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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Police Seeking Suspect in Fatal Hit-and-Run

08:50PM / Wednesday, February 11, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police are searching for a suspect in a fatal hit-and-run on Tuesday.

The victim, whose identity has not been released, was found nearly four miles away from where he was reportedly struck.

The initial report was that someone was in the road, possibly struck by a motor vehicle, at the intersection of Linden Street and Francis Avenue at about 11:33 p.m.

According to the report filed by Sgt. David Hallas, officers were unable to locate either a victim or a vehicle at the intersection. They spoke with witnesses and canvassed the area.

They were found him in the road in the 1350 block of West Housatonic Street near the Best Western hotel.

The victim was deceased.

The investigation is pointing to the victim being struck the Linden Street intersection and then trapped under the vehicle and dragged "to a final resting place" on West Housatonic.

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