Calendar of Events

Berkshire events - locations in red
Connecticut River Valley events - locations in green
BEAT sponsored/co-sponsored events - in navy

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[From] EcoUpdates from the Center for EcoTechnology.
EcoUpdates informs you of our upcoming public events and activities.
Visit our new website at www.cetonline.org and our events page to learn more about our programs.
Like us on our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Pinterest to stay up to date on late-breaking events and news.

minisite Paint and Oil collection

Paint and Oil Collection:

Saturday, June 29, 2013
9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Great Barrington Recycling Center
601 Stockbridge Road
Great Barrington, MA
 
Acceptable Materials: Used motor oil, oil based paints, turpentine, stains, thinner. Not accepting: Latex paint, paint brushes/rags, medical waste, asbestos, fireworks and explosives, ammunition, gas cylinders, smoke detectors, radioactive material, fire extinguishers, empty aerosol cans, PCBs. This collection is for residents of: Alford, Becket, Egremont, Great Barrington, Lee, Lenox, Monterey, Mt. Washington, New Marlboro, Otis, Richmond, Sandisfield, Sheffield, Stockbridge, Tyringham, and West Stockbridge. Preregistration mandatory. Please register here or email amanda.bates@cetonline.orgor call 888-577-8448 ext. 10 or ext. 14.

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Riparian Tree Planting for Healthy Watersheds

Thursday, June 20, 2013
1:00–2:00pm EDT
National Webcast

As communities shoulder greater concern over water resources in urban areas, preserving natural buffer zones is a top priority. Riparian tree planting programs can help address pollution, erosion, flooding, water temperature, and litter issues along river banks. While riparian tree planting can pose challenges, and methods and conditions vary for each city, the outcome is clear: trees are critical for healthy watersheds.

Register Here.

Trainers:

Suzanne Probart, Executive Director, Trees New Mexico (Albuquerque, NM)
Trees New Mexico partners with community and civic groups to coordinate restoration tree plantings along riverbanks in the greater Albuquerque area. The nonprofit employs a method called “pole planting,” credited with stabilizing new trees for successful establishment—about an 85% survival rate over several years.

Chuck Conner, Urban Forester, Missouri Department of Conservation (Kansas City, MO)
Heartland Tree Alliance serves a seven-county region in Kansas and Missouri, planting new trees in many urban tributaries each year. Partnering with municipalities and the Missouri Department of Conservation, the organization addresses drought and flooding concerns along the Missouri River through grant-funded riparian plantings.


Webcast attendees will learn about:
* Planting small trees and native species
* Minimizing erosion along urban banks
* Optimizing riparian tree survival rates
* Pest control along buffer zones
* Strategic planting to reduce stormwater runoff

About the Webcast Series

The Webcast Series is the Alliance for Community Trees’ monthly webcast held at the lunch hour. The goal is to create informal training opportunities for local urban and community forestry organizations. The content is geared to mainly serve the needs of volunteer organizations and community groups, although webcasts are open to all.

The trainings leverage local successes by amplifying to a larger audience the model organizations’ methods, materials, and approaches. Sessions are planned to last no more than one hour, with two presenters speaking on the same topic from slightly different perspectives, each for 10–15 minutes, followed by 10–15 minutes of questions and answers.

CEU Approved: 0 Hour
CFE Category 1 Approved: 1 Hour

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Foraging Walk with Russ Cohen at the Wyomanock Center in Stephentown, NY from 6-8 PM on Thurs. June 20.

For more information go to Wyomanock Center's website: http://wyocenter.org/

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Pittsfield Promise presents

School’s Out for Summer Learning

Celebrate the kick-off of summer vacation at the Berkshire Museum on Friday, June 21, 12:30 to 2 p.m.

[PITTSFIELD, MA] – It’s National Summer Learning Day! Celebrate the first day of summer with family friendly activities designed to encourage summer learning and help turn the “Summer Slide” into the “Summer Glide”! Led by Pittsfield Promise in partnership with Berkshire United Way, the event includes a performance by David Grover, free ice cream, a read-aloud with Ty Allan Jackson, the kick-off of this year’s Word of the Day program, and games and activities on Friday, June 21, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the Berkshire Museum. Admission to the Museum is free during the special event.

Children can lose ground academically during the summer months, especially in reading and math, if they do not engage in educational activities that keep their skills sharp. Parents and care-givers will be able to gather a variety of materials to use with their children to encourage learning and reading during the summer vacation, including this year’s Word of the Day calendar and a list of all the literacy and learning activities planned in Pittsfield for the summer. The Museum’s Crane Room will be set up as a resource center, with information tables and activity stations for kids, including creative paper plane folding (and flying!).

Pittsfield Mayor Daniel Bianchi will deliver a  proclamation for National Summer Learning Day. Local troubadour David Grover will perform his kid-friendly tunes throughout the event and the Krispy Cone truck will offer free ice cream. Author Ty Allan Jackson will engage children in a lively interactive reading of one of his popular books for kids.

A community book swap will allow kids to bring books they have already read or outgrown and exchange them for other books that are more age-appropriate or reflect current interests. Families can explore the Museum’s galleries, including the Aquarium.

Summer Learning Day is sponsored by Pittsfield Promise, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Berkshire United Way, Berkshire Museum, and Partners in Out-of-School Time (POST).

Summer Learning Day activities:
12:30 to 2 p.m                    Free admission to Berkshire Museum; free ice cream at the Crispy Cone truck
                                            out front; community book swap table; resource center in the Crane Room
12:30 p.m.                           Musician David Grover performs in the Theater
12:45 p.m.                           Pittsfield Mayor Daniel Bianchi offers a proclamation in the Theater
1:15 p.m.                             Local publisher and author Ty Allan Jackson of Big Head Books will offer a fun,
                                            interactive read-aloud presentation of one of his books in the Crane Room

Pittsfield Promise is a city-wide coalition of more than 30 organizations, agencies, businesses and community leaders working together to reach a goal of 90 percent of Pittsfield third grade students reading at their grade level by 2020.

