Blog - Berkshire Natural Resources Council

24 Sep 2018

Mariah Calendar, Landkeeper Notes Permalink

Stockbridge Land Trust Annual Meeting

Mariah September 24, 2018

Dear Friends of Stockbridge,

The colors of autumn highlight the natural beauty of Stockbridge. And much of that beauty is a product of conservation restrictions obtained by the Stockbridge Land Trust. You can learn more about these properties by visiting the Land Trust’s website – www.stockbridgelandtrust.org.

Since its founding in 1987, the Land Trust’s fifteen-member board of directors has worked to preserve Stockbridge’s open spaces, forests, farmlands, wetlands, waterways, and other natural resources.

We invite you to learn more about the work of the Land Trust at its annual meeting on Saturday, September 29^th, at 10 a.m. The meeting will take place at one of the Land Trust’s most prized properties, the Chestnut Preserve on Route 7, south of the town center. There is ample parking at the site and there will be light refreshments.

TAKE THE HIGH ROAD – that is the main topic at this year’s meeting. Our speaker will be Jenny Hansell, president of Berkshire Natural Resources Council. The mission of BNRC is the same as that of the Land Trust but its geographic scope is broader: the whole of the Berkshires. Jenny’s presentation will focus primarily upon BNRC’s ambitious program to create a “High Road” – a hiking path that will traverse Berkshire County.

The Land Trust could not carry out its mission without financial support from the Stockbridge community. The enclosed envelope provides an opportunity for you to support the Peter Berle Fund, created in memory of a former past president of the Land Trust who was also president of the National Audubon Society. The Berle Fund is the Land Trust’s environmental “war chest” — enabling the Land Trust to help preserve land when an unexpected opportunity arises with a short window to act.

If you prefer, you can contribute to the Land Trust by credit card or PayPal – which can be effectuated on our website – www.stockbridgelandtrust.org. Those who contribute $100 or more will receive a packet of five note cards which feature the winning photographs in the Land Trust’s annual photo contest. A sampling of these photos can be found on the Land Trust’s website.

Thank you for your support of our efforts to preserve the natural resources of Stockbridge.

Sincerely,

John Hyson

President

21 Sep 2018

Mariah Landkeeper Notes, Properties Permalink

Parsons Marsh Accessible Trail Opening a success thanks to you!

Mariah September 21, 2018

Photo Credit: Gabrielle K. Murphy

On Saturday, September 15, 2018 more than 200 visitors of all ages came to preview Berkshire Natural Resources Council’s new accessible trail at Parsons Marsh in Lenox. The 1,800 foot accessible trail and boardwalk gives visitors an intimate experience through a meadow, forested wetland and an exquisite marsh—a habitat that would otherwise be very difficult to access.

Photo Credit: Gabrielle K. Murphy

To kick off the event, renowned Berkshire birder Ed Neumuth led a bird walk for early visitors. He reported “a female Scarlet Tanager, Wood Duck, great looks at a male Hairy Woodpecker and from the platform shortly after the walk, at least 2 kettles of migrating Broad-winged Hawks numbering well over a hundred birds!”

Photo Credit: Gabrielle K. Murphy

BNRC president Jenny Hansell gave welcoming remarks, acknowledging the outpouring of support that led to the conservation of 183 acres in the Undermountain Valley. Ken Fowler, Chairman of the Lenox Selectboard, and BNRC board member Pat Callahan joined forces to cut the grapevine ribbon with golden loppers to commemorate the opening of the trail. Visitors were then encouraged to check out the trail and enjoy the delightful music of The Russet Trio.

Due to delays caused by extreme summer weather, trail construction is not quite complete and the Parsons Marsh reserve will be closed for another week or so while construction is going on. Please be patient as the professional trail construction crew, Peter S. Jensen & Associates, works their magic on the site. We will announce when the trail is fully open, most likely right at the beginning of October.

