikes and spread to more challenging northern hikes. She has lead or co-lead over 65 trips. This is impressive even without taking into account the time needed for planning ahead. Denise has been a very effective northern hikes leader, producing workshops on leadership, winter hiking skills, backpacking skills and map/compass skills.
In 2005 Denise began instructing at Mountain Leadership School, which Ed described as ‘leadership training on steroids’. Denise is also a paddling instructor certified by the American Canoe Association. She leads annual source-to-sea paddles which span the length of the Pawcatuck river over several trips. Denise leads events for the family trips committee and serves on the trails committee as well. She is a former board member of the New England Environmental Alliance and volunteer chair for the Richmond Land Trust. Currently she is a teacher of environmental education and program director for the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association.
As he ended his speech and announced her name, Ed called her “my hero”. The chapter is proud to call Denise one of our own and looks forward to all of her future contributions.
bringing her skills as a CPA to the position. She has been responsible for the Chapter’s Monthly financial reports, Annual Budget, and the Audit Reports that are submitted to Joy Street. She serves as a registrar for the Spring Fling and Annual Meeting. Additionally, Debbie helped rejuvenate the Family Outings Committee, continuing as Co-Chair for the past two years. She has organized many trips and activities designed to involve and delight many Rhode Island families.
Along with a very busy personal and family life, Deb volunteered to take on the role of Vice-Chair for 2011. For all that she has done and continues to do for our Chapter, we are very happy to recognize this year’s winner of the John Clark Service Award – Debbie Mitchell.
At the recent Annual Dinner, Incoming Chair Bonnie England made a special point of thanking Outgoing Chair Tom Eagan for his many years of service. Among Tom’s many contributions to the Chapter, he proceeded up the ladder from Treasurer to Vice Chair to Chair. He revived the Family Outings Committee and led many of their trips this year to great success. Tom has always supported the Board with kindness and wisdom. He has never been afraid to get his hands dirty, evidenced by an afternoon of planting trees in the rain this past spring. He spearheaded Vision 2020 to make sure the Chapter will continue to grow and develop in a productive direction.
The Chapter is thankful for Tom’s dedicated service. We are excited to see him get back in line for another thrill ride as he resumes the office of Treasurer for 2011.
* Club-wide Volunteer Awards
* Guest Speaker Dr. Char Miller who will be speaking on the 100th anniversary of the Weeks Act and AMC's role in the formation of this important legislation.
* Presentation of AMC's Lifetime Achievement Award to NH Senator Judd Gregg
And on Friday night, a sneak preview of the new documentary Carbon Nation -- see it before it's released in theaters across the nation. If you have any questions, contact Cindy Martell at 617-391-6603 or
cmartell@outdoors.org
Communications Chair: The applicants should have good verbal and written communication skills both verbally and in print. Knowledge of public relations, website management, and computer skills will be helpful but not required. Contact Mark Dennen.
Communications Editor: This position is in transition from the previous Gazette Editor to a more general chapter editor. Contact Mark Dennen or webmaster
Leadership Development Chair: The position will be responsible for organizing a committee to assist the Chair for planning and implementing a continuous leadership development program within the Chapter. Contact Chris Shafer.
Membership Committee Co-Chair: This position will be responsible for assisting the Membership Chair by helping to recruit new members; organize new member events; communicating with new members about our chapter and its activities and represent the chapter at local store and outdoor events. If you are interested, or need more information, contact Robin Kuznitz.
Sat & Sun, April 9 & 10
Red Cross first aid training is certainly helpful, but when you are in a backwoods situation, you need more. This course will provide the knowledge you will need to deal with medical emergencies when you are more than one hour from medical care. In addition to patient assessment, this course will teach you how to treat immediate life threats, disabling injuries, hypothermia and other environmental hazards, fractures, sprains and more.
This is a two day course and will be taught at Camp Hoffman in West Kingston, RI. The course will once again be taught by the outstanding instructors from Stonehearth Outdoor Learning Opportunities (SOLO).
Pre-registration for volunteer leaders will begin January 15. Narragansett Chapter leaders will receive a special rate of $60. Registration for all others will begin on February 1, and will cost $115 for Narragansett Chapter members and $165 for all others. The fee covers all instruction and materials and does not include lodging or meals. For registration information, call Linda Pease (351-2234).