Partners in Out-of-School Time is a coalition of businesses, government, schools, and other organizations that provide programs and activities for children when they are not in school, working together to stimulate learning over the summer.

About the Berkshire Museum: Located in downtown Pittsfield, Massachusetts, at 39 South St., Berkshire Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit www.berkshiremuseum.org or call 413.443.7171. Established by Zenas Crane in 1903, Berkshire Museum integrates art, history, and natural science in a wide range of programs and exhibitions that inspire educational connections between the disciplines.

About Berkshire United Way: Berkshire United Way advances the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. Our focus is on education and employment – the building blocks for a good quality of life. Berkshire United Way recruits people and organizations that bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. For more information, visit www.berkshireunitedway.org.

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Insect Safari

Sponsored by Berkshire Sanctuaries

Fri, Jun 21, 2013 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Location: Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 W Mountain Rd, Lenox
Instructor: Rene Laubach - Director, Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries
Audience: All (suitable for children 8 - 16 years)
Members: Adult $4.00, Child $3.00
Nonmembers: Adult $6.00, Child $4.00

You don't need to travel to the Serengeti Plains or the Brazilian rain forest to discover and observe a tremendous diversity of life. Our fields, wetlands, and forests hold a splendid and truly amazing array of insects. Among the most active and colorful are butterflies. Their lesser-known cousins, the moths, are camouflage experts in order to evade predators. Damselflies and dragonflies are also colorful, active, and interesting aerialist predators. We'll explore the sanctuary's varied habitats in search of all manner of insects. We'll observe them through binoculars and in some cases harmlessly net them for closer study and release. This program is sure to change your opinion of insects!

Registration is recommended please call 637-0320.

Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
472 West Mountain Road
Lenox, MA  01240
413-637-0320
www.massaudubon.org

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June on the Millers - Millers River Watershed Council 

2013 Solstice Paddle June 21st Friday Evening

Join fellow solstice paddlers on this the longest day of the year for a peaceful person powered cruise down the Millers River Blue Trail.

Paddlers can leave their boats in Athol at Cass Meadow/Rich Park at 5-5:15 PM, then drive your car to Orange Riverfront Park and catch the $1 shuttle back for the launch in Athol by 6 PM.

The 2 hr +/- paddle will culminate with a visit to a local ice cream stop for fellowship. RSVP.... by June 18th. mailto:council@millersriver.net

Other River News

We are off and sampling!

MRWC has begun a variety of new sampling and survey efforts. We still could use volunteers to check stream temperatures weekly, help on culvert surveys, and start an aquatic insect sampling team. All these efforts are designed to help us study the health of the watershed and generate baseline data for long-term water quality assessments.

Contact: watershed@millersriver.net to inquire where you can help.

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Sheffield Land Trust 2013
Annual Meeting & Picnic
413-229-0234; shefland@bcn.net
www.sheffieldland.org 
http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs129/1104387634682/img/14.jpg

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Chirps, Cheeps, and Warbles--Birding by Ear

Sponsored by Berkshire Sanctuaries

Sat, Jun 22, 2013 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Location: Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox
Instructor: Rene Laubach - Director, Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries
Audience: Adult
Members: Adult $4.00
Nonmembers: Adult $6.00

Birdwatching can be in large measure actually "bird listening." Once you know the songs and calls of our common resident songbirds, finding the birds and identifying them becomes much easier. This bird walk is designed for beginner and intermediate birders working to improve their auditory identification skills. Once you know the sounds, you'll be surprised at how many more birds you encounter.

Instructions and Directions: Bring binoculars and a field guide if available. Registration recommended. 413-637-0320

Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
472 West Mountain Road
Lenox, MA  01240
413-637-0320
www.massaudubon.org

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Saturday, June 22 10am – 11:30am  Family Hike: Birds    Easy hike to learn about birds and their songs.  $1 suggested donation.


Please visit our website for more information at:  http://www.dykenpond.org 

Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center is a Renssealer County park located in the town of Grafton. 
475 Dyken Pond Road
Cropseyville, NY 12052
518 658-2055

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Canoe Trip on the Housatonic River

Sponsored by Berkshire Sanctuaries

Sun, Jun 23, 2013 8:30 am - 12:30 pm

Location: Housatonic River-Decker Boat Launch, Lenox
Instructor: Rene Laubach - Director, Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries
Audience: Adult
Members: Adult $20.00
Nonmembers: Adult $25.00

Watch for frogs, fish, herons, muskrats, and signs of beavers along the meandering and scenic Housatonic River. This leisurely paddle will take us through the George Darey Wildlife Management Area. Join us to learn about the natural history of the waterway that is the heart of the Berkshires.

Instructions and Directions: Directions to the meeting place provided upon registration. Children must be at least 10 years old, accompanied by an adult, and know how to swim. Call for information. Registration is required.

Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
472 West Mountain Road
Lenox, MA  01240
413-637-0320
www.massaudubon.org

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Home(town) Security - Majora Carter - at UMass

Majora Carter will present the keynote at a national conference at UMass - and you are invited! 

Sunday, June 23, 2013 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM (EDT) UMass Amherst Campus Center Auditorium
Urban revitalization strategist and Peabody Award winning broadcaster Majora Carter will be kicking off the Permaculture Your Campus Conference with her keynote address, "Home(town) Security."   Majora Carter is responsible for the creation & successful implementation of numerous green-infrastructure projects, policies, and job training & placement systems. After establishing several local and national organizations to carry on that work, she built on this foundation with innovative ventures and insights into urban economic developments designed to help move Americans out of poverty.
 
Tickets can be obtained at "Get Your Tickets Here" for this event.
You must preregister to attend this event!  This event is open to the public, and tickets are available on a sliding scale.

All donations will go towards scholarships for the Permaculture Your Campus Conference.

For more information email Info@UMassPermaculture.com

And please send this Facebook Event link to your friends!  