Please call BNRC at 413-499-0596 or email frontdesk@bnrc.org with any questions!

Be sure to check our list of upcoming hikes and events for four upcoming guided Parsons Marsh experiences.

Photo Credit: Gabrielle K. Murphy

Photo Credit: Gabrielle K. Murphy

Photo Credit: Gabrielle K. Murphy

05 Sep 2018

Mariah e-News Permalink

2018 September Enews: Parsons Marsh trail opening is right around the corner!

Mariah September 5, 2018

In this issue:

Parsons Marsh Accessible Trail Opening • Take in the View • Summer Fun Day, Heritage Hikes and More! • October Save-the-Dates • Volunteer Couple Extraordinaire • 2018 Berkshire Bioblitz • Taconic Hiking Club

A Darner dragonfly seen at Basin Pond in Lee.

Photo Credit: Gabrielle K. Murphy

JOIN US to celebrate the opening of the new accessible trail at

Parsons Marsh in Lenox.

Music, Kid’s Activities, Hikes and Walks, Cider Press, and Cider Donuts

Saturday, September 15th (9:00 am – Noon)

_____________________________________________

Event Schedule

9:00 a.m. Bird Walk
10:00 a.m. Music, Kid’s Crafts
10:30 a.m. Ribbon Cutting
10:45 a.m. Music, Cider Press, Kid’s Activities, Walk the Trail

_____________________________________________

Parking: Stonover Farm’s Event Parking Lot, across from 169 Undermountain Road, Lenox, MA 01240. Carpooling and walking encouraged!

Free event! All are welcome!

This is a cooperative trail project between Berkshire Natural Resources Council, the Town of Lenox through its Community Preservation Fund, and the Massachusetts Recreational Trails Program, also supported by the Lenox Land Trust.

Congdon Bench at Hollow Fields

By John Keenum, President of Richmond Land Trust

If you need a break after the first steep pitch on the path leading to Perry’s Peak at Hollow Fields in Richmond, there is now a bench, sited to give a panoramic view across the valley to Yokun Ridge. The bench was donated in memory of Stephen Congdon by his children and placed there by the Richmond Land Trust. In talking about fond memories of her father, Eleanor Congdon mentioned family hikes to the summit of Perry’s Peak, and the idea of a bench to encourage hikers to stop for a moment to appreciate the beauty of the site emerged as an appropriate memorial.

The location of the bench provides a destination for those who are not planning to go to the summit. It is just below the point where the trail splits, giving hikers the option of going into the woods or continuing through the fields. You can rest on your way up and decide on which path to follow or stop on your way down for a final breather before your descent to the parking lot.

September Hikes and Events

For hike and event details/difficulty/directions, click on the name of the hike, visit www.bnrc.org/upcoming-hikes, or email Mariah at mauman@bnrc.org.

Steadman Pond Summer Fun Day
Friday, September 7, 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Jump into the weekend with BNRC at Steadman Pond!

Housatonic Heritage Hike on the Old Mill Trail, Hinsdale
Saturday, September 8, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join a pleasant walk with Dennis Regan, from the Housatonic Valley Association, along the Housatonic River on the Old Mill Trail, which follows the remnants of an early mill operation that once powered a thriving woolen mill.

Parsons Marsh Trail Opening
Saturday, September 15, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
JOIN US to celebrate the opening of the new accessible trail at Parsons Marsh in Lenox.
Music, Kid’s Activities, Hikes and Walks, Cider Press, Cider Donuts

Housatonic Heritage Hike at Basin Pond, Lee
Saturday, September 22, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Stroll through the northern hardwood forest and learn about the unique history of this conservation land.

Housatonic Heritage Hike at Clam River, Sandisfield
Sunday, September 23, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Hike past old farm ruins, through dark hemlock forests, and see beautiful views of the Clam River from high along its banks.

