Friends of The Great Falls Discovery Center

Nice & Easy Walk
2023-09-08 13:00 - 14:00, 2023-09-22 13:00 - 14:00, 2023-09-29 13:00 - 14:00, 2023-10-06 13:00 - 14:00, 2023-10-13 13:00 - 14:00, 2023-10-20 13:00 - 14:00, 2023-10-27 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
An easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for seniors, but open to all ages. Join others seeking fresh air and exercise. A DCR Park Interpreter highlights natural and local history along the way. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather and sturdy footwear and bring water. Meet outside the main entrance.

Canal Draw Down History Stroll
2023-09-13 17:00 - 18:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Check out the annual draining of the Turners Falls canal, take a stroll along the Canalside Rail Trail, and absorb local history with Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center staff, historian Ed Gregory, and DCR staff. Meet at the entrance of the Center for this free two mile walk on flat terrain.

Nice & Easy Walks
2023-09-15 13:00 - 14:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States

Migration Week: Bird Walks with Zeke - Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation
2023-10-12 06:00 - 17:00 | Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation, 300 Sugarloaf Street, Deerfield, MA, 01373, United States
Sign up for a one-hour program at either: 6:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., or 4:00 p.m.
Many birds you see during fall migration are flying south to Panama! Join ornithologist Zeke Jakub of Conservación Panamá for one or more FREE hour-long birdwatching adventures. These walks introduce you to these fabulous migratory birds along the Connecticut River. Learn about conservation research and actions, and what you can do. For ages 14 and up. Bring binoculars and a bird field guide if you have them, dress for the weather, and wear sturdy shoes. Space is limited, register at: 413-863-3221.

Thursday, October 12, Mt. Sugarloaf State Reservation— Meet at the top of Mount Sugarloaf in South Deerfield (300 Sugarloaf St.) at the observation tower. Park at the bottom and hike up, or drive to the top and park for free (let DCR staff know you are here for the birding program). The park road opens at 9:00 a.m.

Migration Week: Bird Walks with Zeke - Canalside Rail Trail in East Deerfield
2023-10-13 06:00 - 17:00 | Canalside Rail Trail East Deerfield end, McClelland Farm Road - 42.57310199486327, -72.5754147484542, Deerfield, MA, 01342, United States
Sign up for a one-hour program at either: 6:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., or 4:00 p.m.
Many birds you see during fall migration are flying south to Panama! Join ornithologist Zeke Jakub of Conservación Panamá for one or more FREE hour-long birdwatching adventures. These walks introduce you to these fabulous migratory birds along the Connecticut River. Learn about conservation research and actions, and what you can do. For ages 14 and up. Bring binoculars and a bird field guide if you have them, dress for the weather, and wear sturdy shoes. Space is limited, register at: 413-863-3221.

Friday, October 13, Canalside Rail Trail— Meet at the parking lot in East Deerfield off McClelland Farm Road.

Migration Week: Bird Walks with Zeke - Migratory Way
2023-10-14 06:00 - 17:00 | Migratory Way at intersection of G and 15th Streets, Migratory Way, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Sign up for a one-hour program at either: 6:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., or 4:00 p.m.
Many birds you see during fall migration are flying south to Panama! Join ornithologist Zeke Jakub of Conservación Panamá for one or more FREE hour-long birdwatching adventures. These walks introduce you to these fabulous migratory birds along the Connecticut River. Learn about conservation research and actions, and what you can do. For ages 14 and up. Bring binoculars and a bird field guide if you have them, dress for the weather, and wear sturdy shoes. Space is limited, register at: 413-863-3221.

Saturday, October 14, Migratory Way— Park in the lot at the intersection of G and 15th Streets in Turners Falls, at the gate to Migratory Way.

Migration Week: Bird Walks with Zeke - Barton Cove
2023-10-15 06:00 - 17:00 | Barton Cove Day Use Area, Barton Cove Road, Gill, MA, United States
Sign up for a one-hour program at either: 6:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., or 4:00 p.m.
Many birds you see during fall migration are flying south to Panama! Join ornithologist Zeke Jakub of Conservación Panamá for one or more FREE hour-long birdwatching adventures. These walks introduce you to these fabulous migratory birds along the Connecticut River. Learn about conservation research and actions, and what you can do. For ages 14 and up. Bring binoculars and a bird field guide if you have them, dress for the weather, and wear sturdy shoes. Space is limited, register at: 413-863-3221.