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"Ferns & Fern Allies of New England" w/John Burns

Friday 6/21 9:30-3:00 ($30 Tuition - Lunch Included)

Botanist John Burns will be teaching a class about the non-flowering species of plants of New England: ferns, clubmoss, and horsetails.  In the morning we will review the distinctive features of each of these groups used in identification and learn how their life cycles are different from the seed producing flowering plants.

Participants can expect to see fabulous slides of ferns, clubmosses, and horsetails as well as fresh and pressed specimens collected during the previous field season.  This will prepare us for our afternoon foray into Aton Forest’s fields and woodlands where we’ll be able to find numerous species and more clearly see the settings in which they grow.

JOHN BURNS works for the New England Wild Flower Society as the Administrative Coordinator for the Plant Conservation Volunteer Program.  He has traveled as far as southern Brazil to study ferns and has done fieldwork throughout the northeast.

AND

"Trees, Bark & Field Illustration" w/Michael Wojtech

Saturday 6/29 9:00-1:00 ($30 Tuition - Lunch Included)

The traits typically used to describe trees—leaves, twigs, and buds—are often hard to see or, in the case of leaves, absent more than half the year. Join Michael for an exploration of bark, which is always visible, in any season. You will learn about and practice using a system for identifying species by their bark, and begin to discover why such a variety of bark characteristics exist. 

Michael will also lead a series of field drawing exercises that will help you recognize different bark traits. Our goal will be to enhance our sense of perception and record our observations for further reference once we leave the field (with less emphasis on producing a finished drawing). 

MICHAEL WOJTECH is a writer, educator, photographer, and illustrator, who strives to share the science and beauty of natural history in an accessible and compelling fashion. One of his latest projects is the book Bark: A Field Guide to Trees of the Northeast.

Both workshops will be held at Aton Forest Headquarters (270 N. Colebrook Rd. Norfolk, CT 06058)
Registration and payment required in advance (check by mail OR PayPal at www.atonforest.org)

For more information please contact us at (860)542-5125 or contact@atonforest.org

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Canoe Trip to Upper and Lower Goose Ponds

Sponsored by Berkshire Sanctuaries

Sat, Jun 29, 2013 8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Location: Upper and Lower Goose Ponds
Instructor: Rene Laubach - Director, Berkshire Wildlife Sanctuaries
Audience: Adult
Members: Adult $20.00
Nonmembers: Adult $25.00

Explore the coves and marshes of one of the Berkshires' most beautiful lakes. Paddle across Lower Goose Pond to pristine Upper Goose Pond in search of ravens, hawks, herons, and a variety of songbirds. Eat a snack onshore and search for interesting plant and animal life along the Appalachian Trail. We will walk one mile on the AT before paddling back.  

Instructions and Directions: Directions to the meeting place in Lee will be provided upon registration. Due to possible windy conditions, previous canoe experience is required. Bring food, drink, insect repellent, and sunscreen.   Registration is required. Please call 413-637-0320

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WRLF to host Firefly Hike, campfire at Sheep Hill        
                  
Saturday June 29th 8 -10:00 PM                                  
                 
On Saturday evening June 29th head out to Sheep Hill in Williamstown at dusk to meander the meadows for a bedazzling firefly show. One of Williamstown Rural Land Foundation’s most popular events, the evening includes a round of family storytelling by Williamstown’s own three-generational Leamon boys. From the hills of Yorkshire, England via Lubbock, Texas and finally to the Purple Valley, Grandfather Tom will retell his famed bedtime stories with the participation of son, Jonathan, and grandson, Zach. "Crocko-Rollo (A Terrified Horse, two Tractors, (one nice and one not so nice), A night with a fearful Storm and a Bog with Quick Sand and no escape.)" is just one of the fascinating stories that may be told.

Before heading out into the meadow amongst the "lightening bugs", roast marshmallows over the campfire and make s‘mores. Bring blankets and wear insect repellent.  The event starts at 8:00 pm and goes until 10:00 pm.

Suggested donation is $3, $6 per family.  Severe weather cancels the event.

Sheep Hill is a conservation property and headquarters of the Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation, a non-profit, member-supported land conservation trust.  Sheep Hill is located on Route 7, about one mile south of the Williamstown rotary.  For more information visit www.wrlf.org .  

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Live Birds of Prey
Bartholomew’s Cobble, Sheffield MA
Saturday, June 29 | 10AM - 12Noon

Join wildlife rehabilitator Tom Ricardi to meet - in person - the hawks, owls, falcons, eagle and turkey vulture that he cares for.  Tom’s respect for living creatures and his fascinating stories make him an inspirational presenter for all ages.  Members:  Adult $8;  Child (6-12) $4. Nonmembers: Adult $10;  Child (6-12) $5.  Call 413.229.8600 for details.

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Commit to take Climate Action on 350MA One-Year Anniversary on June 30th in Worcester
from 350MA

If you are concerned about the climate and ready to commit to action, you are welcome and encouraged to join with climate activists from across Massachusetts to share ideas and set plans for the climate movement. We will emerge from this assembly with an updated vision and 12-month plan for climate activism in our state. The assembly will be organized around three themes: Fossil Fuel Infrastructure, Legislation, and Movement Strength. Everyone who is excited to be a leader in MA is welcome to come, whether you are a veteran or a developing leader! We will have the assembly on the June 30th, then participate in a direct action on July 1st (with an overnight in Worcester). Admission is free, but we ask for a donation, if possible, to cover food and lodging costs. SIGN UP HERE!

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Passenger Rail Station Public Workshops

The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission and the Housatonic Railroad Company will host a public workshop on June 26th at the Lenox Town Hall Auditorium in Lenox, MA, and on July 10th at Monument Mountain High School in Great Barrington, MA to introduce plans for the proposed restoration of passenger rail service between New York City and the Berkshires, as well as to describe initial efforts to analyze suitable station area locations within Berkshire County. The workshops are being held on two different nights and in two different locations for the convenience of the public.

