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Berkshire Natural Resources Council Earns National Recognition

I’m writing with news I’m so excited and proud to share with you. You may have noticed a new seal on recent BNRC communications, or on the website, showing that BNRC is accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.

What does that mean?

Accreditation demonstrates BNRC’s extraordinary commitment to excellence and trustworthiness, a dedication to sound finances, ethical conduct, and responsible governance.

And most importantly, it shows the Commission’s confidence that lands conserved by BNRC throughout the Berkshires will be protected forever.

It’s important to note that dedication to land conservation is also:

  • dedication to the wildlife that roam, make their homes, and raise their families throughout local wildlife corridors;
  • dedication to improving climate resilience in the region;
  • dedication to farmers who bet their lives on Berkshire farms and who provide food for our community;
  • and dedication to ensuring that everybody has access to green spaces, for free, forever.

You might be thinking, “BNRC was already doing these things.”

And you’d be right.

But accreditation is not just about BNRC, and not just about the Berkshires. It’s also about the bigger picture.

The United States currently has over 450 accredited land trusts, representing over 20 million acres of stewarded land.

That’s the equivalent of Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island combined!

I know that each of these land trusts went through the same rigorous program that BNRC went through to receive accreditation status.

They have also each demonstrated a commitment to permanent land conservation, professional excellence, and maintaining the public’s trust in their work.

When I think about this growing group of devoted land trusts and the incredible conservation work that we are accomplishing across the country, I feel hopeful.

Together, we—BNRC donors, volunteers, board, staff, and community partners—ensure a better and greener space for ourselves and the next generations. And we join this community of resilient organizations, equipped to meet challenges and continue these important efforts in the long-term.

BNRC’s accreditation would not be possible without committed donors, dedicated volunteers, community partners, and a hard-working staff and board.

Thank you for all that you do! Congratulations on your national accreditation!

All the best,

Jenny Hansell
President

 

Your Spring Newsyletter

Your Spring Newsyletter

The other day, a pair of foxes ran through the back yard at BNRC HQ.

The staff meeting stopped short, and we all leapt out of our seats to watch these beautiful creatures sniff and explore, their tails impossibly fluffy, their coats dark and full.

It was a wonderful sight.

I hope we never lose our sense of wonder. Days at the BNRC office may be filled with appraisals and legal contracts, policies and planning. But we never forget why we’re here.

Still, sometimes it’s really fun, and really interesting, to get down into the weeds. The WHY is always the most important thing. But the HOW can be pretty fascinating.

Right now, BNRC staff conservation experts are building a geospatial model. I want to explain to you how incredibly cool it is.

A geospatial model is a high-tech mapping system, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). We’ve used GIS for decades—it’s how we create the maps that show the various features of the parcels or landscapes we’re protecting and stewarding. But now we’re taking it to the next level.

BNRC can do this because of donors—folks like you—who make all things BNRC possible.

DONATE

Many organizations—the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, The Nature Conservancy, and dozens of others—have gathered highly detailed data that can be added to a basic parcel map in layers.

GIS data not only enables us to view satellite imagery—similar to Google maps—but also provides more detailed data to inform us about conservation values like forest habitat types, stream and wetland locations, and important farmland soils.

As we get deeper into developing the BNRC strategic conservation plan, this model will enable us to ask complicated questions, and get answers that will help guide donor-funded conservation efforts.

Questions like:

  • What parcels or landscapes are most important to protect, to mitigate the impact of increasingly powerful storms?
  • How many parcels can be conserved within walking distance of urban areas?
  • Where are the most highly endangered and sensitive plant and animal species? What are the greatest threats to them?
  • Which landscapes are doing the most to sequester carbon and how can we best manage them to promote climate resilience?
  • As part of a much larger landscape that stretches from the Appalachians to Maine, what’s most important to know about where our efforts fit in?

And many others.

Not all the data we might like to analyze exists yet—data on farmland is limited.

That’s where BNRC staff and BNRC donors work in tandem . . .

DONATE

Together, we can contribute to new layers through BNRC’s own work and research—research done by the only land trust that works across all of the Berkshires, and only the Berkshires.

All this work will be open source. So we are participating in a giant community of researchers and conservationists to use science, data, and technology for good (yes, that’s still a thing).

Having this data will help in one of the more common conversations we have, with people who are understandably worried that we’re going to conserve “too much” land and leave too little on the tax rolls, or available for economic development.

