Walking Rivers is a day to show the world that rivers are cool. Join us on Saturday, May 16th at 9am for approximately 3 miles of walking along a headwater tributary of the Fort River in North Amherst and Shutesbury. At each stop, we will highlight concerns about the river in those locations. Free and open to all ages. Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
This walk is organized by the Fort River Watershed Association in collaboration with The Connecticut River Conservancy and Kestrel Land Trust. Wear a blue shirt and join us for a walk that matters!
- REGISTER NOW for the Fort River Walking Rivers event!
- Date: Saturday, May 16th 2026
- Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
- Location: North Amherst (We will meet at 42 Cushman Rd, Amherst, MA 01002)
- The Route: We will begin at Atkins Reservoir along Cushman Road and walk along Dean Brook to Sand Hill Road. From there, volunteers will shuttle participants back to their cars at Cushman Road. We may also visit Amethyst Farm to observe differences in water quality across the watershed. Below is an image of the Dean Brook area we will be exploring.
2025 Walking Rivers Recap
On May 17, 2025 FoRWA led approximately 30 walkers along a lower reach of the Fort River where it meanders back and forth through a broad floodplain. Silver maples towered over abandoned river channel meanders, today filled with vernal pools and amphibian eggs. We also toured the former Hickory Ridge Golf Course, conserved by the Town of Amherst in 2019. We observed how this parcel of land is reverting to nature.
2024 Event Recap
On May 11, 2024 Fort River Watershed Association hosted a river walk along with thousands of other walkers worldwide in 21 countries. A dozen walkers joined us on Saturday, May 11th for approximately 5-7 km of walking along several legs that follow the river on conservation and accessible public lands. One walker said,
This was so wonderful! I never knew about this place! Please do more of them – maybe monthly?
We visited the headwater stream Holland Glen Recreation Area in Belchertown, then we went to Groff Park in Amherst to walk the Emily Dickinson Trail and talk about public access and education, the Hickory Ridge river restoration project, Environmental Justice, and public river access.
