Habitat Chat

The Massachusetts Pollinator Network hosts monthly drop-in, informal meetings for participants from across the state to learn about topics relevant to our work, share projects, ask questions, and exchange knowledge, ideas, and updates. Whether you’re a seasoned communit......More

The Massachusetts Pollinator Network hosts monthly drop-in, informal meetings for participants from across the state to learn about topics relevant to our work, share projects, ask questions, and exchange knowledge, ideas, and updates. Whether you’re a seasoned community organizer, a home gardener, work in the field already, or are new to pollinator protection concerns, all are welcome! Stay for the entire meeting or just pop in for what you can. To receive the zoom link, please register here.DATE: First Wednesday of each month TIME: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM LOCATION: Online via Zoom

Online

Community Garden Opening Day at Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary

Help Mass Audubon open the Community Garden for the season at Canoe Meadows! Volunteers will assist with preparing and refreshing garden beds so they are ready for planting in the weeks ahead. Come enjoy a productive morning outdoors and help set the stage for a success......More

Help Mass Audubon open the Community Garden for the season at Canoe Meadows! Volunteers will assist with preparing and refreshing garden beds so they are ready for planting in the weeks ahead. Come enjoy a productive morning outdoors and help set the stage for a successful growing season. Learn more and register at this link: https://volunteer.massaudubon.org/need/detail/?need_id=1232945 DATE: Thursday, May 7TIME: 9:00am – 12:00pmLOCATION: Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, 350 Williams Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201

Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, 309 Holmes Rd., Pittsfield, MA

Building Better Soil: A Three-Part Soil Health Intensive

Join the Northeast Organic Farming Situation, Massachusetts Chapter, for a 3 part series exploring the living world beneath our feet! Healthy soil is the foundation of productive farms and gardens. In this three-part Soil Health Intensive, participants will explore the ......More

Join the Northeast Organic Farming Situation, Massachusetts Chapter, for a 3 part series exploring the living world beneath our feet! Healthy soil is the foundation of productive farms and gardens. In this three-part Soil Health Intensive, participants will explore the living world beneath our feet and learn practical strategies for building resilient, fertile soil. Together we’ll uncover the foundational principles that support thriving growing spaces while examining the physical, chemical, and biological pillars of soil health. Each workshop will focus on one of these core soil properties and introduce practical tools, observations, and management strategies that growers can apply in their own farms, gardens, and landscapes. The series will take place at Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner, MA. While attending all three sessions provides the most complete learning experience, participants are welcome to attend one, two, or all three workshops throughout the season. Please see individual event pages for details. This educational series is supported by the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), which helps farmers explore soil-building practices and provides resources for those interested in transitioning to organic production. Learn more and register at this link: https://www.nofamass.org/series/building-better-soil-a-three-part-soil-health-intensive/ DATE: Friday, April 17 | Friday, May 29 | Friday, June 26TIME: 10:00am – 4:00pmLOCATION: Mount Wachusett Community College, 444 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440

Mount Wachusett Community College, 444 Green St., Gardner, MA

Volunteer: Help Restore Habitat for Rare Berkshire Butterflies + Invasive Garlic Mustard Removal

Help remove an invasive plant that threatens the small native plants found in our forests’ understory and contribute to an ongoing study of rare Berkshire butterflies! Join BEAT for a meaningful volunteer event focused on removing invasive garlic mustard and supporting ......More

Help remove an invasive plant that threatens the small native plants found in our forests’ understory and contribute to an ongoing study of rare Berkshire butterflies! Join BEAT for a meaningful volunteer event focused on removing invasive garlic mustard and supporting two rare butterfly species found in the Berkshires: the Veined White (Pieris napi oleracea) and the West Virginia White (Pieris virginiensis). DATE: Saturday, May 9TIME: 9:30 AM to 12:00 PMLOCATION: We will meet at the parking area on New Lenox Road in Pittsfield. The parking area is on the right side of the road, about 2.2 miles from the Route 7 intersection. Coordinates: 42.3915910, -73.2267858 (Google Maps link) This effort supports Jessica Duffy’s community science research, which is studying how garlic mustard removal affects these butterfly populations over time. By participating, you’ll be directly contributing to the preservation of important native habitats. What to Expect: A brief overview of garlic mustard and the native toothwort plant it threatensSmall group garlic mustard pulling, with plants bagged for industrial compostingComplimentary coffee and snacks to start the day — please bring your own travel mug!Gloves and bags provided — please bring a full water bottle, wear sturdy footwear, and dress for the weatherThis volunteer opportunity is open to individuals of all ages. Families, school groups, and organizations are encouraged to attend and help out. If you missed Jessica’s Green Drinks talk in March 2025 about this project, you can watch the presentation on BEAT’s YouTube channel to learn more. Watch it here. RSVP: Email [email protected] to let us know you’ll be joining us!

