Latest news with #BrianArrigo
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
DCR partners with local LGBTQ+ organizations to host Pride Hikes in Mass.
BOSTON (WWLP) – The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is hosting free guided Pride Hikes throughout the state this month in recognition of the LGBTQ+ community. In celebration of Pride Month, DCR plans to lead a series of hikes in collaboration with local and regional LGBTQ+ organizations, including several in western Mass. such as the Stonewall Center at UMass Amherst and Queer Men of the Berkshires (Q-MoB). Where to celebrate Pride Month in western Massachusetts 'At DCR, we are focused year-round on ensuring that all of our residents and visitors have access to and feel welcome and safe in our parks and on our trails – spaces that are essential for our overall well-being,' said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. 'These Pride Hikes are opportunities for our LGBTQ+ friends and their loved ones to safely and peacefully come together and explore the beauty of our state parks. We are grateful to our partner organizations for joining us in this effort and hope that these hikes inspire some new DCR park enthusiasts.' DCR encourages participants of Pride Hikes to wear pride colors and sturdy shoes for walking. Bug spray, sunscreen, and water are also recommended. Pride Hikes will be held at the following properties: Wompatuck State Park, Hingham: June 14, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Wachusett Reservoir, West Boylston: June 14, 7:30 p.m. – 9:15 p.m. Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, Adams: June 15, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, East Falmouth: June 19, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, Uxbridge: June 27, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Great Falls Discovery Center, Turners Falls: June 28, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Middlesex Fells, Stoneham: June 29, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The department plans to continue hosting Pride Hikes at agency parks throughout Massachusetts beyond the month of June. For more information on these events and other DCR programs, visit WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Mass. DCR invests thousands of dollars to replace roof of North Adams skating rink
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. (WWLP) – The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) announced its plans to invest $500,000 to replace the roof of Peter W. Foote Vietnam Veterans Memorial Rink. Mass. DCR is making this investment in a community building as part of the department's ongoing effort to provide safe recreational facilities for families in the state. The rink was first constructed in 1969, and the current roof on the building requires replacement. DCR plans to replace the 36,000-square-foot roof and insulation and add new PVC roofing membrane. Florence Bank awards $150K to 40 local nonprofits 'At DCR, we are committed to providing families and residents with safe opportunities for recreation, year-round,' said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. 'We're glad to work with our partners at the City of North Adams to improve conditions at the Peter W. Foote Vietnam Veterans Memorial Skating Rink, ensuring skaters and the community can enjoy it for years to come.' The total project cost for replacing the roof is $537,000, with the majority covered by Mass. DCR. Construction is projected to be complete by the end of the summer before the skating rink opens for the fall. 'When I began serving as Mayor of North Adams in January 2022, one of my first actions was to work with DCR to ensure long-term stability of this important community and regional asset,' said North Adams Mayor Jennifer A. Macksey. 'Fortunately, one of our biggest concerns with the rink is being addressed. I couldn't be happier with our partnership with DCR. Commissioner Arrigo and DCR staff have provided much-needed assistance to make sure this sports and recreation resource remains available to the northern Berkshire community.' 'This latest investment marks another important step in fulfilling a vision that took root back in 2008, during my time as Mayor of North Adams,' said State Representative John Barrett III. 'The decision to keep this rink open was a deliberate one, recognizing its vital role in our community for people of all ages. Years later, as a member of the Legislature, it's deeply rewarding to see continued support for this facility from the Healey Administration and DCR. It's especially meaningful that this rink honors Peter Foote, a North Adams native and Vietnam War veteran whose service and sacrifice continue to inspire us. This investment helps preserve not just a recreational asset, but a living tribute to his legacy.' For more information on the Peter Foote Memorial Rink, visit WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Mass. DCR awards thousands of dollars in grants to expand and protect urban forests