Hiking with your dog can be a fun and rewarding experience, with benefits for the dog and the human companion. And hiking with dogs in groups can be a delightful and exciting experience for everyone, with careful planning and preparation. If you are new to hiking with your dog, Leaders Bonnie England and Paul Wynn suggest that you prepare by reading the book “Doggin Rhode Island: The 25 Best Places to Hike With Your Dog in the Ocean State” by Doug Gelbert.
Upcoming “Hikes with Dogs” will be held on February 12 and March 12. The registration process includes a short assessment of your dog, to ensure a successful, fun hike for all. Additionally, an Information Sheet is reviewed with each participant prior to the hike, which covers safety on the trail, a review of health status of the dog, trail details, and trail-readiness of the dog. Please check the hike descriptions in the Trip Listings section of this Gazette for specific hike and registration information.
We would like to expand the “Hike with Dogs” offerings. If you would like to become a Co-Leader on Hikes with Dogs, please contact Bonnie England at bonniedune@aol.com. Hope to see you and your canine companion on the trails!
“49 weekend trips and never had a rainy day!” These are the words of Jack Schempp, one of our Chapter’s most prolific, innovative, and enthusiastic Leaders. Known to so many, Jack Schempp has been leading chapter cross country skiing, biking, and hiking trips for many years. Shortly after joining the AMC, Jack took the Chapter’s Leadership Training Program, and immediately began leading trips. Besides weekend ski trips in the White Mountains and beyond, Jack has led many multi-event AMC weekend events at Lake Winnipesaukee and Squam Lake. Most recently, he created and organized the very popular First Fall Harvest Weekend at Cardigan Lodge this past October. Additionally, Jack has led several AMC Major Excursions in six Western National Parks, and the Canadian Rockies.
Jack served as the Chapter Conversation Committee Co-Chair for many years, working hard to develop programs that engage the varied interests of members and make a positive difference in our world. He has led conservation events focused on protecting and restoring forest, the most notable projects at Blackstone Park in Providence, the 2010 Arbor Day Tree Planting in Cranston, and at the Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown. Jack has been an active member of the Environmental Council of Rhode Island and represents the conservation interests of Rhode Islanders for the National Wildlife Federation.
Jack has been recognized for many of his contributions to our Chapter. He was awarded the AMC’s Marian Pychowski Award, and in 2002 was awarded the Chapter’s esteemed “Appie of the YearsAward”.
Take a ski trip, or a biking trip, or a hike with Jack and you will be entertained by his many stories of past adventures, and his ideas and plans for the future. As Jack says, “it’s been an outstanding run, with many fine people and great places. Thanks to all who have participated”. And Jack Schempp, we all whole-heartedly thank you!
Members who wish to convert to paperless Gazettes should do so via the Member Center. We encourage all members to register on the Member Center. This will allow you to receive notification of our Chapter online newsletters, as well as other Chapters’ electronic newsletters.
We will continue providing both an online and a mailed Gazette six times this year. However, we want to hear your suggestions on how, as a chapter, we can better disseminate information. Please contact any member of our Board or the Webmaster with your ideas, including but not limited to, containing our newsletter costs, and still providing our members with the information they need and want.
Fri., Feb. 4-6. Mount Whiteface Hike. Stay at ski lodge in North Conway. $110 for two nights, two breakfasts, and one dinner. Hike is 8.3 miles with 2850' elevation gain. Moderate pace. L Steve Harrison , CL Mike Martin , reg/w Steve Harrison (401-270-3363 7:00-9:00pm, hikersteve@cox.net)
Fri., Feb. 4-6. Cross-Country Ski Instructional Trip (Beginner/Intermediate). 
