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Bike Party to holiday lights in Florence Pulaski Park Northampton, Ma240 Main StNorthampton, MA01060 Map Join the Bike Party this coming Thurs @ 6pm. We're rolling up to Florence village and Look Park to enjoy their holiday lights & decorations. Dress warmly, light up your bike and check back here for updates on December's Bike Party. Florence Civic & Business Assc. In appreciation of Bay State Bike Month, FNT will collaborate with the David Ruggles Center to offer a guided bike tour of the notable homesteads and landmarks of the mid-19th century Utopian community experiment in Florence, MA. Pulaski Park, NorthamptonNorthampton, MA Map Calling all cyclists in the Valley — join the Friends of Northampton Trails and other bicyclists for a Bike Party (aka Critical Mass) ride! [Webinar] Trails For Everyone: Creating and Using Accessible Soft Surface Trails As part of the events surrounding National Trails Day (June 4), FNT and Unpaved Trails For All are co-sponsoring a webinar on Thursday, June 2. 4th Annual Great Tree Bike Tour Downtown Northampton / Northampton MassNorthampton, MA01060 Map Take a self-guided tour through the neighborhoods of Northampton. Each stop will feature an audio description of the story and unique nature of these 11 champion trees. Bike Party (aka Critical Mass) Ride Pulaski Park, NorthamptonNorthampton, MA Map Calling all cyclists in the Valley — join the Friends of Northampton Trails and other bicyclists for a Critical Mass Ride! On the rail-trail near Vets Field on West Street Celebrate Bike Month with us as we splash color and creativity on a blank mural space alongside the rail-trail. Throughout the week, bicyclists, skaters, and others are encouraged to add to the wall with colored markers and street chalk (provided) to celebrate one of the best trails in the country! Bikes For All Participants: Bike Repair Clinic Hampshire Regional YMCA286 Prospect StNorthampton, MA01060 Map As part of Hampshire County YMCA's annual Healthy Kids Day, FNT’s Bikes for All volunteer mechanics will provide free, basic repairs to participants’ bicycles. "It's My Rail Trail" Annual Spring Cleanup Party! karen@fntrails.org Come out and help spruce up the local bike paths with the Friends of Northampton Trails and your neighbors! Join us this fall to celebrate a successful 2021 and give us your feedback on what projects you'd like to see us tackle next.
Tom Goldscheider, a member of the Ruggles Center General Committee, will be our tour guide.
The bike tour will begin at 9:30am on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at the Florence Civic Center. The tour will be approximately 4 miles and a total of 90 minutes. Parking is available alongside the rail trail behind Miss Florence Diner and at the Florence Bank.
Please register for the event through our BikeReg link. Entry fee is $20, with a $5 sliding scale option. All proceeds will be donated to support the work of the Ruggles Center.
We will reach out to registered participants by email with specific instructions during the week prior to the event.
Check out this overview of the Utopian community in Florence to learn more:
davidrugglescenter.org/northampton-association-education-industry/?fbclid=IwAR3d8qOzIbqgWUj9JB93J...
Register at bikereg.com/utopian-bike-tour-2022
Learn more about FNT at fntrails.org
Critical Mass Rides are a form of direct action wherein cyclists gather on a main road to "occupy" the space and get drivers' attention.
These rides are intended to highlight one of the many alternatives to driving and bring attention to the need for improved bicycle infrastructure and safety. We ride to support the planet, promote alternative transportation, build community, and remind drivers that these are our streets too! Bring your friends and family!
Meet us at Pulaski Park at 6pm, every 3rd Thursday of the month this summer and fall (July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20, and November 17).
This free webinar is intended to spread awareness around accessible recreation trails and give some insight into these trails from project creation to the final user experience.
•Jeff Bagg, Easthampton City Planner, and Peter Flinker, President of Dodson & Flinker Landscape Architecture and Planning, will give a presentation and take questions about their current project, Mt. Tom North, which is Easthampton’s newest accessible trail and is scheduled to be completed this summer.
•Karen Foster, Executive Director of All Out Adventures will talk about the organization’s adaptive recreation programs, and give some tips about making outdoor programming more accessible.
•Meg Bandarra, a Director on FNT’s Board as well as the founder of Unpaved Trails For All and Amy Sugihara, an accessible trails advocate will speak about the trail user experience, barrier identification, and ways to make existing trails more accessible.
This webinar is both for people who want to build accessible recreation trails, and those who want to use and enjoy them, but anyone who’s interested in learning more about unpaved accessible trails and adaptive recreation activities is welcome to attend.
Registration is required, and can be found at us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kfu6vrTssHdOGJ11XbyS0ESrvCePqX_tZ
CREDITS & HISTORY:
The 2019 Great Tree Bicycle Tour grew out of a 2018 summer project by Smith College Botanical Garden Intern Madeleine Lombard who worked with both Smith College and the City of Northampton to highlight exceptional tree specimens in downtown Northampton and integrate them into Smith's existing campus-wide "TreeSpeak" program.