BOSTON (WWLP) – The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) announced that in honor of Arbor Day, it has awarded over $150,000 in grants to organizations, including multiple in western Mass., to expand the urban tree canopy across the state. These grants were awarded to ten municipalities and nonprofits throughout the Commonwealth and will be used to create, expand, and protect urban forests. The DCR said this will positively impact the environment, public health, and energy efficiency of the communities affected by these grants. MassDEP penalizes Connecticut company for delayed reporting of oil spill 'As temperatures rise, we are empowering municipalities and nonprofits across Massachusetts to significantly expand our urban tree canopy,' said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. 'This funding gives communities the means to plant new trees, maintain existing ones, and create green spaces that benefit everyone.' Funding will be used for a wide array of programs and activities in the state, including tree planting and preservation, community engagement and education, and revitalizing community-based management plans of existing urban forests. The DCR said that a healthy tree canopy has been proven to strengthen resilience to extreme heat, storm-induced flooding, and other conditions related to climate change. It can improve air quality and continue to provide a lush and healthy habitat for local birds and other wildlife. 'DCR is committed to increasing the urban tree canopy across the state to promote climate resilience and make our communities healthier places to live and work,' said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. 'We are excited that on Arbor Day and during Earth Week, we can provide the Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Grants to communities across the state. This funding will enable these municipalities to improve the lives of residents by mitigating the effects of climate change.' The following towns and organizations received funding through the Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Grant: Town of Andover: $15,000 Town of Bernardston: $7,000 City of Brockton: $40,000 Town of Lexington: $25,000 Town of Longmeadow: $5,691 Town of Maynard Tree Committee: $13,750 Town of Sandwich Historic District Elm Preservation: $4,000 Town of Sandwich Tree Inventory Expansion: $21,500 WE Tree Boston: $11,000 Town of West Bridgewater: $8,000 WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
DCR offers free family events during April school vacation week
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – If you're looking for free activities to keep your children busy during spring vacation week, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has dozens to choose from. This year, DCR is offering 68 free safe, educational, and fun recreational opportunities at 13 state parks and watersheds. Activities include guided hikes, animal tracking, scavenger hunts and craft making. Springfield Museums is the perfect spot to spend school vacation week 'Our state parks serve as outdoor classrooms and getting outside during April school vacation week is a great way to teach kids about the natural world,' said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. 'We hope this year's fun and educational programs will inspire young and curious minds to explore our incredible natural resources. Our park interpreters are excited to welcome the next generation of environmental stewards to parks across Massachusetts for our free school vacation week programming.' Parking is free at parks offering programming. DCR will continue to provide regular programming, including self-guided hikes, and visitor centers will be open. Information about staff-led programs and self-guided activities can be found on DCR's website. Additionally, DCR is offering adaptive programming during April vacation week. 'School vacation week is a valuable time for families to reconnect, explore, and learn together outside the classroom,' said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. 'We're thrilled DCR is offering such a wide range of activities to help spark curiosity, build stronger bonds, and deepen our appreciation for the State Parks system.' Two events are being held in the western Mass. region: Buildwave: A hands-on building game! at Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls– Tuesday, April 22, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EGGS-ellent Nature Scavenger Hunt! at Mount Greylock State Reservation, 30 Rockwell Rd., Lanesborough– Sunday, April 20, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. As part of Earth Week, DCR will also be holding its 19th annual Park Serve Day on Saturday, April 26, where people can volunteer to help clean coastlines, clear trails, pick up litter, plant flowers, or take part in other projects at 40 state parks across the Commonwealth. To participate in a Park Serve Day event, register at Below is a list of Park Serve Day events in western Massachusetts: Mt. Greylock State Reservation: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Bellows Pipe Trail (South), Gould Road parking lot, Gould Road, Adams Tolland State Forest: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 410 Tolland Road, East Otis West Region Headquarters: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., 740 South Street, Pittsfield Connecticut River Greenway State Park: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 400 Damon Rd, Northampton Great Falls Discovery Center: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Yahoo
DCR offering free family events during February vacation week