Sunday, October 15, Barton Cove— Meet at Barton Cove Camping and Day-Use Area, 82 French King Highway, Gill, about one mile east of the Discovery Center off Route 2. Park at the day-use area parking lot.

Nice & Easy Walk
2023-11-03 13:00 - 14:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for seniors, but open to all. Enjoy natural and local history highlights along the way. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Meet at the main entrance.

Go Green on Black Friday Walk (and Nice & Easy Walk)
2023-11-24 13:00 - 14:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Forget shopping—let’s connect with nature and local history! Join us for a leisurely walk along the Canalside Rail Trail. The walk is about 3 miles-long, on a level paved surface. Makes for an easy stroll for adults and children ages 8 and up. Be prepared for cold weather, dress in layers. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Walk begins at the front entrance to the Great Falls Discovery Center. Inclement weather or icy trail conditions cancels. Meet at the main entrance. This the same time as our regular weekly Friday Nice & Easy Walk, so we’ll do it all at once!

Nice and Easy Walks
2023-12-08 13:00 - 14:00, 2023-12-15 13:00 - 14:00, 2023-12-22 13:00 - 14:00, 2023-12-29 13:00 - 14:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for seniors, but open to all. Join others seeking fresh air and exercise. Enjoy natural and local history highlights along the way. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Meet at the main entrance.

Orienteering with Zeke
2023-12-13 12:00 - 16:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Join Zeke Jakub of Conservación Panamá to learn how to use a map and compass together to stay safe in the woods! Sponsored by Montague Public Libraries. Dress for the weather. Meet outside the main entrance. Rain date: 12/16. For ages 8 and up. Meet at the main entrance.

Winter Solstice Walk
2023-12-21 15:00 - 16:30 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Celebrate the change in season. Join us for an easy walk along the Canalside Rail Trail. The walk is about 3 miles-long, on a level paved surface. For adults and children ages 8 and up. Be prepared for cold weather, dress in layers. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Walk begins at the front entrance of the Discovery Center. Inclement weather or icy trail conditions cancels. Meet at the Main Entrance.

Nice and Easy Walk
2023-12-22 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-01-05 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-01-12 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-01-19 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-02-02 13:00 - 14:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for seniors, but open to all. Enjoy natural and local history highlights along the way. Dress for winter weather, sturdy footwear, and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the main entrance.

First Day Hike
2024-01-01 13:00 - 15:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
For ages 8 and up. Start the New Year off on the right foot! A leisurely guided 3-mile stroll on the Canalside Rail Trail. This family-friendly hike follows a gentle, level route. Discover the abundant natural, historical, and cultural features that make the Discovery Center and rail trail an amazing state park! Dress appropriately for winter weather. Wear comfortable winter walking boots. Dogs welcome on leash. Meet at 1:00 p.m. in the Great Hall. Hike begins at 1:15 p.m.

Nice and Easy Walk: Food, Farms, and Factories - The John Russell Cutlery Factory
2024-01-26 13:00 - 14:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for seniors, but open to all. Enjoy natural and local history highlights along the way. Dress for winter weather, sturdy footwear, and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Friday 1/26 topic: the John Russell Cutlery Factory for our Food, Farms, and Factories series. Meet at the main entrance.
Ongoing in 2024
Throughout 2024 the Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center present programs and exhibits about Food, Farms, and Factories. Building on the success of Crossroads: Change in Rural America in 2023, the conversation continues about rural life in Turners Falls and Franklin County. Supported by several local partners and funded by Mass Humanities through the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Visit: greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/foodfarmsandfactories to learn more.

Nice and Easy Walk
2024-02-09 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-02-16 13:00 - 14:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA, 01376, United States
Easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for seniors, but open to all. Enjoy natural and local history highlights along the way. Dress for winter weather, sturdy footwear, and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Friday 2/23: For our Food, Farms, and Factories Fourth Friday Series the topic is American Shad. Meet at the Main Entrance.
