Critter Walk - Western Massachusetts
June 13, 2026 — 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm ET
Rain Date: June 14, 2026
Last day to register: June 11, 2026
Are frog and toad your friends? Do you want to look under logs to see if the salamanders are home? Do you wonder about the lives of the red efts you see while hiking? Would you help a turtle cross the road? Is your response to snakes more, “Neat!” Than, “Eek!”? If you find reptiles and amphibians fascinating, come herping with us! It’s like birding, but for our crawling friends! Join volunteer Amy as guest expert Rachel Keeffe, PhD helps us find these wonderful animals and teaches us about their lives!
This event will be slow paced with frequent stops to look for, watch or examine the reptiles and amphibians we find. While we may walk up to 1.75 miles we will prioritize finding creatures over reaching a certain destination. We always walk to the pace for the slowest person. All experience levels are welcome but if you have an allergy or phobias to any of these animals it may be best to pick a different event. We will be walking on forest paths that may require stepping over rocks and roots. There are no bathrooms at this trailhead.
About our expert: Dr. Rachel Keeffe’s lifelong love of reptiles and amphibians inspired her to explore biology research opportunities during her undergraduate studies at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. These research experiences ignited her desire to pursue a PhD in Zoology at the University of Florida, where she studied the evolutionary morphology and biomechanics of frogs. Dr. Keeffe continued her academic training as a postdoctoral research fellow at Mount Holyoke College, where she studied patterns of coevolution in snake genitalia. Throughout her career, Dr. Keeffe has developed a teaching style focused on hands-on learning experiences, collaborative learning environments, and using art as a means to understand scientific concepts.
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We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them. If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we’ll collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated at this event.
GENERAL INFO
Location: Sunderland, MA area (Nipmuc and Pocumtuc lands)
Parking: Dirt parking lot with room for several cars.
Pets: While we love pets, we ask that furry friends who are not service animals stay at home for this adventure. Tell them we said hi!
Hike: Up to 1.75 miles, 100 feet elevation gain
Meet: June 13, 2026
Cost: This event is completely free to access! We welcome donations of any amount, which help us continue to provide these programs. We appreciate your support and your contribution!
Bring: Water (at least a liter!), some walking shoes or boots with good tread that won’t slip off your feet, and binoculars or a camera if you have them! Please apply bug spray before arriving but wash your hands prior to the event.
COVID SAFETY
Masks are not required during this event, however they are welcomed if wearing one allows you to better engage with the group. PLEASE be mindful of your own and group safety. If you or anyone in your household are not feeling well, do not participate in an event.
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Information for our land acknowledgment was gathered from nativeland.ca, which provides an estimate of original indigenous land occupation, but does not take into account migratory patterns or movement of the many surrounding communities. We recognize the historical complexity of indigenous movement across the land, and honor with gratitude the many, many surviving native nations whose land we benefit from in our work to diversify the outdoors.