BOSTON (WWLP) – If you're looking for free family-oriented events to keep the kids busy during February vacation week, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has some opportunities. DCR is offering 79 free programs at 20 state parks and watersheds including guided hikes, animal tracking, craft making, and maple sugaring. The agency is also waiving parking fees at parks offering programming. How to navigate last-minute Valentine's Day shopping and plans Additionally, DCR is extending public skating hours during the week at its agency-managed rinks from 10 a.m. until 2:50 p.m. daily. DCR will also continue to offer its regular programming, including self-guided hikes, and visitor centers will be open for people to enjoy exhibits 'School may be closed for the week, but we're continuing the learning in outdoor classrooms. Our February school break programming is a great way for us to teach kids about the natural world around them and help inspire the next generation of environmental stewards,' said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. 'We hope this slate of fun and educational programming brings some new and curious minds to our properties next week. Our team of park interpreters looks forward to meeting and welcoming students across the state.' For details about staff-led programs and self-guided activities, visit DCR's website. Below is a short list of some of the events. A full list of February vacation-free activities offered by DCR can be found using this link. WEST REGION: Live Birds of Prey at Holyoke Range State Park, 1500 West St., Amherst Saturday, February 15, 1 – 3 p.m. Get a close-up look at owls, hawks, and other birds of prey with Tom Ricardi, licensed rehabilitator and wildlife biologist. Learn about the work of the Massachusetts Birds of Prey Rehabilitation Center, which cares for these injured birds. Ages 7 and up. Meet at Notch Visitor Center. No dogs allowed. For more information, please contact 413-253-2883. Winter Wonderland Activity Day at Mount Greylock State Reservation, 30 Rockwell Rd., Lanesborough Sunday, February 16, 1 – 3 p.m. This program is for children and families of all ages and is a fun-packed day of winter activities, including crafts, scavenger hunts, board games, and sledding, weather permitting. This is designed as a self-guided program, but staff will be assisting with several of the program's activities. Children can bring their own sled if they'd like. Participants will meet at the visitor center; dogs are not allowed in the visitor center. For more information, please contact (413) 499-4262. Investigation Station: Amphibians and Reptiles in Winter Saturday, February 15 through Sunday, February 23, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA 01376 What are amphibians and reptiles up to during the winter? Join us at our investigation station by the Welcome Desk to find out. Explore through touchable artifacts and habitat diorama scavenger hunts. For ages 4 and up. For more information, please contact 413-863-3221. Building a Blizzard: Snowflakes in the Great Hall! Saturday, February 15, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA 01376 Get inspired by the story of Snowflake Bentley and his obsession with snowflakes. Join us in the Great Hall to make your own unique snowflake art during this drop-in program. Keep it simple making paper snowflakes or consider using gel printing techniques. For adults, teens, and children ages 6 and up who have mastered basic scissor skills. All art materials provided. Along the way we'll learn just what makes each snowflake unique. Families welcome! For more information, please contact 413-863-3221. Kidleidoscope: Winter Birds Friday, February 21, 10:30 am – 11:30 am Great Falls Discovery Center 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA 01376 For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Learn more about our wildlife neighbors in the Connecticut River Watershed. Program includes a story, activities, and crafts. Activities are indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. Siblings and friends welcome. For ages 4 and up. For more information, please contact 413-863-3221. Animal Tracking Week Tuesday, February 18 through Tuesday, February 22, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm Holyoke Heritage 221 Appleton St. Holyoke, MA 01040 Mud, wet sand, and winter snow records footprints from passing wildlife. Who made the tracks? What was the animal doing? A wildlife tracker could answer these questions. Expand your understanding of wildlife by building your tracking skills. Learn from self-guided stations all around the visitor center. Take the Master Tracker Challenge by successfully completing each station task to earn a tracking card to keep. Great for all ages. For more information, please contact 413-534-1723. StoryWalk®: Goodbye Winter-Hello Spring, by Kenard Pak Daily, Friday, February 14 through Sunday, February 23 Mount Holyoke Range State Park, 1500 West St, Amherst For families with children. Self-guided. Join a boy and his dog as they explore nature and take a stroll through the countryside, greeting all the signs of the coming season. In a series of conversations with everything from the melting brook to chirping birds, they say goodbye to winter and welcome the lushness of spring. Walk and follow the story on the Visitor Center grounds. For more information, please contact 413-253-2883. Tracks and Scat Monday, February 17, 10:00 am – 11:00 am Quabbin Reservoir, 100 Winsor Dam Road, Belchertown, MA Register here Although we may not see them often, our native wildlife is all around us. Come learn to recognize some signs of wildlife through a fun and informative indoor activity. Meet at the Les and Terry Campbell Quabbin Visitor Center in Belchertown. Great