Save the Date – October Hikes and Events

Parsons Marsh Tree Walk, Lenox
Sunday, October 7, 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Hoosac Range Fall Foliage Hike, North Adams
Friday, October 19, 3:00 pm – 6:30 pm

Forest Forensics Hike at the Boulders, Pittsfield/Dalton
Sunday, October 28, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm

Volunteer Highlight: Jon and Jackie

Have you visited Basin Pond or Bob’s Way? The trails are well blazed and well kept thanks to Jon and Jackie Elliott. They began volunteering with BNRC in 2005. When asked about a favorite property they replied, "We started as trail stewards at Bob’s Way and Basin Pond so those two have sentimental standing with us… but we think Clam River is great now, too." Jon recalls fighting through micro-bursts and heavy winter downfalls. "Nothing beats working hard on a section and then looking back when you’re all done and seeing the results. I always picture someone hiking along and seeing the work that was done."

Giving back has always been a big theme for this power couple. "We tried to raise our sons in that tradition, too," said Jon. "When they skied cross-country in high school I began volunteering at Notchview where so many races were held. I felt it was important to give back to a place that provided so much enjoyment for us. That got me started and I began focusing on properties closer to home with BNRC after that. I had always respected BNRC since the days of George Wislocki, and it was an honor to support them in a hands-on way."

If you encounter these two on the trail, you’ll certainly leave with a smile! Their love for the natural world and ethic of stewardship toward the land emanates to everyone they come across.

Jon and Jackie, thank you for your continued support in keeping the trails open for all!

2018 Berkshire Bioblitz

A Conservation Themed Weekend in the Berkshires

After joining us for the Parsons Marsh Trail Opening, head north to the Berkshire Bioblitz!

Where: Hopkins Memorial Forest at Williams College

When: Saturday through Sunday September 15-16 from 12 noon on Saturday to 12 noon on Sunday

This year’s event co-sponsored by Dr. Augie’s Science Education Programs and Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT).

What is a Bioblitz? The BioBlitz is an opportunity for biologists, naturalists and environmentalists to work in collaboration with the general public to gather in a specific area in a 24-hour period to complete a formal survey of all living species. This provides information about the biodiversity of the area, and the importance of a healthy, active ecosystem in their own community.

Click here for more information.

Save the Club Campaign

By Karen Ross

If you love the outdoors and access to recreational opportunities along the Taconic Range, please consider joining the Taconic Hiking Club. If you’ve ever hiked through the Pittsfield State Forest, over Berlin Mountain, to the Snow Hole in Petersburg or along some of the Shaker Trails above Lebanon Mountain, you’ve seen the bright blue triangles that mark the Taconic Crest Trail.

This Club has been in existence since 1932 and has a strong legacy of trail advocacy at the state and local level, of maintaining 37 miles of the Taconic Crest Trail and 5 of its access trails, of protecting and securing parking and trail access, and of offering seasonal outings all year long. It runs a well-attended and supported biennial End-to-End hike over 29 miles of the trail from Berry Pond to Vermont. Over the years the Club has provided social opportunities and has published two series of professional-level maps of the trail. Members have volunteered hundreds of hours of trail clearing, blazing, and marking and have turned out in force to keep the trail motor-free and free of irresponsible logging.

The Club is facing a crisis with not enough volunteers to carry on the work of the organization.

The Club needs new members. It needs to grow to be viable and continue the good work it does. By joining you help solidify the membership base and give recognition to the Club’s mission and purpose.

Here is the link to the Taconic Hiking Club: http://taconichikingclub.org/

Please join. We now have a member who has stepped forward with this Challenge: if we can get 20 new members he will offer to manage the 2020 End-To-End hike! Dues are minimal at $10.00. No activity is required, but you might want to order that map and check out the trail on some beautiful fall day.

A few spots remain! Massachusetts Youth Trail Summit is right around the corner! Be sure to register as seats are limited! Registration ends on August 31st! SPREAD THE WORD!

