Self-Guided Walk: Eerie Ecology

Explore the spooky side of nature this October with Eerie Ecology at The Boulders in Dalton! Learn about the bewitching biodiversity of Massachusetts along the 0.5-mile Heart Healthy Loop. Panels along the trail will highlight the fascinating—and eerie!—plants and wildl......More

Explore the spooky side of nature this October with Eerie Ecology at The Boulders in Dalton! Learn about the bewitching biodiversity of Massachusetts along the 0.5-mile Heart Healthy Loop. Panels along the trail will highlight the fascinating—and eerie!—plants and wildlife found in our forests. Learn More DATES: Saturday, October 4 – Friday, October 31 LOCATION: The Boulders, Gulf Road, Dalton

The Boulders, Dalton, MA

Chainsaw Skills Workshop for Beginners

Led by expert arborists Melissa LeVangie Ingersoll and Bear LeVangie, this hands-on workshop will teach you how to use a chainsaw safely and effectively on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This workshop is perfect for beginners or those with limited chainsa......More

Led by expert arborists Melissa LeVangie Ingersoll and Bear LeVangie, this hands-on workshop will teach you how to use a chainsaw safely and effectively on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This workshop is perfect for beginners or those with limited chainsaw experience who want to build confidence using this powerful tool. You’ll learn personal protective equipment (PPE) chainsaw anatomy and basic maintenance, handling reactive forces, additional tools for chainsaw use, hazard identification and escape planning, and log analysis and cutting techniques (including bucking, limbing and cutting tips). Through a mix of lectures and practical exercises, you’ll gain skills in chainsaw operation, safety and productivity. You’ll also have the opportunity to cut logs either on the ground or elevated on sawhorses. All equipment will be provided. If you have your own chainsaw or PPE, feel free to bring it. Dress appropriately for the weather with long sleeves, pants, and sturdy boots. Bring a packed lunch. By the end of the workshop, you’ll feel more confident and knowledgeable in operating a chainsaw with a strong focus on safety and effective techniques. Melissa LeVangie Ingersoll is a highly experienced arborist, educator, and tree care expert. She is an ISA Certified Arborist, ISA Tree Climbing Specialist, and holds a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification. Melissa is also the Co-Founder of the Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop (WTCW), which offers tree climbing training for women, by women. She is the Educational Director for Shelter Tree/RBI, a leading arborist equipment supplier, and has served as Past-President of the Massachusetts Tree Wardens and Foresters Association and the New England Chapter of ISA. Bear LeVangie is an ISA TRAQ Certified Arborist and a licensed arborist in Connecticut and Massachusetts. She is also a co-founder of WTCW and serves as its Executive Director. Bear has extensive experience in arboriculture, including utility work, research, invasive species inspection, education, and climbing. She has served as Past-President of the New England Chapter of ISA, holds pesticide licenses in several states, and is a retired NETCC Champion and ITCC climber. Register Here DATE: Saturday, November 1 TIME: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM LOCATION: Berkshire Botanical Garden, 5 West Stockbridge Road, Stockbridge

Berkshire Botanical Garden, 5 West Stockbridge Rd., Stockbridge, MA

Chainsaw Skills Workshop Level 2

If you’ve already taken a chainsaw safety course and are comfortable with the basics, this workshop is designed to help you build confidence and take your skills to the next level. Ideal for the part-time chainsaw operator, this hands-on course goes beyond cutting firew......More