These initial public meetings will provide members of the public with an overview of the station location and design analysis project and an overview of Housatonic Railroad’s plan to restore passenger rail service to the Berkshires. Members of the public will be asked to participate in small group discussions on a variety of topics related to the proposed restoration of passenger rail service to the Berkshires.

This effort is funded by the federal Department of Transportation’s Transportation, Community and System Preservation Program. The primary intent of this study is to identify potential sites for passenger rail stations along the rail corridor, to study the potential impacts of those locations on communities and to maximize the potential benefits of renewed passenger rail service.

For questions, please contact Briand Domina at bdomina@berkshireplanning.org or (413) 442-1521 x14.

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Discovering Butterflies Program

Local naturalist Pamela Weatherbee will be leading a butterfly identification walk at Mountain Meadow Preserve in Williamstown on Sunday July 7 beginning at 1 PM.  The high meadow has a great variety of wildflowers to attract butterflies, which are most active during warm weather.  Participants will learn how to identify the variety of butterflies found in the area. The walk is not strenuous but dress for full sun exposure and bring water.

Mountain Meadow is a preserve owned by The Trustees of Reservations, a non-profit conservation organization which preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts.  Mountain Meadow is located off Route 7 north, on Mason Street.

The program is open to the public and free of charge. Rain cancels.  For directions or more information call or email The Trustees of Reservations at 413-458-3135 or westregion@ttor.org.

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New Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom Summer Conference

Mark your Calendars! MAC is now in the process of developing the schedule for a new Summer Conference with focus on curriculum connections from the school garden to the classroom.  It will be held on Thursday, July 18 in Holden with multiple concurrent workshop sessions.

Read more as we develop the details.

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MACC Spring-Summer Training Schedule

Exploring Wetland Shrubs
Thursday, July 11, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Garden in the Woods, Framingham
Instructor: Roland “Boot” Boutwell
Co-Sponsor: New England Wildflower Society
With a pond, a stream and a bog, the Garden provides us with an excellent field site to examine shrubs that grow in and around wetlands. We also cover a few shrubs that grow in higher and drier habitats. In addition to identification of 15-20 New England shrubs, the class includes some fun and interesting natural history. Please bring lunch, and a hand lens and shrub field guide, if you have them. Attendance is limited to 16 people.

CLASS IS FULL! Please call MACC at 617-489-3930 to be added to the waiting list. Additional spaces may become available in June.

Soil Science: Field Skills Workshop
Wednesday, July 10, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Sudbury
Instructors: Peter Fletcher and Gillian Davies
Combination: lecture, PowerPoint slides, hands-on exercises, field exercise. Topics: soils of Massachusetts; geologic history and its influence on our soils; soil texture; percent sand, silt & clay; soil color; describing a soil profile; estimating depth to seasonal high water table. The afternoon field trip: will work together in teams to describe different soil test pits in the field which will cover a broad range of soil features. Field equipment will be provided. Lunch and Soil Workbook included.

To register click HERE.

Hydric Soil Workshop: Field Identification, Documentation and Delineation
Thursday, July 18, 9:00 a.m. – 4: 00 p.m.
Sharon Community Center, Sharon
Instructors: Peter Fletcher and Gillian Davies
Combination: lecture, slides, overhead transparencies, hands-on exercises, and field exercise. Topics: Upland Soils vs. Wetland Soils; Soil Features Associated with Wetlands. Several sites will be visited that have varied wetland and soil conditions. Participants will work in small groups and delineate the hydric soil boundary using the MassDEP Methodology. Field equipment will be provided. Lunch and soil workbook included.

To register click HERE.

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New England Environmental Justice Summit

Start: 07/20/2013 - 10:00am - 3:00pm

Save the date for our New England Environmental Justice Forum! Last year was a great success, and we look forward to another day of building relationships and sharing strategies for environmental justice. Stay tuned for more details!

Saturday, July 20, 2013
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Clark University
950 Main Street
Tilton Hall
Worcester

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Climate Leader Workshops
Come to a 350.org Climate Leader Workshop staffed by Better Future Project this summer, and get the tools you need to be a stellar climate leader!
Pioneer Valley (Springfield): Saturday, July 20th, and Sunday, July 21st
SIGN UP HERE!

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Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center
June 2013 Summer Programs

Sunday, June 23. 7pm-9pm         Full “SuperMoon” Hike
Hike along the Center's trails and observe the SuperMoon rise above Dyken Pond. 

Saturday and Sunday, June 29 and 30. 9am- 11am             Free Fishing Day 
Fish without a license sponsored by New York State. Guides will be available to help you get started if you've never fished before. Use our fishing poles or bring your own. 

Sunday, June 30. 2pm-4pm         Community Folk Art Project
Local artist Ellen Crane leads this community art day. Drawing upon the rich tradition of fish decoys, participants will use their imagination to create  distinctive and whimsical folk art fish using paint, glass beads and tacks.  24 folk art fish will be permanently installed as "Fish Out of Water".  For all ages. Help us create folk art! 
 
July 2013 Summer Programs

All Junior Naturalist Programs will be on Tuesdays from 1pm-3pm.

Tuesday, July 2. 1pm-3pm           Beautiful Butterflies and Mysterious Moths
Junor Naturalist Program. For kids all ages
Come learn about the fascinating world of butterflies and moths.  We will go out into the field to catch different species of butterflies and moths indigenous to Dyken Pond and learn how their life cycles differ from one another. $1 suggested donation.

Tuesday, July 9. 1pm-3pm           Amphibian Awareness Adventure
Junior Naturalist Program. For kids all ages

An adventure through Dyken Pond’s trail systems in a hunt for salamanders and frogs.  Learn the different calls of frogs present at Dyken Pond and learn why amphibians are so important in the wild.  Great for all ages. $1 suggested donation.

Tuesday, July 16. 1pm-3pm         Pollination at a Glance
Junior Naturalist Program. For kids all ages

Learn all about the Northeast’s pollinators!  We will also identify different flowering species and the parts of the flower that are crucial for the pollination process.  For all ages. $1 suggested donation.

