DCR's Free Family Programming in Western Massachusetts for February School Vacation Week

04:00PM / Saturday, February 15, 2025Print Story | Email Story

HOLYOKE, Mass. — The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is excited to announce its lineup of free, family-friendly programs in Western Massachusetts for the upcoming February school vacation week.

Running from Saturday, Feb. 15, through Sunday, Feb. 25, families can enjoy 79 engaging programs at 20 state parks and watersheds in the western region. Activities include guided hikes, bird watching, animal tracking, crafting, and maple sugaring, all designed to encourage kids to get outdoors and experience the natural beauty of the state’s parks.

In addition to the special programs, DCR is waiving parking fees at participating parks throughout the region. Public skating hours at agency-managed rinks will be extended from 10 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. daily. The regular offerings, including self-guided hikes and visitor center exhibits, will also be available. For a complete list of staff-led and self-guided activities, visit DCR’s website.

Highlights of Western Massachusetts Programming Include:

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, a licensed rehabilitator and wildlife biologist. Learn about the Massachusetts Birds of Prey Rehabilitation Center, which cares for injured birds. This event is suitable for ages 7 and up. Meet at Notch Visitor Center. No dogs allowed. For more information, call 413-253-2883.

Winter Wonderland Activity Day at Mount Greylock State Reservation, 30 Rockwell Rd., Lanesborough
Sunday, February 16, 1 – 3 p.m.
This fun-filled program offers winter activities for families of all ages, including crafts, scavenger hunts, board games, and sledding (weather permitting). While the program is primarily self-guided, staff will be available to assist with activities. Children can bring their own sleds. Meet at the visitor center. Dogs are not allowed inside the visitor center. For more information, call 413-499-4262.

For a complete list of all programming available across Western Massachusetts during the February school vacation week, visit DCR’s website. Participants are encouraged to share their photos on social media with the hashtag #MassDCR.

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Pittsfield: No E-Bikes on Sidewalk

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:33AM / Wednesday, October 28, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The city will place signage downtown to remind people that e-bikes are not allowed on the sidewalk.

On Monday, the Ordinances and Rules subcommittee heard an update about e-bike enforcement in response to a petition from Councilor at Large Kathy Amuso and Ward 3 Councilor Matthew Wrinn.

Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities Ricardo Morales confirmed that under Massachusetts law, it is illegal for any motorized bicycle, regardless of the class, to ride on the sidewalk.

"So, at this point, we will start installing some signage in the North Street area," he reported.

"Doing so for the whole city is going to be very cumbersome, and we're not going to be doing that, but I think there's something to be done in terms of education and outreach and enforcement citywide for that."

Pittsfield has begun to develop what that signage will look like in the downtown corridor. Amuso has received many complaints about the North Street and Elm Street areas; Morales said they could work to locate some key spots on Elm Street for signage.

"I know it's a citywide problem, but I think if we start on North Street and work our way out and come up with a plan, that would be good," she said.

The councilors petitioned to increase enforcement of bicycle and e-bike use on Pittsfield streets, install signage in high-traffic areas, and launch an educational program for kids.

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