BNRC’s trails, guided hikes and properties are free and open to the public,
thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

Please be a supporter. Click HERE.

Donations to BNRC, a 501(c)(3) organization, are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

__________________________________________

If you go on your own, be sure to print or download a map from BNRC’s full property list.

Wrap up your summer right with a visit to Steadman Pond.

Photo Credit: Gabrielle K. Murphy

To find out more about BNRC, go to www.bnrc.org
and visit us on and (@berkshirelandkeepers).

15 Aug 2018

Mariah Volunteer Permalink

The Old Mill Trail Volunteer Workday, Hinsdale

Mariah August 15, 2018

Help to maintain and support native plants on this beautiful trail!

Saturday, October 27^th 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Join BNRC and HVA at this work party for the Old Mill Trail. We’ll be raking the trail, installing ramps on two of the bridges to improve accessibility, removing invasive plants and transporting gravel to raise the trail surface in some sections. Gloves, tools and lunch will be provided. Please bring water and wear sturdy shoes.

Directions: From the center of Dalton: take Route 8 south to the Hinsdale line. From the town line, continue 4/10 miles to a left on Old Dalton Road. The trailhead parking is the first, immediate left.

Please RSVP to Mariah at mauman@bnrc.org or 413-499-0596.

15 Aug 2018

Mariah Volunteer Permalink

Hoosac Range Volunteer Workday, North Adams

Mariah August 15, 2018

Help to update the trail blazes.

Friday, October 5^th 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Photo Credit: Gabrielle K Murphy

Join BNRC’s Stewardship Staff to update trail blazes on this popular and historic trail! BNRC will provide all supplies including gloves.

Please wear sturdy shoes, clothes that you don’t mind getting paint on and bring water and lunch.

Directions:

From North Adams: Take Route 2 east. Past the hairpin, on the top of the hill, the parking and trailhead will be on your right.

From Pittsfield: Take Route 8 North, at the Cumberland Farms in North Adams, take a right onto 8A. Then take a right, heading east on Route 2. The trailhead parking is on the right at the top of the hill, immediately after the Wigwam Cabins.

Please RSVP to Mariah at mauman@bnrc.org or 413-499-0596.

15 Aug 2018

Mariah Volunteer Permalink

Olivia’s Overlook at Yokun Ridge South Volunteer Workday, Stockbridge/Richmond

Mariah August 15, 2018

Help to clear the waterbars on the Burbank Trail and Old Baldhead Road.

Tuesday, September 18^th 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Photo Credit: Gabrielle K Murphy

Improve trail water drainage by clearing and re-shaping waterbars for rain runoff. Please wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and bring water. BNRC will provide all tools and gloves.

Directions:

From the center of Lenox (Routes 7A and 183): Take Route 183 west for 1.5 miles, passing Tanglewood. When Route 183 curves left, bear right onto Richmond Mountain Road (sign says to Rt. 41/Richmond). Drive 1.5 miles and the parking lot will be on your left.

From Pittsfield (intersection of Route 7 (South Street) and Route 20 (West Housatonic Street): Take Rt. 20 west 0.8 miles. Make a left onto Barker Road and drive 6.6 miles. Make a left onto Lenox Road and drive 1.8 miles to Olivia’s Overlook, on the right.

From West Stockbridge at the intersection of Route 102 and Swamp Road (across from Shaker Dam Coffee House & Stanmeyer Gallery): Head north on Swamp Road and make an immediate right onto Lenox Road. At 2.0 miles, turn right and continue another 0.1 mile to Olivia’s Overlook on the right.

Please RSVP to Mariah at mauman@bnrc.org or 413-499-0596.

15 Aug 2018

Mariah Volunteer Permalink

Parsons Marsh Trail Opening Event, Lenox

Mariah August 15, 2018

Photo Credit: Gabrielle K Murhpy

Looking for volunteers to fill short shifts and help with parking, kid’s activities, tabling, crowd welcoming and clean-up.