Saturday, July 20. 7pm-9pm        Full Moon Kayak Tour
Public Program.

Come for a full moon kayaking adventure! Pre-registration required. Bring your own boat or rent one of ours. $10 per boat. Limited to 12 boats. 

Sunday, July 21. 9am-12pm         Herpetofaunal Bio-Blitz
Public Program.

Come survey Dyken Pond’s wetland and forest ecosystems in search for amphibians and reptiles!  Bring your rubber boots because some of us could get muddy.  Great fun for all ages. $1 suggested donation.

Tuesday, July 23. 1pm-3pm         Wonderful Weasels 
Junior Naturalist Program.

Weasels are some of the more curious creatures on the planet. Weasels found at Dyken Pond include river otter, mink and fisher.  On this easy hike, we will look for different weasel signs.  $1 suggested donation.


Please visit our website at www.dykenpond.org for more information, a full list of programs for the 2013 summer and directions.

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National Conference on Ecological Restoration

National Conference on Ecological Restoration - From July 29-August 2, the Fifth National Conference on Ecosystem Restoration (NCER) will take place in Chicago, Illinois. This interdisciplinary forum entails five days of presentations in six program tracks, multiple workshops, poster sessions, field trips, and discussions dedicated to both small and large scale ecosystem restoration programs.

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Housatonic River Clean Ups
Help us get the trash out of our river!
Organized by Berkshire Environmental Action Team(BEAT) and the Housatonic Valley Association (HVA)

Saturday, June 22 - Pittsfield

Volunteer for the River! Participate in a river clean up organized by HVA, BEAT, First Church on Park Square and South Congregational Church in Pittsfield.  On Saturday, June 22 help clean up the West Branch of the Housatonic River in Pittsfield. Meet at 9:00 am at Wahconah Park, 105 Wahconah Street, Pittsfield. Clean up groups will be organized to work north and south of the new river access and in other locations of the West Branch. Canoes will be used to move collected trash to an exit point. Volunteers are recommended to wear old sneakers or waders (a few pairs of waders will be available to borrow) and to bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent and a hat.  Trash bags and work gloves are provided. Thanks to donations from local businesses volunteers will enjoy morning coffee, snacks and lunch. Pouring rain or thunder cancels.  For more information or to register for a clean-up, please call HVA at 413-394-9796 or call BEAT at 413-230-7321 or send an email to  jane@thebeatnews.org or adixon@hvatoday.org. Cosponsored by the City of Pittsfield and American Rivers.

 

 
Saturday, July 27 - Pittsfield

Volunteer for the River! Participate in a river clean up organized by HVA, BEAT, First Church on Park Square and South Congregational Church in Pittsfield. On Saturday, July 27 help clean up the West Branch of the Housatonic River in Pittsfield. Meet at 9:00 am at Wahconah Park, 105 Wahconah Street, Pittsfield. Clean up groups will be organized to work north and south of the new river access and in other locations of the West Branch. Canoes will be used to move collected trash to an exit point. Volunteers are recommended to wear old sneakers or waders (a few pairs of waders will be available to borrow) and to bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent and a hat.  Trash bags and work gloves are provided. Thanks to donations from local businesses volunteers will enjoy morning coffee, snacks and lunch. Pouring rain or thunder cancels. For more information or to register for a clean-up, please call HVA at 413-394-9796 or call BEAT at 413-230-7321 or send an email to jane@thebeatnews.org or adixon@hvatoday.org. Cosponsored by the City of Pittsfield and American Rivers.


DATE:  Saturday, August 10
TIME:  9:00am – 1:00pm (approximate ending time)
MEETING LOCATION:  Housatonic River Walk at the end of Church Street, Great Barrington
DETAILS:  We will focus on removing trash from the banks and the river bottom below the Housatonic River Walk and south. Several tires need to be removed. Canoes will be used to transport people and trash. PFDs (life jackets) are required by participants using canoes or in the water.   
What YOU should bring: Water, sunscreen, insect repellent, change of clothes
What WE provide:  Morning snacks! LUNCH! Trash bags and gloves. PFDs where necessary.
Let us know you are coming!  Contact Alison Dixon at adixon@hvatoday.org (tel 413-394-9796) or Jane Winn at jane@thebeatnews.org   (413-230-7321).

Founded in 1941, HVA protects and restores the land and waters of the Housatonic watershed from its source in the Pittsfield, Massachusetts area to Long Island Sound.  Visit www.hvatoday.org for more information.

BEAT works to protect the environment for wildlife, keeps the public informed of current local issues that could have an impact on the environment, and helps people work together to take action to protect the environment. Visit www.thebeatnews.org for more information.

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Young Naturalist Walking Series
Summer 2013 | Bartholomew’s Cobble

Ornithology | Sunday, June 30 | 8:15–10:15am
Join Isaiah Sigman Wender on a morning of bird watching. At the ripe age of 12, he has already led bird walks for the NY State Young Birder’s Club in Central Park. In late June the Cobble is home to many nesting warblers, marsh birds, and waterfowl along the Housatonic. Isaiah has seen such rarities as Harris’ sparrow, golden-winged warbler, and Northern bobwhite at the Cobble.

Herpetology | Saturday, July 27 | 10am–12noon
Join Eugene Dolan on a search for reptiles and amphibians. Eugene, age 10, has been catching critters since he could walk! He is often called upon by his neighbors to remove “nuisance” snakes from basements and backyards. He even co-led a program at the beach club where he and his family are members, extolling the virtues of water snakes and why they shouldn’t be harmed at the club!

Botany | Saturday, August 10 | 10am–12noon
Join Robert Ferren on a stroll through one of Berkshire County’s most botanically rich ecosytems. Robert, age 8, has been taught natural history by his college professor father since birth! He is an absolute whizz at plant identification and is pretty good at bird calls, too.