If you’ve already taken a chainsaw safety course and are comfortable with the basics, this workshop is designed to help you build confidence and take your skills to the next level. Ideal for the part-time chainsaw operator, this hands-on course goes beyond cutting firewood and introduces advanced techniques like directional felling of small standing or downed trees. You’ll learn how to apply different types of notches to guide the outcome of your cuts with greater accuracy and control during this workshop that will take place on Sunday, Nov. 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Led by expert arborists Melissa LeVangie Ingersoll and Bear LeVangie, the workshop blends classroom instruction with field-based learning. We’ll review essential topics including personal protective equipment, the anatomy of a chainsaw, reactive forces, basic maintenance, and useful tools that complement safe operation. In the field, you’ll identify hazards, plan escape routes, analyze log binds, and practice techniques such as bucking, limbing and notching. You’ll also gain experience implementing cubing plans, creating secure felling setups, and applying practical tips for working more efficiently. Participants will actively cut logs, practice felling notches, and take down small trees under supervision. By the end of the course, you’ll have a deeper understanding of how to operate your chainsaw safely and effectively, with a focus on technique, planning, and control. Prior participation in a chainsaw safety course is required. All equipment will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own chainsaw and personal protective gear if you have it. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather, including long sleeves, pants and sturdy boots. Don’t forget to bring a bag lunch and plenty of water for the day. Melissa LeVangie Ingersoll is a passionate educator about trees, tree care and tree climbing among many other extensive topics. She holds many professional certifications, including an ISA Certified Arborist, an ISA Tree Climbing Specialist, and a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification. Outside of being a Co-Founder of the WTCW (Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop) a workshop for women taught by women to climb trees with an emphasis on arboriculture. Additionally, she is the Educational Director and a Business Development Advocate for Shelter Tree/RBI, a premier arborist equipment supplier. She is the Past-President of the Massachusetts Tree Wardens and Foresters Association and of the New England Chapter of ISA. Bear LeVangie is an ISA TRAQ Certified Arborist, CT licensed arborist, and MA Qualified Tree Warden. She is the co-founder of the Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop and serves as a lead instructor and as the Executive Director. Bear’s career in arboriculture includes utility, research, invasive species inspection, education, production climber, IPM, and training. Bear also served as New England Chapter Past-President, holds pesticide licenses in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York, and is a retired NETCC Champion and ITCC climber. Register Here DATE: Sunday, November 2 TIME: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM LOCATION: Berkshire Botanical Garden, 5 West Stockbridge Road, Stockbridge

Berkshire Botanical Garden, 5 West Stockbridge Rd., Stockbridge, MA

Tiny Trekkers: Digging into Dirt

Introduce your little one to the wonders of nature with an hour and a half of nature-themed fun at Pleasant Valley. This fall explore iconic elements of autumn at the sanctuary – from colors to animal behavior. Each week will have a unique focus and feature a themed tra......More

Introduce your little one to the wonders of nature with an hour and a half of nature-themed fun at Pleasant Valley. This fall explore iconic elements of autumn at the sanctuary – from colors to animal behavior. Each week will have a unique focus and feature a themed trail walk with engaging activities and storytime. This program, led by a Mass Audubon educator, is designed for families with young children to get outside, explore, and connect with others in the community. Register Here DATE: Tuesday, November 4 TIME: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM LOCATION: Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 W Mountain Rd, Lenox

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

OLLI & BNRC Joint Hike

Join BNRC and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at BCC for this loop hike in Lee. Rated moderate, the trail crosses several streams, has many glacial erratics, and a vista over a beaver pond. This property, once slated to be a wealthy second-home community wi......More

Join BNRC and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at BCC for this loop hike in Lee. Rated moderate, the trail crosses several streams, has many glacial erratics, and a vista over a beaver pond. This property, once slated to be a wealthy second-home community with a golf course, offers glimpses into the variety of land uses typical to the Berkshires in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The hike is approximately 2.5 hours. This hike is part of a joint fall hike series. Hikes will take place on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month in September, October, and November. These hikes are free for OLLI and BNRC supporters. You must register in advance, and space is limited.  Registration will open on Monday, October 20 at 9 a.m.REGISTER HERE. DATE: Wednesday, November 5 TIME: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM LOCATION: Basin Pond, Lee

Basin Pond, Lee, MA

Dam Busters 201: Peer-to-Peer Support for Community Engagement

Dam Busters 201 Webinar: Peer-to-Peer Support for Community Engagement Engage with your dam removal peers about the successes and pitfalls of community engagement. Work with your peers to answer questions and trade resources with the goal of enhancing your community out......More

Dam Busters 201 Webinar: Peer-to-Peer Support for Community Engagement Engage with your dam removal peers about the successes and pitfalls of community engagement. Work with your peers to answer questions and trade resources with the goal of enhancing your community outreach for dam removal. Register here The Dam Busters 101 series ran from 2023-2024 and engaged more than 500+ participants on many facets of the dam removal process. This new 201 series will continue to cover new topics and additional topics more in depth, including Dam Safety, Dam Removal Financing, and a series on Community Engagement.For more info and to see future webinar topics: Go to DAM BUSTERS 201 INFO AND REGISTRATIONThe goal of the series is to give municipal and NGO dam removal project managers the knowledge they need to successfully manage and carry out a dam removal project. Each webinar will feature an expert on a facet of dam removal and give participants time for questions and discussion. Participants can choose to attend the whole series or just those webinars that are most relevant to them.This series was created through a collaboration of the Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, the Massachusetts Department of Ecological Restoration, and the Charles River Watershed Association.DATE: Wednesday, November 5 TIME: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM LOCATION: Online via Zoom