TreeSpeak allows passersby to learn about a given specimen tree by scanning with their smartphone a QR label on the tree and access an audio file that teaches about that tree.
In Fall 2019, two local non-profit organizations, Tree Northampton (TN) and Friends of the Northampton Trails (FNT), teamed up to expand the “Tree Speak” in Northampton and promote extraordinary trees--as well as biking--by co-sponsoring a city-wide “Great Tree Bicycle Tour”. Many talented TN and FNT volunteers, in coordination with Smith College and the Northampton Department of Public Works, researched and recorded more audio files, and created an interactive map and signage for biking the tour. Over 150 bicyclists joined the tour which highlighted three “state champion” trees as well as trees that have deep historic importance to Northampton.
In 2020, as part of Bay State Bike Month, FNT revised the brochure and made it freely available online.
PARTICIPATION IS CLOSED FOR THE 2022 SEASON. CHECK BACK NEXT YEAR FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Critical Mass Rides are a form of advocacy wherein cyclists gather on a main road to get drivers' attention.
These rides are intended to highlight one of the many alternatives to driving and bring attention to the need for improved bicycle infrastructure and safety. We ride to support the planet, promote alternative transportation, build community, and remind drivers that these are our streets too! Bring your friends and family!
Meet us at Pulaski Park on Thursday, May 19 at 6pm.
This year’s location is on the rail-trail near Vets Field on West Street in Northampton MA.
Learn more about Healthy Kids Day here: www.hrymca.org/2022/03/31/join-our-healthy-kids-day-30th-anniversary-celebration/
FNT will provide sturdy plastic bags. Please bring your own work gloves.
To volunteer, contact Karen at karen@fntrails.org for more details.
Thanks to our partners:
Ward 3 Neighborhood Association
Leeds Civic Association
Enlite Cannabis
Tree Northampton
Thanks to our sponsors:
Northampton Kiwanis Club
Budget Dumpster
An announcement with the full meeting agenda and the venue of the Annual Meeting (Zoom or in-person) will be sent by email in early November. Please SAVE THE DATE if you plan on joining us on November 16th.
Thank you for your support, and we can't wait to see you all!
P.S. Visit the sidebar on our website fntrails.org to sign up for our email list.
FNT’s Highlights Through the Years…
4th Annual Great Tree Bicycle Tour | May 2022
Participation for this year’s Great Tree Bike Tour is closed. Please check back next year for more information.
Each year, the Friends of Northampton Trails (FNT) along with Tree Northampton (TN) invite you to join us on a self-guided tour through the neighborhoods of Northampton while experiencing 11 champion trees. Each stop features an audio description of the story and unique nature of these 11 champion trees, accessible by QR code.
CREDITS & HISTORY
The 2019 Great Tree Bicycle Tour grew out of a 2018 summer project by Smith College Botanical Garden Intern Madeleine Lombard who worked with both Smith College and the City of Northampton to highlight exceptional tree specimens in downtown Northampton and integrate them into Smith’s existing campus-wide “TreeSpeak” program.
TreeSpeak allows passersby to learn about a given specimen tree by scanning with their smartphone a QR label on the tree and access an audio file that teaches about that tree.
In Fall 2019, two local non-profit organizations, FNT and TN teamed up to expand the “Tree Speak” in Northampton and promote extraordinary trees–as well as biking–by co-sponsoring a city-wide “Great Tree Bicycle Tour”. Many talented TN and FNT volunteers, in coordination with Smith College and the Northampton Department of Public Works, researched and recorded more audio files, and created an interactive map and signage for biking the tour. Over 150 bicyclists joined the tour which highlighted three “state champion” trees as well as trees that have deep historic importance to Northampton.
In 2020, as part of Bay State Bike Month, FNT revised the brochure and made it freely available online.
“It’s My Rail Trail” Spring Cleanup Party | April 2022
More than 90 volunteers helped clean up 8 sections of the rail trail network this year. Certainly, the largest two-hour volunteer effort in the city in the past 10 years. We filled a 20-yard dumpster with more than 1.5 tons of litter. Special thanks to Budget Dumpster which provided that container at no cost to us.
None of this could have happened without our co-sponsor, the Northampton Kiwanis Club and our partners from Leeds Civic, enlite cannabis, Ward 3 Neighborhood Association, and Tree Northampton.
The “captains” of each section also deserve a shout-out: Tom Annese, Mollie Hartford, Becky Shannon, Steve McDonough, Tom Bassett,Parker Hawkins, Freeman Stein and Karen Beyel.
The Friends of Northampton Trails couldn’t ask for more dedicated volunteers, always at the ready to get their hands dirty while jostling and joking with their neighbors and new friends.
See you on the trails!