Come on out and support these young naturalists – and have fun!
Much of the proceeds go directly the children for their continued education in nature.
Members: Adult/Child $5; Family $13. Nonmembers: Adult/Child $7; Family $16.
Please pre-register: rwendell@ttor.org or 413.229.8600.

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2013 International Conference on Pollinator Biology, Health and Policy

We are pleased to announce that Penn State's Center for Pollinator Research will be hosting the 2013 International Conference on Pollinator Biology, Health and Policy.  The conference will be held from August 14-17, 2013, at University Park, PA.  A major theme for this year's conference will be examining the effects of environmental contaminants on pollinators, along with symposia focusing on pollinator behavior, physiology, host-parasite interactions, conservation, ecosystems services, and policy.

For more information, please see the attached pdf or visit the conference website: ento.psu.edu/pollinators/conference-2013

Online registration and submission of abstracts for oral and poster presentations will be available in early February 2013.  If you are interested in receiving an email when registration opens, please send
a message to csco@psu.edu

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Science in the City Parks

Lead by science educator, Lisa Provencher, Science in the Parks is a FREE program where kids will learn about water and the environment and why keeping our parks clean is important. All ages are invited.

Join us this summer and discover a fascinating world right in our own city parks. Parents plan on your kids having fun and getting wet and dirty. We will be testing the pH of the water, identifying water plants, aquatic insects, frogs and turtles. Children will learn to identify invasive species. There will be observations of wild animals as well as meeting some live animals up close and personal. Come on out and play with us and learn some new stuff at the same time.

Schedule:  Saturdays 10-12 (rain dates the following Sunday)

Dorothy Amos Park June 22 & 29
Clapp Park July 6 & 13
Pitt Park July 27
Conte Community School August 10 & 17

This program is supported by the Pittsfield Parks Commission, the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT), the Berkshire Environmental Endowment of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation and Dr. Augie’s Science and Art Programs.

For more information contact: Lisa at Dr.Augies@gmail.com or call 413-499-0692

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August 17, 2013 the Berkshire County 4-H Fair Association will be holding its 73rd annual Youth Fair.  This fair takes place at the Berkshire County 4-H Fairgrounds on Utility Drive (off Holmes Road) in Pittsfield from 9am-5pm and is FREE.  (no entry fee, no parking fee)  The fair itself is put on by youth for youth.  Any youth between the ages of 5 and 18 can enter the fair, the only rules are that the youth fall within that age range and that whatever they enter is their own (made by them, grown by them, raised by them).  The book to enter the fair will be available soon on the Massachusetts 4-H website, www.mass4h.org.

Please contact me if you have any further questions.

Angelica Paredes

Extension Educator

UMass Extension

Massachusetts 4-H Youth Development Program

Ph. (413) 448-8285

 

UMass Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer,

United States Department of Agriculture cooperating.

 

4-H is NOT about winning.  It's NOT about doing better than others.

4-H IS about doing the best you can.  It IS about being the best you

can be.  It IS about making this world the best it can be.

IT'S ALL ABOUT CHARACTER!  -Rutgers Cooperative Extension Leader Training Series

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Bascom Lodge celebrates its 75th Anniversary from June 1 through October 20.

75th Anniversary Program Highlights

JULY

July 13 &14 Bascom Lodge's 75th Anniversary Celebration Weekend
The festivities kick off on Saturday, July 13, with the raising of a Native American tipi, a mountain blessing, and drumming, from 12 to 4 p.m.

On Sunday, July 14, the celebration continues with Bascom Lodge's first annual Jazz Festival, in collaboration with Topia Arts Center. Hours TBD. The events are free and open to the public.

Wednesday, July 24: The Civilian Conservation Corps and Bascom Lodge
Alec Gillman, a Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Interpretive Ranger at Mount Greylock State Reservation, presents an illustrated talk about the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) on Mount Greylock and the building of Bascom Lodge. Held in the lobby from 6 to 7 p.m. Free.

AUGUST

Sunday, August 11: America Eats! On the Road with the WPA - the Fish Fries, Box Supper Socials, and Chittlin' Feasts That Define Real American Food
Pat Willard explores the regional nooks and crannies of American cuisine: Places where Works Project Administration (WPA) writers such as Eudora Welty, Saul Bellow, Ralph Ellison and Nelson Algren, among countless others, were dispatched in 1935 to document the roots of America's diverse culinary cuisine. Held in the lobby from 6 to 7 p.m. Free.
A prix fixe dinner based on menus from the book will be offered after the talk and book signing. For reservations, contact  mail@bascomlodge.net 

Wednesday, August 21: The WPA and CCC in Massachusetts
Max Grinell discusses the projects done by the WPA and CCC in Massachusetts during the 1930s. Held in the lobby from 6 to 7 p.m. Free.    
For more information: http://bascomlodge.net/Events.html
  

In addition to 75th Anniversary programs and events, Bascom Lodge presents a diverse and lively schedule of weekly talks and presentations relating to nature, history, science, cuisine, and music from June through October. A complete schedule of programs, events, special activities for families and children, and dining menus is available online at http://bascomlodge.net 

In conjunction with IS183 Art School of the Berkshires, the Lodge will offer eight art and photography workshops on Sundays in June, July and August. For more information: http://bascomlodge.net/Workshops.html 

About Bascom Lodge
Bascom Lodge is a landmarked historic building in Adams, Mass. The Lodge was constructed between 1932-1938, using native materials of Greylock schist and red spruce. It was a project of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a federal jobs program during the Depression, and is a classic example of the rustic Arts and Crafts-style design of period park structures. The Lodge was named in honor of John Bascom, a Greylock Reservation Commissioner and Williams College professor, who had a strong association with the mountain during his lifetime.