Ski at Boston University's Sargent Center near Peterborough, N.H. $160 covers Friday and Saturday nights' bunk room lodging, meals on Saturday and Sunday, happy hour, skiing at Sargent Center, and instruction in small groups. Ski rentals available. L has option to move event to 2/18-20 by 1/31 postponement deadline, if adequate snow is in question. Non-refundable $50 deposit and SASE due by 1/4 (balance due by 1/14) and payable to Chris Shafer, P.O. Box 103, Wakefield, RI 02880. L Chris Shafer, reg/w Chris Shafer (401-789-8331 7:00-9:00pm, christopher.shafer@dem.ri.gov)
Fri., Feb. 4. Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA. Start at 10am. Caratunk is a bird sanctuary with scenic ponds and streams, now bound up in winter's grip. Area is scenic in winter or spring. Hike 2-3 miles; it will leave you invigorated afterward. Good place to stop nearby after hike for something hot. Wear hiking shoes/boots for winter conditions. Bring some water and wear warm clothing. L Margaret Parsons (401-2477760, mpkayak@cox.net), CL Mary Alice Smith (401-265-4404, maryalicesmith4@gmail.com)
Sat., Feb. 5. Arcadia Trail Hike. (canceled) 9am start for 7-mile one-way hike through a couple of boulder fields and some streams. Will need STABILicers or MICROspikes. Boots, legal orange, lunch, and water required. Inclement weather will cancel. L Maria Earley (401-789-8331 7-9pm, momearley@netzero.com)
Mon., Feb. 7. Hike George Washington Management Area. 
6 or 8 mile hike on the Walk-about Trail. Distance will be weather and condition dependent. May need traction devices so contact L. 9:30am start. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538)
Tue., Feb. 8. Bike Planning Meeting. Meeting of bike Ls to schedule rides for upcoming season. Meeting location changed to Cranston Central Library (space limited). Please contact L for specifics. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538, marcie18@att.net)
Wed., Feb. 9. Hike and Social on the Providence Waterfront. Starts at 6pm. Hike with views of the changing face of Providence along the waterfront. L Janet Harris (401-272-6772), CL Herrick Spencer (401-723-1974, spencer295@cox.net)
Fri., Feb. 11-13. Ski Best XC, Alpine in the Whites. 
Best snow in Whites, Highland Center, two nights, two breakfasts, two dinners. Apres-ski at Mount Washington Hotel for active skiers. $172/pp. L Jack Schempp, reg/w Jack Schempp (47 Arbor Dr, Providence, RI 02908, 401-331-4553 7:00-9:00pm, jschempp1@gmail.com)
Fri., Feb. 11-13. North and South Twin. Long, strenuous day. Expect to exit by headlamp. Proper winter gear and winter experience required. Sunday is L's choice. $115 includes two nights lodging and meals. L Ed Poyer (401-783-6623, edpoyer@gmail.com), CL Charlie Killam
Fri Feb. 11, 8:00-10:00, Sun Feb.13 1:30-3:30 Film event: Carbon Nation, a documentary by award winning Peter Byck, is about climate change with emphasis on solutions that are also good business. This is a compelling and relevant film that illustrates what people are doing and what can be done to care for the earth and protect natural resources for current and future generations. Friday event at Brooklyn Coffee and Tea House, Sunday Mediator UU Church 1:30-3:30. To sign up contact Kristin at 952-8698 or email kristincaproni1@gmail.com
Sat., Feb. 12. Caratunk Snowshoeing, XC Skiing, and Hiking. 