This geospatial tool helps target and focus, so we know which land is most important. That leads to a deeper understanding of which land is best left available for housing and other community needs.

By the way, about those foxes I saw:

A day or two after they ran through our yard, a wildlife rehabilitator I follow on Facebook posted a fascinating article about foxes. Right now, it’s denning season—between the end of March and early April, a mother fox will give birth to 4-5 kits.

They often choose den sites close to people, away from predators like coyotes. So, you might see foxes under your porch, shed, or garage.

The kits won’t leave the den at all until they’re about a month old, and by the end of the summer they’ll leave the den for good.

If you see the parents around, they’re probably hunting to feed the babies. No need to move or relocate them—they won’t harm your pets. Just enjoy them from afar and appreciate the wonders of nature!

One more thing:

I try to get up from my desk and get myself out talking to people about BNRC as often as I can—to listen to people’s ideas and concerns about the Berkshires, the land, and the work that we all do together through BNRC. (I welcome your questions and comments, always!)

Recently, I have heard a few questions over and over again, and, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that if a few people are asking the same question, a lot of people are thinking it.

Some people have asked me if all BNRC cares about these days is trail building, recreation and access. Has BNRC given up on land conservation?

Others have wondered whether we’re still working on The High Road, or if BNRC is just trying to conserve as many acres as it can.

(In other words, some have the exact opposite perception of what’s going on with BNRC!)

Still others question why BNRC works so hard to promote access to its trails, when they’re already free.

The answer to the first two questions is that both conservation and trails continue to be BNRC’s highest priorities. With help from that geospatial model I described, we’ll be able to strategically pinpoint the most important lands to conserve, and speed up efforts.

It will also help guide where trails should go, and where they should not. A tremendous amount of trail planning is underway right now, much of it focused on the next 5-10 years of The High Road. I’m really looking forward to sharing it with you over the next few months.

As those plans develop, and before creating any new trail networks, we’ll be able to review the model for sensitive habitats. In fact, trails are key to helping keep humans away from sensitive habitat.

And what about the third question, “Why do we need to promote access?

Have you ever heard the phrase “If you know, you know”? A corollary is that “If you know, you might not realize that some people don’t know.” It is important to BNRC that everyone has an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, so we want to make sure everyone knows that these trails and lands are here for them, for free.

BNRC donors and volunteers make this possible.

DONATE

BNRC staff engaged in conversations with partner organizations (like Latinas413, Unpaved Trails for All, Berkshire Family Hikes, the Berkshire Immigrant Center, Berkshire Language Management, DEI Outdoors, and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation) to understand the needs for sharing information on how to get outside easily and safely.

With these partners and others, and with the help of donors, BNRC created two print and digital resources: “Everybody Can Hike / ¡Todos Pueden realizar Una Caminata!,” and “Berkshire County Trails for All / Condado De Berkshire Senderos Para Todos.” Check out the English language versions using the codes at the bottom of this letter!

Because of its partners, community members, and you, BNRC makes progress every day on conserving the Berkshire outdoors, protecting wildlife, supporting local farmers, and enhancing climate resilience in our landscape.

BNRC is donor funded, so please consider a donation to make all of the above happen, and more.

And if you’ve got questions or ideas, let’s connect! (Or just send photos of the wildlife you’re seeing in your backyard or around the Berkshires.)

DONATE

Yours truly,


Jenny Hansell
President

P.S.  Want to see more of the land, wildlife, farms, and outdoor access that BNRC donors protect every day? Check out Everyone Can Hike and Berkshire County Trails for All using the QR codes below. BNRC donors make all this possible. You can be a part of the BNRC donor team at bnrc.org/donate. There are many ways to give. Please look for the one that’s perfect for you!

Job Posting: Land Steward

Berkshire Natural Resources Council
March 2023

LandSteward.pdf

Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) is a nonprofit conservation organization in western Massachusetts that cares for the ancestral homelands of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans, who were forcibly displaced from the region by European colonization. As a land trust, BNRC conserves land, protects wildlife and habitat, preserves local farms, and provides free access to the Berkshire outdoors for everyone, at over 55 nature reserves across the region. Since 1967, BNRC has helped conserve more than 100,000 acres of forest, fields, wetlands, and farmlands, and now holds over 23,000 acres of land and conservation restrictions and manages over 60 miles of trails.