Saturday, September 15^th 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Directions: Stonover Farm’s Event Parking Area, across from 169 Undermountain Rd, Lenox, MA 01240.

Please RSVP to Mariah at mauman@bnrc.org or 413-499-0596.

15 Aug 2018

Mariah Volunteer Permalink

Alford Springs Volunteer Workday, Alford

Mariah August 15, 2018

Help to re-blaze the Mother Loop and Connector Trail.

Thursday, September 6^th 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Photo Credit: Gabrielle K Murhpy

Together we can update the trail blazing on the trails at Alford Springs. BNRC will provide all supplies including gloves.

Please wear sturdy shoes, clothes that you don’t mind getting paint on and bring water and lunch.

Directions:

From Great Barrington: Take Taconic Avenue, which becomes Alford Road. Drive past Simon’s Rock to a left on Seekonk Road; follow Seekonk Road (becomes Green River Road) for 3.6 miles. Turn right on to Mountain Road (if you come to the New York State line, you’ve gone too far). Follow Mountain Road for 0.8 miles, bearing left at the first “Y” and left again at the sharp right turn at 0.8 miles. Alternatively continue right to reach a second, three-season parking lot further down the street.

From Pittsfield: Take Route 20 West and turn left onto Route 41 heading south. Drive to Great Barrington and turn right onto Division Street which becomes Seekonk Road. Follow Seekonk Road which becomes Green River Road, turning right on Mountain Road (if you cross the NY state border you have gone a little too far. Follow Mountain Road for 0.8 miles, bearing left at the first “Y” and left again at the sharp right turn at 0.8 miles. Alternatively continue right to reach a second, three-season parking lot further down the street.

Please RSVP to Mariah at mauman@bnrc.org or 413-499-0596.

15 Aug 2018

Mariah Volunteer Permalink

The Boulders Volunteer Workday, Pittsfield/Dalton

Mariah August 15, 2018

Put the finishing touches on the first leg of the new access trail!

Saturday, August 25^th 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Photo Credit: Gabrielle K Murphy

Join us in putting the finishing touches on the first section of the new access trail at The Boulders Reserve. We’ll be trimming roots, applying soil, blazing and leafing-in the trail.

Please wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and bring water. BNRC will provide all tools and gloves.

Directions: To the trailhead parking area on Gulf Road, Dalton: take routes 8/9 east from the center of Pittsfield. Take a left onto Park Avenue, passing Craneville School. Take a left onto Gulf Road. Park at the pull-off on the left, opposite the parking for the Appalachian Trail.

Please RSVP to Mariah at mauman@bnrc.org or 413-499-0596.

This trail is a partnership with the Berkshire Chapter of the New England Mountain Bike Association.

06 Aug 2018

Mariah e-News Permalink

2018 August Enews: A New Trail Coming to the Berkshires!

Mariah August 6, 2018

In this issue:

Parsons Marsh Trail Opening • Throw Some Shade • Full Moon, Heritage Hikes and More! • September Save-the-Dates • Hand-me-downs • A Volunteer for 25 Years

A young volunteer removing garlic mustard on the Old Mill Trail.

Photo Credit: Elodie Reed

You keep the trails open for all ages to enjoy. DONATE HERE

JOIN US to celebrate the opening of the new accessible trail

at Parsons Marsh in Lenox.

Music, Kid’s Activities, Hikes and Walks, Cider Press, and Cider Donuts

Saturday, September 15th (9:00 a.m – Noon)

_____________________________________________

Event Schedule

9:00 a.m. Bird Walk
10:00 a.m. Music, Kid’s Crafts
10:30 a.m. Ribbon Cutting
10:45 a.m. Music, Cider Press, Kid’s Activities, Walk the Trail

_____________________________________________

Parking: Stonover Farm’s Event Parking Lot, across from 169 Undermountain Rd, Lenox, MA 01240. Carpooling and walking encouraged!