(canceled) Start at 10am. Excellent area to try all three activities with moderate terrain conditions. Rent snowshoes from REI or EMS. Low or no snow cancels. L Herrick Spencer (401-723-1974, spencer295@cox.net)
Sat., Feb. 12. Hike with Dogs at the Great Swamp. Start 10 AM. 4 mile easy, pleasant, morning hike in historic area enjoyed by humans and dogs alike. Dog owners must register with leader Bonnie England, and bring water and snacks for dogs and self, and pick up bags.Good for beginners. Orange required. Humans without dogs also welcome. Temperatures below 20 degrees F, and or icy trail conditions may cancel due to safety concerns for the dogs. L Bonnie England (bonniedune@aol.com), CL Paul Wynn & Lucky
Sun., Feb. 13. Hike/Snowshoe George Washington Management Area. (new) Hike/Snowshoe 6-8 miles along the walkabout trail. Bring layers and a lunch.Start at 10AM. Must bring orange vest. Proper footwear req'd. Rain cancels. L Scott Disnard (sdizzy@gmail.com)
Tue., Feb. 15. "Lessons From Everest" New Book Event with author Dr. Warren. (new) This is a free event; MUST register on rei.com/cranston Meet at Ted's Montana Grill at 5:30 for social. We all face adversity: Some may be self-imposed, some is circumstantial. Either way Dr. Tim Warren knows first-hand what it means to succeed against overwhelming odds. Summiting Everest will teach you some valuable lessons- not just in the sport of mountain climbing, but life-lessons that can be applied universally to whatever challenge awaits you. In sharing his experiences, Dr. Warren can kindle the fire in all of us to reach higher and go farther than we had ever thought possible. Dr. Tim Warren is a chiropractor in Warwick, RI since 1987, a mountaineer who has climbed four of the seven summits of the world, and author, father, and inspirational speaker. L Scott Disnard (sdizzy@gmail.com)
Wed., Feb. 16. Hike and Social, Wickford. Meet at 6pm in parking lot behind Rite Aid across from old Ryans Market.Bring flashlights. L Dick Sullivan (401-338-2880)
Thu., Feb. 17. Hike Carter Preserve, Charlestown. 5-mile hike through this little gem-RI's second largest nature preserve. Easy walking on woodland trails. 10:00am start. Contact L, as traction devices may be necessary. Lunch/late breakfast afterward. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538, marcie18@att.net)
Thu., Feb. 17. Trails Committee Meeting. At 6:30pm at Marge Gaunt's home, 152 Fishing Cove Rd, North Kingstown. Please call Marge at 295-7101 for directions if you need them. For those of you who wish to attend the meeting via teleconference, please let Elise Del Barone (508 922-2570) know, and a teleconference number will be given to you . Please call Elise for cancellation info if there is inclement weather. L Elise Del Barone (508 922-2570)
Fri., Feb. 18. Sachuest Wildlife Refuge, Middletown. 10am walk on this 242-acre waterfront preserve. This is a winter stopover for migratory birds. Over 200 species have been identified here. Binoculars welcome. L Margie Parsons (401-247-7760, mpkayak@cox.net) CL Tom Freeman (401-338-2250, hotdealtom50@cox.net)
Sat., Feb. 19. Step by Step Mount Greylock. 
Massachusetts' highest! 6-8 miles depending on group and conditions. Proper gear required. L Steve Harrison (401-270-3363, hikersteve@cox.net), CL Mike Martin, reg/w Mike Martin (401-437-0957 7:00-9:00pm, seakayak@juno.com)
Sun., Feb. 20. Hike Parker Woodland. 7-mile hike through this 860-acre Aububon Society gem in Coventry. Beautiful trails. May need traction devices, so please contact L. 10am start. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538)
Mon., Feb. 21. Family hike John F Chafee Nature Preserve. (new) The Chafee Nature Preserve is one of the few natural spaces in RI that may be more popular in winter than any other season. Why? Harbor seals migrate into this area in October and stay through the spring. We'll hike through a wooded path, along the rocky shoreline to Rome Point, and see if we can spot any of these curious creatures. So hope for calm weather and don't forget your binoculars! We'll meet in the parking lot at 1:15pm and begin our hike promptly at 1:30pm. In the case of severe inclement weather, our hike may be canceled. Cancellations will be posted at www.rifamiliesinnature.org. This is a RI Families in Nature hike. L Debbie Mitchell (401-743-4192, dmitchell@thebravergroup.com)
Wed., Feb. 23. Hike and Social, East Greenwich. Hike with tales about family founders of mine about this town. L Herrick Spencer (401-723-1974, spencer295@cox.net)
Fri., Feb. 25. Trustom National Wildlife Refuge Hike. 10:00am. Easy 3-mile hike over gently sloping trails. Winter is best time to visit state's only undeveloped salt pond. Thousands of colorful ducks and seabirds from Arctic regions make the refuge their winter home. Hike out to viewing platforms overlooking pond and barrier beach beyond. Binoculars and scopes optional. L Mary Alice Smith (401-265-4404, maryalicesmith4@gmail.com), CL Margie Parsons (401-247-7760, mpkayak@cox.net)
Sat., Feb. 26. Whales Invade Coastal RI!. (new) Yes, last April more than 100 whales visited RI shores including endangered right whales, humpback whales as well as other whale species. Why? Prof. Bob Kenney, URI Graduate School of Oceanography and well known authority on whales and marine mammals will provide several explanations for this extraordinary event. 11 am at N. Kingston Library. L Jack Schempp, reg/w Jack Schempp (401-331-4553)
Fri., Feb. 25-27. Franconia Ridge Traverse. Challenging, rewarding hike with spectacular views along the ridge from Lafayette to Lincoln. Exposed hiking above-treeline for well-conditioned, experienced winter hikers. 10 miles with 4000' elevation gain, all-day hike. Sunday, L's choice. For well-conditioned, experienced winter hikers. Approximately $120 includes two nights lodging, one dinner, and two breakfasts. L Charlie Killam (508-252-4349, Charlie.Killam@gmail.com), CL Jim Dunn
Sat., Feb. 26-27. Ice Climbing, Smuggler's Notch, VT. 
