Sharing an appreciation of nature through birding, geology, astronomy, plants and more in the North Quabbin area.

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Latest News from the Blog

Athol Bird and Nature Club Turns 60

Athol Bird and Nature Club Turns 60

It seems hard for many of us to believe our club has been around for 60 years. Founder Bob Coyle would be proud to see the organization he created as a Junior High School Science Club has evolved and is now the premier natural history organization in the North...

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Athol Bird and Nature Club Turns 60!

Athol Bird and Nature Club Turns 60!

Our Club was established in 1963 as a Junior High school science club under the direction and mentorship of Robert B. Coyle. Bob retired from teaching in 1988 and the club has continued to evolve into a community resource with more than 250 memberships representing a...

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Upcoming ABNC Events

May 2025

Friday May 2

7:00 am – 11:00 am
Early Bird Birding with Jeff
Recurs weekly

Join Jeff Johnstone here at the Center (100 Main Street Athol) beforeheading out to explore the North Quabbin area for spring migrant birds. Theseare great events for the novice birder to learn from one of our best fieldnaturalists. Come for as long as your schedule allows. Severe weather cancels.Info: Jeff Johnstone, 978-249-9052

Thursday May 8

6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Views From a Woodlot

The film is the creation of Chris Hardee of High Cairn Films.

Formore information on the film, visit the High Cairns Films, Views from a Woodlotwebpage, https://www.highcairnfilms.com/views-from-a-woodlot

 

Here’swhat people in the field have said about the film:

 

“Thisfilm opens your eyes to different practices and ways to do forestry. It’s agreat tool for small woodlot owners and family foresters. Inspiring!”

DavidBrynn – Vermont Forester & Executive Director, Vermont Family Forests

 

“I wouldhope that viewers would leave the theater asking the question: Why isn’tsomething that seems so sensible more widespread?”

MitchLansky – Maine Author of ‘Low-Impact Forestry: Forestry as if the Future Mattered’

 

‘[Thefilm does] a superb job of capturing [Bruce Spencer], his woodlot, and hisimportant approach and philosophy towards managing forests.’

DavidFoster – Massachusetts’ Author & Emeritus Director Harvard Forest 

Friday May 9

7:00 am – 11:00 am
Early Bird Birding with Jeff
Recurs weekly

Join Jeff Johnstone here at the Center (100 Main Street Athol) beforeheading out to explore the North Quabbin area for spring migrant birds. Theseare great events for the novice birder to learn from one of our best fieldnaturalists. Come for as long as your schedule allows. Severe weather cancels.Info: Jeff Johnstone, 978-249-9052

 

About ABNC

ABNC is an active group of people sharing an appreciation of nature’s many forms. We have birders, geologists, star watchers, and plant enthusiasts — a full spectrum of interests. If you have an interest in nature, whether a beginner or experienced observer, we welcome you.

Join us at our meetings, field trips, and institutes where you will find a friendly reception and people with similar interests. There are a lot of exciting programs scheduled for the months ahead — check our event schedule, or come by for a visit!

The Millers River
Environmental Center

The Athol Bird & Nature Club maintains the Millers River Environmental Center, which is now wheelchair accessible!

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Email Newsletter

Join our newsletter to receive updates on activities and events from groups like:

  • Athol Bird and Nature Club
  • Millers River Watershed Council
  • Millers River Greenway
  • Massachusetts Butterfly Club

You should expect to receive about one email per week.

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