The backpacks will have informational and educational materials, a safety kit and other items to make hiking enjoyable.
DALTON, Mass. — Berkshire Family Hikes' "Uncommon Paths" program will allow hikers to borrow a backpack full of beginner hiking material from the Dalton Free Public Library starting May 20.
Library patrons can take out two curated backpacks filled with essential hiking supplies. Each backpack contains all the necessary gear for a safe and enjoyable outdoor adventure, including field guides, hiking tips, a first aid kit, and more.
Library cardholders can borrow a backpack at no cost; hikers can rent the bag for one week, which is non-renewable.
This initiative aims to promote outdoor exploration and community engagement in partnership with the library and the town's Open Space and Recreation Committee.
Berkshire Family Hikes will celebrate the program's launch with a kickoff hike event at the Pines Community Forest on Friday, May 17, at 1:30 p.m.
Participants will have the chance to experience the beauty of nature alongside fellow outdoor enthusiasts and see the backpacks in action. In the event of inclement weather, the rain date is set for Saturday, May 18, at 10 a.m.
This program is partly supported by a grant from the Dalton Cultural Council, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. In November, the Cultural Council approved the initiative for a $648 grant.
"We are thrilled to introduce the Uncommon Paths backpack program to the Dalton community. This initiative not only encourages individuals and families to connect with nature but also helps to boost the borrower's confidence in getting outdoors," Taylor Staubach, Founder of Berkshire Family Hikes, said.
"We are deeply grateful for the support of the Dalton Cultural Council, as well as our partners at the Dalton Public Library and the Dalton Open Space and Recreation Committee, in making this program a reality."
Berkshire Family Hikes is a local organization dedicated to promoting outdoor exploration, education, and stewardship in the Berkshires through guided hikes, educational programs, and community initiatives.
They strive to connect individuals and families with the natural world while fostering a sense of adventure and environmental responsibility.
The "Uncommon Paths" backpack program aligns with their mission to provide accessible outdoor experiences that promote physical activity, mental well-being, and
More information about the Uncommon Paths backpack program and to stay updated on upcoming events here.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
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Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.
This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.
The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.
DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.
"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths.
"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."
Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.
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