Wild Thing 5K/10K Trail Race and Walk

Come volunteer with Mass Audubon and help put on this exciting race! Volunteers are needed to help with a variety of roles during this trail race weekend. Opportunities include course support, registration assistance, aid stations, and more. Be part of the action while ......More

Come volunteer with Mass Audubon and help put on this exciting race! Volunteers are needed to help with a variety of roles during this trail race weekend. Opportunities include course support, registration assistance, aid stations, and more. Be part of the action while supporting a fun, nature-filled community event! Learn more and register at this link: https://tinyurl.com/TrailRaceOpportunities DATE: Friday, June 12 | Saturday, June 13TIME: Depends on roleLOCATION: 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

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

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

Learn About Ferns!

Join Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center for their “Learn About Ferns” event! Learn tips on how to identify over 10 species of woodland ferns on this easy walk with Naturalist & Director Aimee Gelinas. Fern guidebooks will be available for purchase at the program. ......More

Join Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center for their “Learn About Ferns” event! Learn tips on how to identify over 10 species of woodland ferns on this easy walk with Naturalist & Director Aimee Gelinas. Fern guidebooks will be available for purchase at the program. To register, email [email protected]. To learn more, visit www.tamarackhollow.org. This event costs $20. DATE: Friday, June 19TIME: 10:00am – 12:00pmLOCATION: Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center, 1515 Savoy Hollow Rd, Windsor, MA 01270  

Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center, 1515 & 1516 Savoy Hollow Rd., Windsor, MA

Pittsfield Farmers Market

Every Saturday through October, rain or shine! Find more details here: farmersmarketpittsfield.org DATE: Saturday, May 9 – Saturday, October 31TIME: 9:00am – 1:00pmLOCATION: The Common, 100 First St, Pittsfield, MA 01201

Pittsfield Common, 100 1st St., 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

A Conversation with the authors of “Tending Your Forest: A Guide to Ecological Forest Stewardship”

Join us for an engaging discussion centered on Tending Your Forest: A Guide to Ecological Forest Stewardship in the Eastern and Central United States, an accessible and science-based guide for landowners and woodland stewards. This program will feature the book’s author......More

Join us for an engaging discussion centered on Tending Your Forest: A Guide to Ecological Forest Stewardship in the Eastern and Central United States, an accessible and science-based guide for landowners and woodland stewards. This program will feature the book’s authors Paul Catanzaro and Anthony D’Amato and introduce the core concepts of ecological forest stewardship outlined in the book, including how forests grow and change over time, how management can support both ecological health and landowner goals, and how stewardship decisions play out on the ground. The evening will also highlight a real-world case study that brings these principles to life, illustrating how thoughtful, values-driven management can enhance forest resilience, wildlife habitat, and long-term sustainability. Following the presentation, enjoy a conversation with the authors, moderated by VLT forester Caitlin Cusack and Vermont Coverts Executive Director Lisa Sausville. Together, they will explore practical lessons from the book, reflect on local stewardship experiences, and discuss how landowners can apply these ideas to their own woods: whether actively managing or simply deepening their understanding of the forests they care for. This event is ideal for forest landowners, conservation practitioners, and anyone interested in the future of working and conserved forests in Vermont and beyond. June 22 @ 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm – Register online to receive the Zoom link for this virtual event.

BNRC/OLLI Joint Hike, Mt. Hunger at Konkapot Ridge

Join Berkshire Natural Resources Council and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute for a hike! The hike begins on the ridge, also called Monterey cobble, ending in a young succession forest with views of the Tyringham valley and cobble.  After the ridge trail, the hike ......More

Join Berkshire Natural Resources Council and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute for a hike! The hike begins on the ridge, also called Monterey cobble, ending in a young succession forest with views of the Tyringham valley and cobble.  After the ridge trail, the hike will continue at Steadman Pond, a favorite place for bass fishing and a dip in the summer. Moderate. Registration opens Monday June 8, at 9am on OLLI’s website: Register here DATE: Wednesday, June 24TIME: 9:30am – 11:30amLOCATION: Mt. Hunger Trailhead at Konkapot Ridge Reserve, #0, Monterey, MA 01245

Mt. Hunger at Konkapot Ridge, #0, Monterey, MA, 01245, 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

Housatonic River Cleanup

Cleanups make a considerable difference in the health of the Housatonic River. Each summer, Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) and Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) work together to remove trash from the west branch of the Housatonic River. The West Branch is ......More

Cleanups make a considerable difference in the health of the Housatonic River. Each summer, Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) and Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) work together to remove trash from the west branch of the Housatonic River. The West Branch is a beautiful stretch of the Housatonic River running south from Pontoosuc and Onota Lakes and joining with the East Branch on the south end of Pittsfield. BEAT and HVA staff and volunteers have been taking to the river in waders, boots, and canoes to pull out trash and keep the river beautiful for several years now. Since beginning annual cleanups, our efforts have made a noticeable difference, with the piles of trash getting smaller — and that wouldn’t be possible without the help of volunteers. Join us to help support the health of our Housatonic River! We will meet at the Westside Riverway Park in Pittsfield before cleanup teams disperse to nearby locations to gather miscellaneous trash from the river banks and bottom. Canoes will be used to transport the trash. We’ll finish cleaning up around noon and then eat some lunch, which will be provided for free to all participants. REGISTER HERE DATE: Saturday, June 27th (Rain Date Saturday, August 22nd) TIME: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM LOCATION: Riverway Park, 181 Dewey Ave, Pittsfield, MA

Westside Riverway Park, 181 Dewey Ave., Pittsfield, MA

Pittsfield Farmers Market

Every Saturday through October, rain or shine! Find more details here: farmersmarketpittsfield.org DATE: Saturday, May 9 – Saturday, October 31TIME: 9:00am – 1:00pmLOCATION: The Common, 100 First St, Pittsfield, MA 01201

Pittsfield Common, 100 1st St., Pittsfield, MA

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