Berkshire Natural Resources Council (El Consejo de Recursos Naturales de Berkshire) es una organización sin ánimo de lucro que conserva el terreno, protege la vida silvestre y el hábitat, preserva las granjas locales y contribuye a mantener los exteriores de Berkshire libres y accesibles para todos. El BNRC está contratando personal. Aunque el trabajo que se describe a continuación se inicia completamente o casi completamente en inglés, el BNRC agradece el interés de los candidatos bilingües que puedan ayudar a la organización a ser más inclusiva en su trabajo.

Description

BNRC is seeking a full-time Land Steward to join its Stewardship team. This position will assist with the management of BNRC’s fee-owned reserves with improved public access, and support all other aspects of the stewardship department. The Land Steward will serve as a crew leader for a seasonal crew during the summer months. This position will report to the Property Manager, and will work closely with all members of the stewardship team.

Specific responsibilities include:

  • General property maintenance and land management including:
    • Grass trail and field mowing
    • Clearing trails of fallen trees
    • Installation of signs, kiosks, etc.
    • Identifying issues on trails and recording them online
    • Other trail maintenance tasks
  • Serves as crew leader for seasonal crew
    • Monitors BNRC’s fee-owned properties for misuse
    • Boundary marking and maintenance
    • Makes sure crew has tools and equipment they need
    • Maintains a high standard of quality
    • Provides motivation and support to crew members
  • Assists Trail Crew with trail construction as needed.
  • Assists with volunteer workdays and public outreach events as needed.
  • Workshop, tool, and equipment maintenance.

Qualifications

The successful candidate may not have all these qualifications so if you have some, and/or
demonstrably related experience, please go ahead and apply.

  • Ability and willingness to obtain chainsaw certification (BNRC will provide training)
  • Ability to work alone in natural areas, on and off trail.
  • Comfortable hiking long distances with heavy loads;
  • Experience operating or willingness to learn to operate power equipment like chainsaw, brush saw, walk-behind mowers, tractor and other power tools;
  • Willingness to work outside year-round, in all weather conditions;
  • Ability to work collegially and effectively with colleagues, landowners, contractors, and volunteers;
  • A valid driver’s license and ability to travel extensively throughout Berkshire County.

BNRC is an equal opportunity employer.

BNRC does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identification and expression, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, being a member of the Reserves or National Guard, status as disabled or Vietnam Era veteran or status in any group protected against discrimination by federal, state, or local law.

We welcome applications from BIPOC, LGBTQ+, women, and veterans. BNRC is actively engaged in ensuring its properties are welcoming to all, and in increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of its work.

Though the job described above will begin entirely or almost entirely in English, BNRC welcomes interest from bilingual candidates who can support the organization in being more inclusive in its work.

Compensation: $18.25 – $20.50 Depending on experience.

Benefits Include:

  • Medical and dental coverage
  • 24 days PTO (vacation/sick/personal) and 13 paid holidays
  • Flexible hours and hybrid remote/office work
  • 401(k) and employer match
  • Travel reimbursement
  • A great team of coworkers in a welcoming office setting in Lenox, Massachusetts

Start date: Position available now; resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis, starting on March 13th, until the position is filled.

To apply: Email your resume and cover letter to jobs@bnrc.org with “Land Steward” in the
subject line.

Please note: this position requires up-to-date Covid vaccination.

Naturalista sin Complicaciones: Señales de la Primavera (caminata autoguiada) en Parsons Marsh, Lenox

El sábado 1 de abril hasta el domingo 30 de abril

Explore las hermosas vistas y sonidos de Parsons Marsh en la plenitud de la primavera en esta caminata autoguiada para toda la familia. Las señales le guiarán a lo largo del sendero accesible de 1/3 de milla, que serpentea a través de praderas y humedales, incitándole a observar su entorno desde la perspectiva de un naturalista. Aprenderá sobre las delicadas flores silvestres, los fascinantes polinizadores, los vibrantes anfibios y los cantos de los musicales pájaros que hacen de esta época del año algo muy especial.