Pittsfield, MA

A Nature Year at Pleasant Valley: Spring

Immerse yourself in a season of local natural history. With a skilled Mass Audubon naturalist as your guide, experience the cycle of the seasons at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Lenox. Gain extensive natural history knowledge, form a community with like-minded, ......More

Immerse yourself in a season of local natural history. With a skilled Mass Audubon naturalist as your guide, experience the cycle of the seasons at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Lenox. Gain extensive natural history knowledge, form a community with like-minded, curious adults, and receive the many benefits of spending time outdoors. Throughout the spring, explore spectacular seasonal phenomena including the migration of salamanders and songbirds. We will usually start inside with an introduction and then head out for our adventure in the field which will be at least 90 minutes outside. We’ll travel mainly on trails and boardwalks, actively exploring and experiencing various habitats and sanctuary spots. Adult Program Registration covers 3 classes starting April 18. Learn more and register at this link: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/pleasant-valley/98862-a-nature-year-at-pleasant-valley-spring-3-months DATES/TIMES: Sat. April 18, 6:00pm – 8:00pm Sat. May 16, 7:00am – 9:00am Sat. June 20, 8:00pm – 10:00pm LOCATION: Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 W Mountain Rd, Lenox, MA 01240

Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 West Mountain Rd, Lenox, MA, 01240, United States

Building Better Soil: A Three-Part Soil Health Intensive

Join the Northeast Organic Farming Situation, Massachusetts Chapter, for a 3 part series exploring the living world beneath our feet! Healthy soil is the foundation of productive farms and gardens. In this three-part Soil Health Intensive, participants will explore the ......More

Join the Northeast Organic Farming Situation, Massachusetts Chapter, for a 3 part series exploring the living world beneath our feet! Healthy soil is the foundation of productive farms and gardens. In this three-part Soil Health Intensive, participants will explore the living world beneath our feet and learn practical strategies for building resilient, fertile soil. Together we’ll uncover the foundational principles that support thriving growing spaces while examining the physical, chemical, and biological pillars of soil health. Each workshop will focus on one of these core soil properties and introduce practical tools, observations, and management strategies that growers can apply in their own farms, gardens, and landscapes. The series will take place at Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner, MA. While attending all three sessions provides the most complete learning experience, participants are welcome to attend one, two, or all three workshops throughout the season. Please see individual event pages for details. This educational series is supported by the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), which helps farmers explore soil-building practices and provides resources for those interested in transitioning to organic production. Learn more and register at this link: https://www.nofamass.org/series/building-better-soil-a-three-part-soil-health-intensive/ DATE: Friday, April 17 | Friday, May 29 | Friday, June 26TIME: 10:00am – 4:00pmLOCATION: Mount Wachusett Community College, 444 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440

Mount Wachusett Community College, 444 Green St., Gardner, MA

Open House at Old Maid's Park

When: Saturday, May 16 @ 1-3PM – (Rain Date: Sunday, May 17 @ 1-3PM)Where: Old Maid’s Park is located at 30 Wyantenuck St, Housatonic, MA 01236 What to Expect: Delicious food from Cocinera LatinasFace painting!Live music to relax and enjoy the settingNative Plant Identi......More

When: Saturday, May 16 @ 1-3PM – (Rain Date: Sunday, May 17 @ 1-3PM)Where: Old Maid’s Park is located at 30 Wyantenuck St, Housatonic, MA 01236 What to Expect: Delicious food from Cocinera LatinasFace painting!Live music to relax and enjoy the settingNative Plant Identification Walk — learn how to recognize common native species and understand their role in supporting local ecosystemsMacroinvertebrate Identification — discover the small aquatic creatures living in the pond and what they reveal about water quality and ecosystem healthActivities for all ages, with plenty for families to enjoy togetherWhat You Can Bring: Blankets or lawn chairs, toys and games for kidsA spirit of connection and communityThis project is centered on listening to the community—how the park is cared for, how people access and use it, and what its future could look like. Through events like this open house, BEAT is creating space for people to come together, share ideas, and help shape the park’s future.

A Nature Year at Pleasant Valley: Spring

Immerse yourself in a season of local natural history. With a skilled Mass Audubon naturalist as your guide, experience the cycle of the seasons at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Lenox. Gain extensive natural history knowledge, form a community with like-minded, ......More

Immerse yourself in a season of local natural history. With a skilled Mass Audubon naturalist as your guide, experience the cycle of the seasons at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Lenox. Gain extensive natural history knowledge, form a community with like-minded, curious adults, and receive the many benefits of spending time outdoors. Throughout the spring, explore spectacular seasonal phenomena including the migration of salamanders and songbirds. We will usually start inside with an introduction and then head out for our adventure in the field which will be at least 90 minutes outside. We’ll travel mainly on trails and boardwalks, actively exploring and experiencing various habitats and sanctuary spots. Adult Program Registration covers 3 classes starting April 18. Learn more and register at this link: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/pleasant-valley/98862-a-nature-year-at-pleasant-valley-spring-3-months DATES/TIMES: Sat. April 18, 6:00pm – 8:00pm Sat. May 16, 7:00am – 9:00am Sat. June 20, 8:00pm – 10:00pm LOCATION: Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 W Mountain Rd, Lenox, MA 01240

Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 West Mountain Rd, Lenox, MA, 01240, United States

Act on Climate with 350Mass Berkshires

Join members of 350Mass, the local climate group, at their monthly zoom meetings (and sometimes in-person) for good conversation and effective action. Learn about their efforts to promote affordable renewable energy and sustainable building practices in our schools, hom......More

Join members of 350Mass, the local climate group, at their monthly zoom meetings (and sometimes in-person) for good conversation and effective action. Learn about their efforts to promote affordable renewable energy and sustainable building practices in our schools, homes, and municipalities. The group meets monthly on the 3rd Wednesday at 6:00 pm and is always looking for new people to bring ideas, brainstorm clever actions, and help implement current initiatives. Please join and you will be made welcome! To contact us and get the Zoom link, email at: [email protected] DATES: 3rd Wednesdays TIME: 6:00 PM LOCATION: Online via Zoom

Online

Explore the Nighttime World of Caterpillars & Moths

The Caterpillar Lab will present a photograph and video packed talk that explores the nighttime world of caterpillars, moths, and how to find them. Join us to learn how we can explore our own backyard habitats through the eyes of a moth, using UV and special light traps......More

The Caterpillar Lab will present a photograph and video packed talk that explores the nighttime world of caterpillars, moths, and how to find them. Join us to learn how we can explore our own backyard habitats through the eyes of a moth, using UV and special light traps to uncover a whole new perspective. This special lecture will include time to meet a few special caterpillar specimens up close and, and chat with Caterpillar Lab educators about all things local caterpillar. The Caterpillar Lab is a non-profit based in New Hampshire that fosters greater appreciation and care for the complexity and beauty of natural history through live caterpillar educational programs, research initiatives, and photography and film projects. They believe that an increased awareness of one’s local environment is the foundation on which healthy and responsible attitudes towards the broader natural systems of this world are built. Sign Up for ZoomDATE: Wednesday, May 20 TIME: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM LOCATION: Online via Zoom

Online

Building Better Soil: A Three-Part Soil Health Intensive

Join the Northeast Organic Farming Situation, Massachusetts Chapter, for a 3 part series exploring the living world beneath our feet! Healthy soil is the foundation of productive farms and gardens. In this three-part Soil Health Intensive, participants will explore the ......More

Join the Northeast Organic Farming Situation, Massachusetts Chapter, for a 3 part series exploring the living world beneath our feet! Healthy soil is the foundation of productive farms and gardens. In this three-part Soil Health Intensive, participants will explore the living world beneath our feet and learn practical strategies for building resilient, fertile soil. Together we’ll uncover the foundational principles that support thriving growing spaces while examining the physical, chemical, and biological pillars of soil health. Each workshop will focus on one of these core soil properties and introduce practical tools, observations, and management strategies that growers can apply in their own farms, gardens, and landscapes. The series will take place at Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner, MA. While attending all three sessions provides the most complete learning experience, participants are welcome to attend one, two, or all three workshops throughout the season. Please see individual event pages for details. This educational series is supported by the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), which helps farmers explore soil-building practices and provides resources for those interested in transitioning to organic production. Learn more and register at this link: https://www.nofamass.org/series/building-better-soil-a-three-part-soil-health-intensive/ DATE: Friday, April 17 | Friday, May 29 | Friday, June 26TIME: 10:00am – 4:00pmLOCATION: Mount Wachusett Community College, 444 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440

Mount Wachusett Community College, 444 Green St., Gardner, MA

A Nature Year at Pleasant Valley: Spring

Immerse yourself in a season of local natural history. With a skilled Mass Audubon naturalist as your guide, experience the cycle of the seasons at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Lenox. Gain extensive natural history knowledge, form a community with like-minded, ......More

Immerse yourself in a season of local natural history. With a skilled Mass Audubon naturalist as your guide, experience the cycle of the seasons at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Lenox. Gain extensive natural history knowledge, form a community with like-minded, curious adults, and receive the many benefits of spending time outdoors. Throughout the spring, explore spectacular seasonal phenomena including the migration of salamanders and songbirds. We will usually start inside with an introduction and then head out for our adventure in the field which will be at least 90 minutes outside. We’ll travel mainly on trails and boardwalks, actively exploring and experiencing various habitats and sanctuary spots. Adult Program Registration covers 3 classes starting April 18. Learn more and register at this link: https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/pleasant-valley/98862-a-nature-year-at-pleasant-valley-spring-3-months DATES/TIMES: Sat. April 18, 6:00pm – 8:00pm Sat. May 16, 7:00am – 9:00am Sat. June 20, 8:00pm – 10:00pm LOCATION: Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 W Mountain Rd, Lenox, MA 01240

Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 West Mountain Rd, Lenox, MA, 01240, United States