The Naturalists’ Club Stump Sprouts Weekend is a gathering of friends, some of whom have never met before, who enjoy being out in nature. The weekend begins with dinner on Friday evening and extends through lunch on Sunday. It includes 2 nights lodging. Meals are prepared by the participants in coordination with the event coordinators.

Over the course of the weekend there are 3 day sessions and 2 night sessions. The day sessions feature a variety of field trips/hikes led by experienced leaders, and at night I often lead an astronomy/stargazing session, clouds permitting. The day trips offer opportunities to visit local natural and historic sites in the company of fellow enthusiasts.

You can also use the lodge as a base and go out on your own trips. Many great natural areas are accessible within a short drive including

• Hawley State Forest
• Hawley Bog
• Chesterfield gorge
• Windsor Jambs
• Mohawk State Forest
• The Mohawk Trail

The lodge offers magnificent views to the east and south. It is a perfect setting for walking, nature study, and photography. You may choose to just sit and enjoy the view and the light passing on the mountains. There is some early fall color, but the weather is really more late summer with sometimes warm temperatures.

Guests provide their own bedding, towels, and toiletries, and bathrooms are shared. Rooms are double or triple occupancy and you can request roommate preference.

Here is a gallery of photographs provided by Mary Anne O’Connor, one of several photo enthusiasts who regularly attend this event. Thanks to her you can see some examples of people enjoying the weekend. Click on a picture to start a slide show. Use the arrows on-screen or on your keyboard to advance. Click outside a picture to exit. For photographs of the nature and scenery, look at my gallery.

Contact me for dates and information on how to register.