Designed for experienced rock climbers who've attended rock courses or have equivalent experience. Must have, or rent, own gear. Cost share lodging. Must register with L. L Peter Barlow (860-675-3772, freeeclimb@aol.com)
Sun., Feb. 27. Snake Den Hike. Start 9:30 AM. Moderate 5.5 mile hike. Great for New members!Dress for the weather. Boots Req. Microspikes or Stabilicers may be necessary. Meet at the the Apple Valley Mall on Rt 44 in Greenville, RI in front of CVS. Registration required. L Matt Putnam (401-862-2861, mattputnam@verizon.net), CL John Feather (401-764-0438, jfeather67@cox.net)
Sun., Feb. 27. X-C ski day trip. (new) Join us for some XC Skiing fun at Great Brook XC touring center, Carlisle, MA. Groomed farm and woodland trails, only 25 miles north of Boston! You should have some experience and your own equipment. L Linda Pease (401-351-2234), CL Chris Turgeon (turgeon77@ymail.com)
Wed., Mar. 2. Hike and Social, Warren. Meet at 6pm at 2nd Story Theater, 28 Market Street. Bring flashlights. L Wendy Farr (401-533-3084, wendyfarr42@gmail.com), CL Steve Harrington (401-219-4616, sjhep1@hotmail.com)
Fri., Mar. 4-6. Northern Presidential Cabin Backpack. Backpack to rustic (i.e., unheated, unlit) Randolph Mountain Club Crag Camp cabin at treeline on Mount Adams. Great way to practice skills for winter backpacking. Full winter gear and winter hiking experience required. $63 fee includes motel and cabin. L Ed Poyer (401-783-6623, edpoyer@gmail.com), CL Mike McGuinan
Wed., Mar. 9. Hike and Social, Garden City. Meet at 6 new meeting place, at REI on Sackonossett Crossroad. Bring flashlights. L Sid Wax (401-849-2595, sid_w@yahoo.com)
Wed., Mar. 9. Young Members planning Meeting. (new) We are going to be meeting at the Mews Tavern to discuss what trips we will have planned this year. L Chris Turgeòn (401-363-2616, turgeon77@ymail.com)
Sat., Mar. 12. Step by Step Mounts Percival and Morgan. 
End the winter with great views! Must have proper winter gear. 5.1 miles at a moderate pace. L Steve Harrison (401-270-3363, hikersteve@cox.net), CL Mike Martin, reg/w Mike Martin (401-437-0957 7:00-9:00pm, seakayak@juno.com)
Sat., Mar. 12. Hike with Dogs at Carolina North trail. Start at 10 am. 4-mile easy morning hike through Carolina Management Area. Very enjoyable for dogs and humans alike. Dogs must be well socialized, and get along well with humans and other dogs. Dog owners must register with Leader Bonnie England. Bring water and snacks for dogs and self and pickup bags. Good for beginners. Orange required. Humans without dogs welcome.temperatures below 20 degrees F, and/or icy trail conditions may cancel due to safety concerns for the dogs. L Bonnie England (bonniedune@aol.com), CL Paul Wynn & Lucky
Sun., Mar. 13. Neutaconkanut Hill Winter Walk. (new) See great winter views of downtown Providence from the top of Neutaconkanut Park, named for its squirrels and still covered in hickory nut trees. See brochure. This Providence hill has significance for Native American, colonial and WPA history, and trails have been renovated recently by active community members. Trails steep and rocky in sections; wind and snow or ice likely. L Yvonne Federowicz (401-261-3368, yvonne.federowicz@gmail.com)
Tue., Mar. 15. Hike Parker Woodland. 