Online

Mass Pollinator Network 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

9th Annual Berkshire Natural History Conference

Learn about native birds, insects, plants, and more at the Ninth Annual Berkshire Natural History Conference on Saturday, November 8, from 8 AM to 4 PM. The event, which features fascinating presentations by local and regional naturalists and acclaimed authors, exciting......More

Learn about native birds, insects, plants, and more at the Ninth Annual Berkshire Natural History Conference on Saturday, November 8, from 8 AM to 4 PM. The event, which features fascinating presentations by local and regional naturalists and acclaimed authors, exciting exhibits with local environmental groups, incredible book and natural history sales items, and the annual Natural History Quiz, will be held at the ’62 Center at Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts. Highlighting topics range from brand new bird guides written by Berkshire naturalists to the ecology of bogs, the importance of nature studies, working with birds of prey and much more. The event includes several renowned speakers and exhibitors. It is open to the public, and students of all ages and disciplines are especially encouraged to attend. General admission tickets are $25 student tickets are $15 and include forum credit. To purchase tickets, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/bnhc or call (413) 236-2127. Tickets include a buffet lunch. DATE: November 8, 2025 TIME: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM LOCATION: 62′ Center at Williams College, 1000 Main St, Williamstown, MA 01267 Click here to view a detailed schedule of this year’s Conference. The conference is hosted by the Berkshire Community College’s Environmental Program, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, and the Williams College Center for Environmental Studies.

Williams College – ’62 Center, 1000 Main St, Williamstown, MA, 01267, United States

Pittsfield Household Hazardous Waste Day

For Pittsfield residents only REGISTRATION REQUIRED, click the link or call 413-499-9330 DATE: Saturday, November 8 TIME: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM LOCATION: Casella Transfer Station, 500 Hubbard Ave, Pittsfield

Casella Transfer Station – Pittsfield, 500 Hubbard Ave, Pittsfield, MA, United States

Rooted in Place Ecological Symposium: A Day of Stories, Seeds and Stewardship

Rooted in Place Ecological Symposium: A Day of Stories, Seeds and Stewardship, Exploring the Deep Connections Between Culture and Biodiversity This fall, take a step into the heart of cultural ecology with Berkshire Botanical Garden’s annual Rooted in Place Ecological S......More

Rooted in Place Ecological Symposium: A Day of Stories, Seeds and Stewardship, Exploring the Deep Connections Between Culture and Biodiversity This fall, take a step into the heart of cultural ecology with Berkshire Botanical Garden’s annual Rooted in Place Ecological Symposium, an immersive day-long gathering. This dynamic symposium invites nature lovers, gardeners, farmers, educators, and environmental stewards to explore the intersection of culture and biodiversity — and how stories, seeds and land connect us all. Lunch is included. Keynote Speaker: Abra Lee — Cultivating the Untold Stories of Black Gardeners and GrowersHorticulturalist, author, and storyteller Abra Lee will headline the symposium with a keynote address that brings to life the often-overlooked history of Black Americans in horticulture. Drawing on her forthcoming book, “Conquer the Soil: Black America and the Untold Stories of Our Country’s Gardeners, Farmers, and Growers” (Timber Press), Lee will share riveting narratives — from one of the first Black plant shop owners of the Roaring Twenties to a true tale of espionage with roots in the Harlem Renaissance. Lee, a Georgia native with a degree in ornamental horticulture from Auburn University, has made it her mission to unearth and amplify these hidden histories, connecting cultural heritage to ecological legacy. Featured Speakers and Presenters K Greene — Hudson Valley Seed CompanySeed steward and co-founder of the beloved Hudson Valley Seed Company, Greene will discuss their mission to protect heirloom and open-pollinated seeds while celebrating the art and ethics of seed stewardship. Kevin West — Author, Gardener, CookWith roots in East Tennessee and a passion for preserving food culture, West will explore how growing and preserving food connects us to place, memory, and sustainability. His latest book, “The Cook’s Garden” (Knopf), celebrates the edible joys of homegrown abundance. Film: “Farming While Black” — Film, Panel Discussion featuring subjects in the film “Farming While Black” is a feature-length documentary film that examines the historical plight of Black farmers in the United States and the rising generation reclaiming their rightful ownership of land and reconnecting with their ancestral roots. In 1910, Black farmers owned 14 percent of all American farmland. Over the intervening decades, that number fell below 2 percent, the result of racism, discrimination, and dispossession. The film chronicles Leah Penniman and two other Black farmers’ efforts to reclaim their agricultural heritage. Collectively, their work has a major impact, as each is a leader in sustainable agriculture and food justice movements. As the co-founder of Soul Fire Farm in upstate New York, Penniman finds strength in the deep historical knowledge of African agrarianism – agricultural practices that can heal people and the planet. Influenced and inspired by Karen Washington, a pioneer in urban community gardens in New York City, and fellow farmer and organizer Blain Snipstal, Leah galvanizes around farming as the basis of revolutionary justice. Cherishing Place, a guided meditation to close the symposium with community facilitator Sandrine Harris of Emergent Nature. Rooted in Place is more than a symposium — it’s a call to action for how we engage with the land and each other. Through storytelling, seed knowledge and the wisdom of those rooted in the work of ecological restoration, this event offers an opportunity to learn, connect and grow. Reserve your spot today. Space is limited. DATE: Sunday, November 9 TIME: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM LOCATION: Berkshire Waldorf High School, Stockbridge