 

INDICACIONES:

170 Under Mountain Road

Desde Lenox: del centro de Lenox, diríjase al sur por Main St. Gire a la derecha en la primera calle transversal hacia MA-183 S/West St y continúe durante 1,4 millas. Gire a la derecha en Under Mountain Rd. El inicio del sendero estará a 0,9 millas por la carretera a la derecha

 

The Easy Naturalist: Signs of Spring (Self-Guided Walk), Parsons Marsh, Lenox

Saturday, April 1 – Sunday, April 30

Explore the beautiful sights and sounds of Parsons Marsh in the height of Spring on this family-friendly self-guided walk. Signs will guide you along the 1/3-mile accessible trail, winding through meadows and wetlands, prompting you to look at your surroundings from a naturalist’s perspective. You will learn about the delicate wildflowers, fascinating pollinators, lively amphibians, and musical bird songs that make this time of year so special.

Directions:

Address: 170 Under Mountain Road

From Lenox: From the center of Lenox, head south on Main St. Turn right at the 1st cross street onto MA-183 S/West St and follow for 1.4 miles. Turn right onto Under Mountain Rd. The trailhead is 0.9 miles down the road on the right.

 

Family Self-Guided StoryWalk on the Old Mill Trail, Hinsdale

Learn about different animal tracks! 

When/Where: 

The StoryWalk® will be on display for a self-guided adventure from Saturday, March 11th – Sunday, March 26th (dawn to dusk) on The Old Mill Trail in Hinsdale.  

Description: 

Animals are all around us. While we may not often see them, we can see signs that they have been there. Some signs might be simple footprints in snow or mud (tracks) and other signs include chewed or scratched bark, homes or even poop and pee (traces). In Animal Tracks and Traces, children will become animal detectives after learning how to read the animal signs left all around. Smart detectives can even figure out what the animals were doing!  

While the audience of the book is Kindergarten to 3rd grade, the content is great for all ages- even adults!  

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, across from the Hinsdale Trading Company.  

GPS: 42.4480, -73.1305 (trailhead parking) 

For questions please reach out to Mariah at mfogg@bnrc.org 

Job Posting: Stewardship Crew

Berkshire Natural Resources Council
February 2023

StewardshipCrew2023.pdf

Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) is a nonprofit conservation organization in western Massachusetts that cares for the ancestral homelands of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans, who were forcibly displaced from the region by European colonization. As a land trust, BNRC conserves land, protects wildlife and habitat, preserves local farms, and provides free access to the Berkshire outdoors for everyone, at over 55 nature reserves across the region. Since 1967, BNRC has helped conserve more than 100,000 acres of forest, fields, wetlands, and farmlands, and now holds over 23,000 acres of land and conservation restrictions and manages over 60 miles of trails.

Berkshire Natural Resources Council (El Consejo de Recursos Naturales de Berkshire) es una organización sin ánimo de lucro que conserva el terreno, protege la vida silvestre y el hábitat, preserva las granjas locales y contribuye a mantener los exteriores de Berkshire libres y accesibles para todos. El BNRC está contratando personal. Aunque el trabajo que se describe a continuación se inicia completamente o casi completamente en inglés, el BNRC agradece el interés de los candidatos bilingües que puedan ayudar a la organización a ser más inclusiva en su trabajo.

Description

BNRC is seeking two Stewardship Crew members to join its Stewardship team. The Stewardship  Crew’s time will be primarily spent assisting BNRC’s Property Manager with maintaining BNRC’s 60 miles of hiking trails and 24 trailheads across the county. The crew will also conduct monitoring and boundary marking on BNRC’s fee-owned Reserves.

Other responsibilities may include assisting BNRC’s Trail Crew with trail construction projects and assisting BNRC’s Community Conservation Staff with hosting public programming and volunteer workdays.

This is a 40-hour/week position. The crew will enjoy a high level of independence and a large amount of self-motivation is required. These are field positions and the crew should expect to be outside nearly every day. The seasonal crew works from May 29th to August 18th, with some flexibility on both ends.

Specific responsibilities include:

  • Regular maintenance of BNRC properties and trails including:
    • Trailhead mowing and weed whacking
    • Trail corridor widening
    • Clearing trails of fallen trees
    • Repainting trail blazes
    • Trash collection
  • Property Improvement projects, such as:
    • Installing/replacing signs
    • Constructing and installing kiosks, benches, and other infrastructure
  • Marking of BNRC property boundaries
  • Monitoring of BNRC’s fee-owned property
  • Assisting with construction of new hiking trail and/or repair of existing trails with
    guidance from Trails Manager.
  • Assisting with hosting volunteer workdays with guidance of Community Conservation
    staff.
  • Other stewardship related tasks as required

Qualifications

  • Ability to work unsupervised
  • Willingness to work outside in all weather conditions
  • Comfort with being alone in the woods
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Personal transportation
  • Ability to hike for 5 miles over rough terrain

BNRC is an equal opportunity employer.