for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, contact 413-323-7221. CENTRAL REGION: Maple Sugaring Weekend, Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, 287 Oak St., Uxbridge February 22 and 23, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. It's that sweet time of year again! Join us for our annual Maple Sugaring Weekend. Guided tours will run for 60 to 90 minutes and will begin at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. Park staff and volunteers will take visitors through the art and science of producing maple syrup, including identifying maple trees, tapping trees, gathering sap, and watching syrup being made at the sugar house. Children's activities include a craft and a Junior Ranger activity. Preregistration is recommended. Otherwise, it's first come, first serve. Appropriate for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Preregistration recommended: Cabin Fever Ranger Hike at Wachusett Reservoir, Gate 8 Sawyer's Bluff at the intersection of Cross St. and Rte. 70, Boylston Saturday, February 15, 10 – 11:30 a.m. Get outside and join Watershed Rangers in exploring the winter woods to find signs of the wildlife in the watershed. The terrain on this family-friendly hike will range from easy to moderate, with some hills that provide rewarding views of the Wachusett Reservoir shoreline. The hike is 2.5 miles round trip. All ages welcome. Dogs are not allowed. We recommend dressing for the weather and bringing water and trekking poles, traction devices, or snowshoes depending on trail conditions, and your sense of adventure! For more information or to check status of hike, please reach out to Kathryn Parent at or call 617- 352-4044. SOUTH REGION: Camouflaging with Mud at Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, 131 Waquoit Highway, East Falmouth Thursday, February 20 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.: ages Preschool/K 1 – 2 p.m.: ages 6 and up Blending in with the sand and mud helps our estuary creatures avoid getting eaten. We will play a camouflage game, meet a spider crab (an expert in camouflage), and paint with mud. Dress for the weather. Meet at the Visitor Center. All children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, contact 508-457-0495. Mask Maker, Mask Maker, Make Me a Mask! at Fall River Heritage State Park, 100 Davol St., Fall River Saturday, February 15 and February 22, 12 – 3 p.m. Get ready to celebrate Mardi Gras/Carnival or just fight the winter blues and make your very own colorful mask. We'll be making two styles of masks. On February 15, create your own African culture-inspired masks. On February 22, we will make Native American-inspired masks with the Pocasset Wampanoags. All materials will be provided. Meet in the Visitor Center. Drop in anytime from 12 to 3 p.m. Great for all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult. NORTH REGION: New England Ice Harvesting at Walden Pond State Reservation, 915 Walden St., Concord Sunday, February 23, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Join historian and expert ice harvester Dennis Picard as he discusses the history of ice harvesting at Walden Pond and shows off the antique tools of the trade, including those used during Thoreau's stay. Co-sponsored by Friends of Walden Pond. Great for all ages! Dress for the weather and wear sturdy hiking boots. Meet at the Thoreau House Replica. For more information, please contact 978-405-2082. February School Vacation = 'Stay'cation! at Halibut Point State Park, 4 Gott Ave., Rockport Saturday, February 15 through Sunday, February 23, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. A 'Quarry Quest—Treasure Hunt!' Participants follow clues and then unscramble to find a treasure box. Families will explore trails while learning about the history of Babson Farm Granite Quarry. All ages. Meet at the Visitor Center. No dogs allowed. For more information, please contact 978-546-2997. BOSTON REGION: Dream Street StoryWalk® at Roxbury Heritage State Park, 183 Roxbury St., Boston Saturday, February 15 – Tuesday, February 25, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Visit Dream Street, where everyone is special, and children believe their dreams will come true! This magical story celebrates the Roxbury neighborhood where the author and her cousin, award-winning illustrator Ekua Holmes, grew up. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Story Walk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson. This StoryWalk® is provided by Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Interpretive Services. Ice Skating Party at Steriti Rink, 561 Commercial St., Boston Friday, February 21, 12 – 4 p.m. Join DCR and Boston Harbor Now as part of the Highland Street Foundation's Winter Camp for a day of ice skating at the Steriti Memorial Skating Rink in Boston's North End neighborhood. Choose from sessions lasting 45 minutes each, starting at 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Rental skates will be provided for free! Skate and dance along with music by DJ WhySham, enjoy Regina Pizzeria, Munchkin Donut Holes, and drinks when not on the rink. Don't forget to bring a water bottle! Pre-registration is highly encouraged for groups of 10 or more or if you have a time constraint, but there will be capacity for walk-ups during all skating sessions. Ice Skating Party at Steriti Memorial Rink! at Highland Street Winter Camp Tickets, Fri, Feb 21, 2025 at 12:00 PM | Eventbrite WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