7-mile hike through this Audubon Society gem. Beautiful trails. May need traction devices, so please contact L. 10am start. L Marcie Madsen (401-364-6538)
Wed., Mar. 16. Hike and St. Pat's Social, Wakefield. Meet at 6pm at the Post Office Parking Lot. Bring flashlights. Registration required. L Aram Deradoorian (401-789-7811)
Fri., Mar. 18. Colt State Park Walk, Bristol, RI. 3-mile walk on mostly paved paths in this picturesque waterfront park, with 464 acres of woods, groomed fruit trees, and lawns with panoramic bay views. L Margie Parsons (401-2477760, mpkayak@cox.net), CL Mary Alice Smith
Sat., Mar. 19. Great Swamp Hike. Meet at 9am for an easy 5.5-mile walk. Let's celebrate the arrival of spring and check if ospreys have arrived. Ideal for new members. Many holly trees, possible wildlife. Lunch/snack and a bit of history by Worden's pond. Possible social to follow. Inclement weather will cancel. L Maria Earley (401-789-8331 7-9pm, momearley@netzero.com), CL Matt Putnam
Sat., Mar. 19. Family hike, Arcadia mgmnt area. (new) The section we'll explore is Upper Roaring Brook, which has a wooden walkway great for both strollers and wheelchairs - as long as the snow is all gone! In any case, it's an easy, short hike along a pond and through wetlands. We'll meet at the trail head at 10:15am and begin our hike promptly at 10:30am.Directions: From Route 3 South, make a right onto Route 165. There is a small brown sign for Arcadia before the turn, and a pizza place on the corner. Travel for 1.4 miles and make a left onto Arcadia Road. After another 1.4 miles, just past a sign for a Pavilion on the right, make a left turn immediately before the Browning Mill Pond Recreation Area sign. Travel 0.4 miles down this dirt road, passing a trailhead for Lower Roaring Brook on the left, curving to your left, and ending at a parking lot for Upper Roaring Brook. Cancellations will be posted at www.rifamiliesinnature.org. This is a RI Families in Nature hike. L Debbie Mitchell (4017434192, dmitchell@thebravergroup.com)
Tue., Mar. 22. Young Members Photo Walk and Social. (new) Join us for a photo walk and social around downtown Providence, and learn digital SLR operation from photo enthusiasts. Meet at Wild Colonial parking lot on South Water Street at 6PM. Rain cancels. L Scott Disnard (sdizzy@gmail.com)
Wed., Mar. 23. Hike and Social, Warwick. Meet at 6pm. Contact leader for Directions. Bring flashlights. L Dave Natale (igb@att.net)
Thu., Mar. 24. Trails Committee Meeting. At 6:30pm at Marge Gaunt's home, 152 Fishing Cove Rd, North Kingstown. Please call Marge at 295-7101 for directions if you need them. For those of you who wish to attend the meeting via teleconference, please let Elise Del Barone (508 922-2570) know, and a teleconference number will be given to you . Please call Elise for cancellation info if there is inclement weather. L Elise Del Barone (508 922-2570)
Fri., Mar. 25. Mount Hope Farm Walk, Bristol, RI. Approximately 3-mile walk around historic salt water farm overlooking Mount Hope and Narragansett bays. A dairy farm owned by the Haffenreffer family whose Native American artifact collection eventually became a museum. L Margie Parsons (401-2477760, mpkayak@cox.net), CL Mary Alice Smith (401-265-4404, maryalicesmith4@gmail.com)
Sat., Mar. 26. Susan DuVal S. Kingstown Land Trust area hike. (new) Start 10 AM. Spring Hike in the Susan DuVal South Kingstown Land Trust area. A 5 mile round trip hike in that area. Bring water,snacks and hiking shoes. L Elizabeth Kroll (401-782-8393, lizkroll@verizon.net)
Sat., Mar. 26. 8th Annual Land and Water Conservation SummitBeing presented by the Narragansett Bay Estuary Program, this day of events includes an excellent speaker and thirty interesting seminars relating to land, including gardens, and water issues, 200-300 attend. Meet everyone who is involved with land & water. Cost about $40 including very good breakfast and lunch. Read more....