BNRC does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identification and expression, age, physical or mental disability,
marital status, genetic information, veteran status, being a member of the Reserves or National Guard, status as disabled or Vietnam Era veteran or status in any group protected against discrimination by federal, state, or local law.

We welcome applications from BIPOC, LGBTQ+, women, and veterans. BNRC is actively engaged in ensuring its properties are welcoming to all, and in increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion
in all aspects of its work.

Though the job described above will begin entirely or almost entirely in English, BNRC welcomes interest from bilingual candidates who can support the organization in being more inclusive in its work.

Compensation: $17 per hour

Benefits Include:

  • 3 paid personal days, with the opportunity for a season’s-end bonus.
  • Personal vehicle mileage reimbursement

To apply: Email your resume and cover letter to jobs@bnrc.org with “Stewardship Crew” in the subject line. Resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Please note: this position requires up-to-date Covid vaccination.

Job Posting: Trail Crew

Berkshire Natural Resources Council
May 2023

TrailCrew2023.pdf

Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) is a nonprofit conservation organization in western Massachusetts that cares for the ancestral homelands of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans, who were forcibly displaced from the region by European colonization. As a land trust, BNRC conserves land, protects wildlife and habitat, preserves local farms, and provides free access to the Berkshire outdoors for everyone, at over 55 nature reserves across the region. Since 1967, BNRC has helped conserve more than 100,000 acres of forest, fields, wetlands, and farmlands, and now holds over 23,000 acres of land and conservation restrictions and manages over 60 miles of trails.

Berkshire Natural Resources Council (El Consejo de Recursos Naturales de Berkshire) es una organización sin ánimo de lucro que conserva el terreno, protege la vida silvestre y el hábitat, preserva las granjas locales y contribuye a mantener los exteriores de Berkshire libres y accesibles para todos. El BNRC está contratando personal. Aunque el trabajo que se describe a continuación se inicia completamente o casi completamente en inglés, el BNRC agradece el interés de los candidatos bilingües que puedan ayudar a la organización a ser más inclusiva en su trabajo.

Position Description

BNRC’s Stewardship Department is seeking an individual to join its Trail Crew. This is a full-time, seasonal position (May through October) involving the construction of new hiking trails and the reconstruction/maintenance of existing trails on Berkshire Natural Resources Council properties. Other duties include hiking existing trails to clear blowdowns, assess trail maintenance needs and make repairs, and other property stewardship related tasks. The crew may also assist with community events such as volunteer workdays.

This is an opportunity to opportunity to hike to work every day, spend time outdoors in some of the most beautiful areas of the Berkshires and engage in high quality trail building projects across BNRC’s 60-mile trail system. This position is hands-on, and projects can be physically demanding.

It is important that our Trail Crew members show a commitment to quality work, a positive attitude, and professional demeanor. We seek candidates who want to work outdoors and are interested in learning about trail design and developing trail building skills and techniques. This work is often collaborative, but crew members should expect to work independently on occasion.

Qualifications: The successful candidate may not have all these qualifications so if you have some, and/or demonstrably related experience, please apply.

 

  • Trail building experience or landscape construction experience is welcomed but not necessary to apply; the ideal candidate will have a willingness to learn, a strong work ethic, and an open mind.
  • Training on specific trail construction techniques and best practices are provided by BNRC; the applicant will be an active participant in training and seek to develop skills throughout the season
  • Strong commitment to quality work, a positive attitude, and a professional demeanor.
  • Must be able to hike with up to 40 pounds of gear and tools.
  • Willing to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions.
  • Willing to follow basic dress code requirements (long pants, work/hiking boots)
  • Willing to travel throughout Berkshire County and work in remote locations.
  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.