Free event! All are welcome!

Throw Some Shade

Some trees thrive in sunlight, others need deep shade. BNRC land stewards help each tree find its place in the forest, with your help.

Have you ever noticed that some trees grow very quickly, and others take many decades to mature? Or that trees near disturbances and forest edges behave very differently than those in deep undisturbed areas? What’s the best way to ensure the health of a wide range of tree species, to support habitat for wildlife?

Click here to read more.

Hemlock forest.

Photo Credit: Dylan Cipkowski

August Hikes and Events

For hike and event details/difficulty/directions, click on the name of the hike, visit www.bnrc.org/upcoming-hikes, or email Mariah at mauman@bnrc.org.

Basin Pond Hike, Lee
Wednesday, August 8, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Stroll through the northern hardwood forest and enjoy lunch at the platform overlooking the pond.

Stevens Glen Hike, West Stockbridge/Richmond
Friday, August 17, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Explore one of the most dramatic ravines in the Berkshires and learn about the Library in the Wilderness Program.

Full Moon Hike at Hollow Fields, Richmond
Sunday, August 26, 7:45 pm – 9:15 pm
Explore the open fields under the full moon!

Save the Date – Upcoming Hikes and Events

Steadman Pond Summer Fun Day
Friday, September 7, 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Parsons Marsh Trail Opening
Saturday, September 15, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Housatonic Heritage Hike at Basin Pond, Lee
Saturday, September 22, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Housatonic Heritage Hike at Clam River, Sandisfield
Sunday, September 23, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm

Doing some summer clean-out?

BNRC looking for a weedwacker and refrigerator

Our weedwacker has cut its last blade of grass and we’re welcoming the donation of one string weedwacker to help maintain our trails and parking areas. If you’re looking to upgrade but your old weedwacker still has some life in it, please contact BNRC Land and Trails Coordinator, Mike Leavitt at mleavitt@bnrc.org.

BNRC’s office has a small kitchen. We’d love to upgrade our dorm fridge to a full size. If you have a functioning full-size refrigerator, please contact frontdesk@bnrc.org. A smaller unit would be the best fit.

Thank you!

Volunteer Highlight: Ginny Akabane, 25 years with BNRC

She initiated her relationship with BNRC 25 years ago doing title searches for properties being acquired. Ginny Akabane, having been involved with BNRC for half the time it’s been around, has done it all – from mailings to organizing the volunteer monitoring of hemlock woolly adelgid.

Her favorite property “has to be Mahanna Cobble. While I was helping to clear the vista before George Wislocki’s bench was installed, a bald eagle landed in one of the dead trees. That tree had to remain in case the eagle ever comes back!…”

Click here to keep reading.

BNRC’s trails, guided hikes and properties are free and open to the public,
thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

Please be a supporter. Click HERE.

Donations to BNRC, a 501(c)(3) organization, are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

__________________________________________

If you go on your own, be sure to print or download a map from BNRC’s full property list.

The clearing on the father loop at Alford Springs is filled with blackberries this time of year!

Photo Credit: Gabrielle K. Murphy

To find out more about BNRC, go to www.bnrc.org
and visit us on and .

Landkeeper's Blog

Stockbridge Land Trust Annual Meeting

Parsons Marsh Accessible Trail Opening a success thanks to you!

2018 September Enews: Parsons Marsh trail opening is right around the corner!

The Old Mill Trail Volunteer Workday, Hinsdale

Hoosac Range Volunteer Workday, North Adams

Olivia’s Overlook at Yokun Ridge South Volunteer Workday, Stockbridge/Richmond

Parsons Marsh Trail Opening Event, Lenox

Alford Springs Volunteer Workday, Alford

The Boulders Volunteer Workday, Pittsfield/Dalton

2018 August Enews: A New Trail Coming to the Berkshires!

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