What we're about

Our trips page lists a variety of events, including hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, camping, skiing, and many other outdoor-related activities club members are leading. Chiltern events are open to members and non-members alike, and activities range anywhere from an easy garden walk to a strenuous backpacking trip in the White Mountains.  We welcome people of all abilities and backgrounds, so there's no need to feel intimidated if you're new to an activity.

Chiltern is an all-volunteer group that strives to create a relaxed environment for people to experience the outdoors together and bond as a community.
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The purpose of this group is to create a safe space where queer folks can get outside, make friends, and have fun exploring what beautiful New England has to offer! If you identify as queer, gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, questioning, or anything in between, please join us!

People of all skill levels are encouraged to join. We encourage all members to plan their own hikes, overnight trips, and other fun events and suggest them to the group. Please feel free to ask me if you need any help in planning or posting an event of your own.

You must read the trail descriptions and pass requirements thoroughly, understanding that they may not be complete. Please bring a little cash for a daily stamp for your car if need be. Please also bring enough water, snacks and warm clothing for yourself.

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Chiltern Mountain Club (CMC) was founded in 1978 by Sturgis Haskins.  At the time he lived in Boston.  He posted an ad in a local paper asking follow gay men and lesbians to join him for a hike up Mt. Wachusett in central Massachusetts.  Since then, the club grew into New England's largest and only gay and lesbian outdoor recreation club.

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How to pay your dues.
From your profile unique to this group in the left column, you can click on the "$25.00/year" link below the "Member Dues" to securely pay your dues online. You should have received an email from Meetup with instructions.

Alternatively, you can mail a check to PO Box 461, Danielson, CT 06239. We can manually update your dues expiration on Meetup once we receive payment. Please be aware that if we do not receive your check in time, Meetup may automatically remove you from the group for nonpayment. Simply rejoin and we will update you expiration manually.

Upcoming events (2)

Save the date! Spring Activities Day

Halibut Point State Park

Details to be posted later

1
Wild Edibles Walk w/Russ Cohen by North County Land Trust (third party RSVP)

Limited capacity - please register here.

North Worcester County is home to over 75 species of edible wild plants. Many of these species are more nutritious and/or flavorful than their cultivated counterparts. These include native species like Black Raspberry and Hazelnut; non-native weeds like Amaranth and Purslane; and exotic invasive species like Dame’s Rocket and Autumn Olive. The region is also home to dozens of species of edible wild mushrooms.

Join Russ Cohen, wild edibles enthusiast for a walk focusing on species that can be found right here in our back yards. Keys to the identification of reach species will be provided, along with info on edible portion(s), season(s) of availability and preparation methods, as well as guidelines for safe and environmentally-responsible foraging. Russ will also include a few details regarding some native edible plants he has grown successfully from seed.

Please wear weather appropriate clothing and footwear, we will walk through North County Land Trust’s Longview Conservation Area and MA Fish and Wildlife Ashby WMA to identify wild edibles all around us.

Please register at https://northcountylandtrust.org/events/wild-edibles-walk-at-longview-conservation-area/?fbclid=IwAR1ZwdfJeydM5nIUM--BXAygCVWgFUQDW41G0pkQaspwnfbtQsgGImzhq6U as space is limited.

Past events (45)

Easy Hike Around Horn Pond

Needs a location