Wed., Mar. 30. Hike and Social, Quonset. Meet at the Gate Way Plaza, corner of Rt 1 and Gate Way Rd. Bring flashlights. L Dick Sullivan (401-338-2880)
Fri., Apr. 8. Potluck Social for new, current, prospective members. 
The Narragansett Chapter annual Potluck Social will be held on Friday, April 8, from 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm at the Cathedral of St. John Episcopal, 271 North Main Street, Providence, RI. Map directions to Social. New, current and prospective members are welcome to join us at this fun event. You can bring any meal you like, a hearty appetizer or dessert to feed at least six is always great. You will have an opportunity to meet committee leaders and learn about all of the upcoming spring and summer activities our chapter has to offer. Please e-mail your RSVP and/or questions by March 25 to Membership Chair Robin Kuznitz. L Robin Kuznitz (rmd@psh.com)
Sat., Apr. 9. Help Needed, Save Blackstone Park. Trails and Conservation Committees invite you to help erect fence and close eroding trails. Gratifying project; fun work for all. Make new friends. Start at 9am and work 2-4 hours. L Jack Schempp (jschempp1@gmail.com), reg/w Chris Shafer (P0 Box 103, Wakefield, RI 02880, 401222-2797 daytime)
Sat., Apr. 9. Wachusetts Over The Top Twice Hike (Figure 8). If you like the Skyline Trail in the Blue Hills, you'll like Wachusetts with similar terrain & trails. Views of Monadnock, Boston & Blue Hills, Mt. Greylock and other great vistas. L Linda Pease (401-351-2234, linda.pease@cox.net), L Margie Parsons (401-247-7760, mpkayak@cox.net), L John Stevens (401-295-4203, stevens.john.m@cox.net)
Sat., Apr. 9-10. SOLO Basic Wilderness First Aid. Red Cross first aid training is certainly helpful, but when you are in a backwoods situation, you need more. This course will provide the knowledge you will need to deal with medical emergencies when you are more than one hour from medical care. In addition to patient assessment, this course will teach you how to treat immediate life threats, disabling injuries, hypothermia and other environmental hazards, fractures, sprains and more. This is a two day course and will be taught at Camp Hoffman in West Kingston, RI. The course will once again be taught by the outstanding instructors from Stonehearth Outdoor Learning Opportunities (SOLO). Pre-registration for volunteer leaders will begin January 15. Narragansett Chapter leaders will receive a special rate of $60. Registration for all others will begin on February 1, and will cost $115 for Narragansett Chapter members and $165 for all others. The fee covers all instruction and materials and does not include lodging or meals. L Charlie Killam (charlie.killam@gmail.com), reg/w Linda Pease (401-351-2234, linda.pease@cox.net)
Sat., Apr. 16-17. Young Members Arcadia Camping Weekend. (new) Come join us for a weekend of primitive camping in southern RI. Learn about camping gear, daily hikes of up to 6 miles. Boots, tent, camping gear, and 30 degree bag recommended. Very bad weather cancels. We have some gear to lend. L Scott Disnard (sdizzy@gmail.com)
Sun., Apr. 17. Mt. Wachusett "figure 8" hike. About 8 miles, twice over the summit, about 1,500 ft. uphill, moderate pace. Bring water, lunch and extra layers. Will hike in the rain. L Margie Parsons (401-247-7760, mpkayak@cox.net), CL Gretchen Yealy , R Gretchen Yealy (401-228-3321 7-9 PM, gretchen_yealy@brown.edu)
Sat., May. 7. Annual Arbor Day Tree Planting with Tree Council. It's fun to plant trees for a greener RI, and watch them grow. Learn more about planting and mulching, and meet new people. Contact Ls for location. L Jack Schempp (401-331-4553, jschempp1@gmail.com), reg/w Larry Rollins (110 Cathedral Ave, Providence, RI, 401 521 7188 7-9 pm)