Annual Meeting | November 2021
On Nov. 16 2021, FNT celebrated 16 years of supporting Northampton’s stellar trail system. This year’s annual meeting highlighted our accomplishments (and challenges) this year, featured remarks from local VIPs, and provided a glimpse of FNT’s goals and projects for the coming year.
Video link:
Jeanette Sadik Khan on bike lanes: https://youtu.be/E85HMNJix_o
Featured:
George Kohout, FNT President
FNT Board of Directors
Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz
Northampton Mayor-Elect Gina Louise-Sciarra
MA Representative Lindsay Sabadosa
Annual Meeting | November 2020
On Nov. 18, 2020, FNT celebrated 15 years of supporting Northampton’s stellar trail system. This year’s annual meeting highlighted our accomplishments (and challenges) this year, featured remarks from local VIPs, and provided a glimpse of FNT’s goals and projects for the coming year.
Video links:
REI “Pedal Through” https://youtu.be/uom8RGtCqWY
Vox on Bike Lanes: https://youtu.be/E85HMNJix_o
Featured: George Kohout, FNT President FNT Board of Directors Northampton Mayor Narkewicz Senator Jo Comerford Representative Lindsay Sabadosa
In addition, Wayne Feiden of the city’s Office of Planning and Sustainability presented on Trails and Transportation at the meeting:
1st Annual Art Wall | September 2020
FNT celebrated Bike Week by splashing color and creativity on a blank mural space alongside the rail-trail in Florence. Throughout the month, bicyclists, walkers, roller bladers, skaters, and others were encouraged to add to the wall with colored markers and street chalk to celebrate one of the best trails in the country!
Bikes for All | Summer 2020
Annual Meeting | November 2019
We hosted a light dinner followed by presentations on the status of local and regional trail development efforts, including the Mass Central to Boston, the Canal Trail to New Haven, and the Mill River Greenway to Williamsburg. The night was filled with meeting FNT directors, making new connections in the trail community, and discussing new trail initiatives.
Artist Rochelle Shicoff’s Mural Dedication Ceremony | November 2019
In early October, more than 30 volunteers assisted local artist, Rochelle Shicoff, in installing a large mural on the rail-trail behind the Smith College stables.
Thank you to the Northampton Arts Council and the Art Angels for sponsoring this project.
This afternoon, The Friends of Northampton Trails hosted a small celebration with refreshments to thank Shelly May and our volunteers for their hard work. A few words were said by Northampton Mayor Narkewicz, FNT President George Kohout, event coordinator Karen Beyel, and artist Shelly May Shicoff herself.
Thank you all for coming, and we hope to see you all at FNT’s Annual Meeting next Tuesday, November 19th!
In early October, more than 30 volunteers assisted local artist, Rochelle Shicoff, in installing a large mural on the rail-trail behind the Smith College stables.
Thank you to the Northampton Arts Council and the Art Angels for sponsoring this project.
This afternoon, The Friends of Northampton Trails hosted a small celebration with refreshments to thank Shelly May and our volunteers for their hard work. A few words were said by Northampton Mayor Narkewicz, FNT President George Kohout, event coordinator Karen Beyel, and artist Shelly May Shicoff herself.
Come check out the finished product on the rail-trail E’ton leg between Vets Field and Earl St.
Volunteers working on the mural in late October. 
Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz speaking at the mural dedication ceremony. 
Finished Mural
Rocky Hill Ribbon Cutting Ceremony | November 2019
On Tuesday, November 5, 30 Northampton residents and city and local officials joined FNT for snacks and photos to welcome the new multi-use Rocky Hill Trail to the Florence community.
The trail is a new addition to the Burt’s Bog Greenway conservation area, on the corner of Brookwood Drive and Stone Ridge Drive. It provides students of the Brookwood and Florence Road neighborhood a safe route to walk or bike to the RK Finn Ryan Rd School. This spur will eventually connect to the existing Northampton Rail Trail network and the New Haven and Northampton Canal Line Trail.
1st Annual Great Tree Bicycle Tour | October 2019
In October, FNT collaborated with another local organization, Tree Northampton, to offer the Great Tree Bicycle Tour. The Tour was an 8-mile, self-guided, community bike tour of Northampton’s most extraordinary trees.
The tour builded upon the “TreeSpeak” model of the Smith College Botanic Garden. Each tree had an associated QR code that took the participant to an audio recording about that particular tree. Recordings included fascinating history, botanical facts, and some broader lessons about tree threats and care.
The tour began at Pulaski Park and ended at Maine’s Field in Florence with lunch from a Local Burger food truck, music and family-friendly activities.
We look forward to making this an annual tradition!
Image courtesy of Tree Northampton 
Image courtesy of Tree Northampton 
Image courtesy of Tree Northampton 
Florence Beautification Project | September 2019
Senior Center Activities | June & July 2019
Author Talk | May 2019
Bike Rodeo | May 2019
Tweed Ride
Bike Week & Trail Neighbor Award | May 2019