Compensation: Trail crew members have starting wage of $17/hour

Benefits Include:

  • Option to enroll in group medical and dental coverage
  • Paid holidays, paid time off pro-rated to match 6-month seasonal schedule
  • 401(k) and employer match after first 6 months (applicable to returning crew members)
  • Travel reimbursement
  • A great team of coworkers in a welcoming office setting in Lenox, Massachusetts

Start date: Position starts in May but is seeking applications currently; resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

To apply: Email your resume and cover letter to jobs@bnrc.org with “Trail Crew” in the subject line.

Please note: this position requires up-to-date Covid vaccination.

BNRC is an equal opportunity employer.

BNRC does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identification and expression, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, being a member of the Reserves or National Guard, status as disabled or Vietnam Era veteran or status in any group protected against discrimination by federal, state, or local law.

We welcome applications from BIPOC, LGBTQ+, women, and veterans. BNRC is actively engaged in ensuring its properties are welcoming to all, and in increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of its work.

Though the job described above will begin entirely or almost entirely in English, BNRC welcomes interest from bilingual candidates who can support the organization in being more inclusive in its work.

From Skeptic to Believer: Online Wills and the Berkshire Outdoors

About three years ago, I received an email from someone who wanted to sell BNRC on an online platform where anyone can write their own will for free.

I was skeptical—I get a LOT of sales pitches and most of them are for products and services BNRC doesn’t need.

On the other hand, I’m always interested in innovations that offer mutual benefit to both BNRC’s mission, and the individual donors who are an essential part of the BNRC team.

So I agreed to listen to what this person had to say. Turns out, they were down to earth, honest, and authentic in their approach.

Long story short: The idea was compelling, BNRC signed up, and three years later over $7 million has been designated to BNRC via wills created at freewill.com/bnrc. 

Explore FreeWill 

That’s terrific!

These are special commitments. 

Honestly, I don’t know the words to communicate my gratitude. When writing a will, one only chooses a few people or causes with which they share their soul. When folks choose to care for the Berkshire outdoors forever, that’s a big deal. 

Here’s what I’ve learned about writing a will online, for free, over the last three years: 

  • Your heart already knows how to protect your loved ones, and your values. An online will-writing platform provides prompts that help you identify in your mind the things your heart already knows.
  • It’s fun to play around on your own. On FreeWill, you can model different scenarios, at your own pace, at a time that works for you. Want to tinker on it at 10 p.m. after the kids are asleep? Easy. Do you do your best thinking before offices open for the day? No problem. You get the idea.
  • You can write a draft to discuss with an attorney. You don’t need to put whatever you write on FreeWill into use. Many do. Others use FreeWill as a thinking tool, and then use the document they create as the basis for further work with their lawyer. How you use FreeWill is up to you.
  • If you don’t have a will, the best time to make one is now. It’s not too early. Rather than some kind of morbid contingency plan, wills are actually ways to contemplate and act on your values. Today. And you can change them over the years, as you change, and as your needs change. So why not have a will for the person you are today? For the people you love right now? For the causes that are doing what you most want for the world? 

Three years, and $7 million in committed intentions later, those are my takeaways… that’s what I’ve learned by working with the FreeWill team and watching several dozen members of the BNRC community put the platform to use. 

It seems to me that it’s been mutually beneficial—for the folks using it, for BNRC, and ultimately, for the Berkshires. (Though you do not have to designate a contribution to BNRC to use the free service.) 

When people make long-term provisions to support conservation, wildlife, farming, climate resilience, and free access to the Berkshire outdoors for everybody… the impact of that generosity lasts for a time measured in hundreds of years… at the least.

That’s powerful. 

FreeWill is free to use. Check it out. If you have questions, let me know.

And thanks always for all you do for the Berkshire outdoors. See you out there!  

Rich
rmontone [at] bnrc [dot] org
Director of Development
Berkshire Natural Resources Council

Easy Naturalist: Wildlife Signs and Tree Bark (self-guided walk)

Follow the signs along the 1.4-mile Green Trail. Each sign shares interesting and fun information to engage in observation and discovery.

WHERE/WHEN: 

The self-guided Easy Naturalist: Wildlife Sign and Tree Bark walk will be on display from Monday, February 6 to Sunday, March 5 (dawn to dusk) at The Boulders reserve in Dalton.  

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 in Dalton, past Craneville School.  Take a left onto Gulf Road. Park at the pull-off on the left, opposite the parking for the Appalachian Trail. 

GPS: 42.4816, -73.1783 (trailhead parking on Gulf Road)