Short Strolls Through Time and Space in Western Massachusetts

A big round white rock at the entrance of the Geology Path.

        Some special places in the Greenfield area allow for very unique strolls through time and space. While at Greenfield Community College last week I discovered their Geology Path, part of an outdoor learning lab on the grounds, right outside the Covid testing area. On this accessible path of perhaps 200 feet, you can leap back 500 million years or so. At the Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls, you can take an indoor stroll that covers 410 miles.

Side view of the Geology Path shows a gentle slope.

        The Geology Path has several  presentations of large rocks alongside it on its stonedust  surface for easy interaction and study. At the far end, up a gentle slope, there is a pamphlet available. I found it intriguing to walk by the rocks first, then return reading the pamphlet for the information provided. I missed a lot of key differences among the rocks going through without the pamphlet, so was really impressed with what I was able to learn there.

Armored mud balls within a rock surface.

        The rocks have been relocated from our local area for this powerfully educational trail experience. Richard D. Little, GCC's Geology Professor Emeritus, has been a remarkable educator for many years and dug deeply into our local earth history. We have some truly amazing geology to celebrate in western Massachusetts, from the marble of the Berkshires to rare armored mud balls found right in the Greenfield area. 

        Mud and sediment that becomes stone has been lithified. Harder chunks of mud fell from river banks into the water eons ago and rolled in the current into ball shapes than settled and became lithified over time. If, as they rolled, they picked up small stones, they became armored. The samples along the Geology Path are especially unique because they are from quarried blocks that can be displayed.

Sedimentary rock showing water ripples and insect trails.

        Who knew some rocks on display could be so mysterious and widen your perspective well beyond our immediate challenges? The forces that create rock and the delicate details of life long ago preserved within them remind us of the magnitude of our planet. I found this especially helpful in relation to our current struggles of today. All around us are reminders - in the rock - of our planet's natural ability to transform - if you know how to recognize it.

        When you enter the main lobby of the Great Falls Discovery Center, you'll find a table top map of the Connecticut River watershed, which gives an overview of the area around the 410 mile river. Enter into the exhibit area and travel from the mouth of the river on the Long Island sound to the spruce forests of the Canadian border area of New Hampshire where the river begins.

A large fish views you from underwater below the display railing.

        This abbreviated journey is accomplished by visiting beautiful habitat dioramas that show you the sights and sounds of several natural environments along the big river, starting with an ocean beach and salt marsh. I love the way the realistically painted walls blend into the physical diorama with constructed landscapes and wildlife mounts. A display railing guides you along and separates you from the creative displays while providing opportunities to interact. It's a great place to enjoy on a rainy day!      

Habitats on both sides of your route through the exhibit.

        Further along you can view the power canal, see dinosaur fossil footprints, and learn more from traveling exhibits in the Great Hall. The fossil footprints make nice icing on the cake of the Geology Path if you do both experiences. The Discovery Center is open Tuesday - Sunday and also holiday Mondays. Admission is free! The 3 mile Canalside Rail Trail starts right outside the doors of the Great Falls Discovery Center and is well used by people with disabilities.

DCR (Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation) advocates for people to be mindful of the pandemic situation and follow current safe practices outlined by the CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

A woman walks with a cane near the Great Falls Discovery Center.