Pittsfield Open House on Integrated Water Resources Management Plan

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The City of Pittsfield’s Department of Public Services and Utilities will be hosting two open houses on Nov. 10 in preparation of developing an Integrated Water Resources Management Plan (IWRMP).The city is developing the IWRMP to evaluate the city’s ......More

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The City of Pittsfield’s Department of Public Services and Utilities will be hosting two open houses on Nov. 10 in preparation of developing an Integrated Water Resources Management Plan (IWRMP).The city is developing the IWRMP to evaluate the city’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. It aims to balance sustainable growth, environmental protection, and affordability while identifying infrastructure needs and management strategies. The plan will provide a roadmap for effective long-term water resource management in the city for years to come.Community members will have two opportunities to learn more about this work and provide feedback on how the city should prioritize its water infrastructure:Monday, Nov. 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Ralph J. Froio Senior Center, 330 North Street, PittsfieldMonday, Nov. 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the former Community Design Center, 429 North Street, PittsfieldThe city received $1.2 million dollars in funding from the Clean Water Trust to develop this plan.This investment will support the critical planning for the city’s water infrastructure. For additional information on this meeting or on the IWRMP, visit Integrated WaterResources on the city’s website or email Commissioner Morales at [email protected]: Monday, November 10 TIME: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM LOCATION: Ralph J. Froio Senior Center, 330 North Street, Pittsfield

Ralph J. Froio Senior Center, 330 North St., Pittsfield, MA

Pittsfield Open House on Integrated Water Resources Management Plan

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The City of Pittsfield’s Department of Public Services and Utilities will be hosting two open houses on Nov. 10 in preparation of developing an Integrated Water Resources Management Plan (IWRMP).The city is developing the IWRMP to evaluate the city’s ......More

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The City of Pittsfield’s Department of Public Services and Utilities will be hosting two open houses on Nov. 10 in preparation of developing an Integrated Water Resources Management Plan (IWRMP).The city is developing the IWRMP to evaluate the city’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. It aims to balance sustainable growth, environmental protection, and affordability while identifying infrastructure needs and management strategies. The plan will provide a roadmap for effective long-term water resource management in the city for years to come.Community members will have two opportunities to learn more about this work and provide feedback on how the city should prioritize its water infrastructure:Monday, Nov. 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Ralph J. Froio Senior Center, 330 North Street, PittsfieldMonday, Nov. 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the former Community Design Center, 429 North Street, PittsfieldThe city received $1.2 million dollars in funding from the Clean Water Trust to develop this plan.This investment will support the critical planning for the city’s water infrastructure. For additional information on this meeting or on the IWRMP, visit Integrated WaterResources on the city’s website or email Commissioner Morales at [email protected]: Monday, November 10 TIME: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM LOCATION: Community Design Center, 429 North Street, Pittsfield

North St. Pittsfield