Bascom Lodge is open daily from June 1 through October 20, 2013. The restaurant and café provide a varied and changing menu inspired by regional American cuisine, emphasizing fresh, organic, locally produced foods. Breakfast is served from 8 to 10 a.m.; lunch from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and a prix fixe dinner is served at one seating at 7 p.m., for which reservations are required. A Sunset Beverage Hour is offered Wednesday through Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. with wine and beer available for purchase. The Lodge has six private guest rooms and two shared co-ed rooms with bunk beds and can accommodate 34 overnight guests. Bascom Lodge also hosts weddings, private events and retreats.

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August 23-25, The 2013 Solidarity and Green Economy Conference, Worcester, MA,

Worcester SAGE announces the 3rd Annual Solidarity and Green Economy Conference Please plan on joining activists, organizers, educators, community leaders, non-profits and other individuals and organizations who are committed to forging more equitable and sustainable ways of organizing our economies and communities. 

As the increasing efforts across the state around sustainable, cooperative and alternative economics attest, another economy is possible. In order to embrace and support the growing movement, this year's conference will take place over the course of 3 days. Sessions, workshops, and discussions will help to plan and enact solidarity economy initiatives and relationships, launch new and support existing campaigns, and discuss the possibilities of a statewide solidarity economy initiative.

More details including specific location in Worcester, overview of the days' events, and registration information coming soon.

In the meantime, to learn more about Worcester SAGE, to get involved in planning this year's conference, and to watch comprehensive video footage of last year's conference, go to http://www.worcestersagealliance.org/

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Project Native Events Calendar

Summer Butterfly & Bug Safaris

Saturday, June 22nd, 9:30am - 10:30am
Sunday, June 30th, 10:00am - 11:00am
Saturday, July 6th, 9:30am - 10:30am
Saturday, July 20th, 9:30am - 10:30am
Saturday, July 27th, 9:30am - 10:30am
Saturday, August 10th, 9:30am - 10:30am
Saturday, August 24th, 9:30am - 10:30am

Participants will gather at Project Native (weather permitting – must not be raining, preferably sunny). The group will get a brief overview of Project Native and the Butterfly House. The group will then leave on safari to find and collect eggs, caterpillars and butterflies to relocate into the Butterfly House.

Participants will learn tricks for finding eggs and caterpillars, ways to identify host plants and ecologically harvest food for caterpillars in the Butterfly House. All ages are welcome to participate. Please note, safaris do require walking on uneven ground, and children should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

 

Family Yoga in the Garden

Saturday, June 22nd, 9:30am - 10:30am
Sunday, June 30th, 10:00am - 11:00am

Come join Morgan as she takes us on a yoga journey through the farm, we will buzz with the bees, stand tall as trees, jump like frogs, and be still and relax with the nature around us! Bring water and a yoga mat (if you have one—but don’t worry if you don't).

Morgan Windram-Geddes is a yoga teacher in Scotland who works with all age groups but her passion is working with children and young people whose ability to let their imaginations and creativity run wild comes naturally! Morgan has received her 200 hour teaching qualification from the Independent Yoga Network in Scotland. She currently teaches regular group classes to beginners and advanced adult yoga students and is also working with individuals with specific needs. Being outdoors is the place where she feels most 'at home' and therefore anticipates the opportunity to bring yoga to the gardens at Project Native.


Native Flower Arranging

Saturday, August 24th, 9:00am - 12:00 noon
(Raindate Sunday, August 25th)

Project Native is pleased to offer a floral design workshop lead by Lou Kratt. Lou has worked in several Columbia County florists as well providing floral design work for Berkshire Botanical Garden and Project Native.

Participants will learn how to collect native flowers from Project Native seed bank and meadow as well as conditioning of flowers, basic design tips, and methods of preserving flowers. Creative ideas for unique containers will be discussed as well as using branches and grasses to achieve unique designs.

Each participant will collect flowers/greens, learn conditioning methods, and will design their own arrangement to take home.

Fee: $20
Space is limited. Pre-registration is required.
Call 413-274-3433 to register.

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Be a Stormwater Advocate…

Please join us for unique training this summer and learn how to fix problems that harm your town's water.  This Stormwater Advocates Training (SWAT) offers a mix of stimulating workshops and fieldwork for people who want to help their communities reduce polluted runoff.  

Communities are unaware that streets are pathways that convey hot, dirty, oily storm runoff into streams and ponds.  These pollutants accumulate and cause the steady decline of urban and suburban waterways. 

Fortunately, there are effective and inexpensive practices to remedy stormwater problems.  Expert speakers will present valuable guidance and participants will receive MWC assistance in selecting practices to achieve the most pollutant reduction for the least cost.

SWAT training is being offered at two locations:  Central MA workshops on July 20 & 23 in Worcester, and Western MA workshops on August 24 & 29 in Northampton.   The registration fee is $40 for two workshops, training materials and refreshments. 

A detailed description is available online at www.commonwaters.org/events/be-a-stormwater-advocate.  Please forward this notice to anyone who may be interested - all are welcome.   For more information, please email bgy@commonwaters.org or phone 978-534-0379.

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*Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center presents: Volunteer Trail Work Days! Saturday June 22nd 10am.  Come help this newly formed non-profit environmental center clear and blaze trails in Windsor, MA with Naturalist Aimee Gelinas M.Ed. Email: aimee@gaiaroots.com to register. Food provided for participants.   Visit www.tamarackhollow.com for more info about the center & directions.

*Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center & the Cultural Council of Northern Berkshire Present: Saturday June 29th 9-1 Old Growth Trees & Spectacular Views Hike at Monroe State Forest with Naturalist Aimee Gelinas M.Ed. FREE/Donations accepted. Register by emailing: aimee@gaiaroots.com. More info at www.tamarackhollow.com

*Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center & Mass Audubon Present: Saturday July 13th 10-1 Northern Boreal Forest Tree/Plant ID Hike at Tamarack Hollow, Windsor with Naturalist Aimee Gelinas M.Ed. Tamarack Hollow Trading Post will be open – bring cash/check.  Register/pay fee at www.massaudubon.org or call (413) 584-3009. More info at www.tamarackhollow.com

*Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center presents: Volunteer Trail Work Days! Saturday July 6th 10am.  Come help this newly formed non-profit environmental center clear and blaze trails in Windsor, MA. Email: aimee@gaiaroots.com to register. Food provided for participants.   Visit www.tamarackhollow.com for more info about the center & directions.

*Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center & the Dalton Cultural Council Present: Wahconah Falls Natural & Cultural History Walk – Talc Mines, Waterfalls, Glacier Erratics and MORE! Saturday July 21st 9am-11am with Naturalist Aimee Gelinas M.Ed. FREE/Donations accepted. Register by emailing: aimee@gaiaroots.com. More info at www.tamarackhollow.com

*Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center & The Trustees of Reservations Present: Tuesday July 23rd 8-10pm Full Moon Hike at Notchview Reservation, Windsor, MA with Naturalist Aimee Gelinas M.Ed. Register/pay fee 413.532.1631 x10 or email pvregion@ttor.org. More info at www.tamarackhollow.com

*Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center & The Trustees of Reservations Present: Saturday July 27th 11am-1pm Chesterfield Gorge Exploration of the Westfield River Watershed with Naturalist Aimee Gelinas M.Ed. Register/pay fee 413.532.1631 x10 or email pvregion@ttor.org. More info at www.tamarackhollow.com

*Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center & The Trustees of Reservations Present: Saturday August 3rd 10am-12noon Bryant Homestead Big Trees & Stories of Land Hike, Cummington with Naturalist Aimee Gelinas M.Ed. Register/pay fee 413.532.1631 x10 or email pvregion@ttor.org. More info at www.tamarackhollow.com 

*Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center & the Cultural Council of Northern Berkshire Present: Saturday August 10th 9am-12noon Carnivorous Plants & Wetland plant/tree ID hike to Bog Pond at Savoy State Forest with Naturalist Aimee Gelinas M.Ed. FREE/Donations accepted. Register by emailing: aimee@gaiaroots.com. More info at www.tamarackhollow.com

*Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center & Mass Audubon Present: Saturday August 17th 9-1 Berkshire Plateau "Drowned Lands” Watershed Backcountry Hike, at Tamarack Hollow in Windsor, MA with Naturalist Aimee Gelinas M.Ed. Tamarack Hollow Trading Post will be open – bring cash/check.  Register/pay fee at www.massaudubon.org or call (413) 584-3009. More info at www.tamarackhollow.com

*Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center presents: Volunteer Trail Work Days! Saturday August 31st 10am.  Come help this newly formed non-profit environmental center clear and blaze trails in Windsor, MA. Email: aimee@gaiaroots.com to register. Food provided for participants.   Visit www.tamarackhollow.com for more info about the center & directions.

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“CHARCOAL BEFORE the BRIQUET “
A Brief History of the Charcoal Industry

Illustrated lecture by Shirley Sutton at Bascom Lodge (Event Flier pdf)

Mount Greylock - Adams, MA
Wednesday, September 4, 2013 @ 6pm  
Free admission.

Fixed price dinner follows – dinner reservations required.
www.bascomlodge.net                    
413-743-1591

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Join Us for CAN’s Annual Meeting
When: Saturday, August 24, 2013 at 10:00 AM
Where: First Congregational Church, 43 Silver Street, Greenfield, MA
What: Yes, CAN is having its annual meeting.
A great breakfast will be served to all who come. We have a great chef creating this splendid breakfast. This is our gift to the community for all the years you've supported us and our work.
We've shut three nukes, run action camps, high level and low level waste tours throughout the country, organized health studies of our community, and have our own lobbyist - the people's lobbyist - in Montpelier!
We remain committed to closing Vermont Yankee. We are so close. Come hear speakers talk about Entergy's sinking finances at its Massachusetts, Vermont and New York nukes. Hear about the dark side of the opposition to sustainable energy solutions. Find out what we're doing and what you can do to ensure that Vermont Yankee closes.

 

Non-violent civil disobedience to shut Vermont Yankee
When: Sunday, September 8, 2013 at 2:00 PM
Where: Vermont Yankee
What: This non-violent civil disobedience event will only happen if we get at least five people by 9/1. Now we have three people who will do it and one person who probably will. Please contact Eesha Williams at ewilliams@ValleyPost.org or 802-254-2531. We will notify the media and the police in advance. People are welcome to come and support us without getting arrested.
Please RSVP since there is limited parking.

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Third Saturdays (7/20, 8/17, 9/21)
Pittsfield Repair Cafe

The next Pittsfield Repair Cafe will be Saturday, July 20th, between 1:00 and 5:00 pm in the basement of St. Stephen's Church, 67 East Street, in Pittsfield.

The Pittsfield Resilience Circle has been holding monthly repair events since January, fixing Berkshire County residents' broken and damaged items for free, at the Pittsfield Repair Cafe.

The next Repair Cafe is in need of a sewing volunteer or two, a computer repair person, and a bicycle repair person. If you would like to volunteer, contact Tom Harter at 413-212-8589 or email Janet Henderson at jmh227@hotmail.com.

The original Repair Cafe idea started with one event in the Netherlands in 2009 (repaircafe.org) and has spread throughout that country, where there are now 100 groups holding the free events. Recently, people in other countries have started their own Repair Cafes. The Pittsfield Repair Cafe is one of the few being held in the United States to date.

Anyone is welcome to bring non-working lamps, vacuum cleaners and other small appliances, and all types of clothing and fabric items to the Repair Cafe, where they will be repaired by volunteers.

If you are interested in having something repaired, remember the event is held only once a month, on the third Saturday, from 1:00 until 5:00 pm. You needn't arrive right at 1:00; in fact, organizers say, it works better if people stagger their arrival times throughout the afternoon, so there isn't a rush all at once.

Volunteers fix as many articles as possible in the time available. Guests can watch their item being repaired and learn a little about how repairs are done. Repair persons say that, if your broken item needs a part, and you know what it needs, it will save time if you bring the part with you.

Thank you to Berkshire Bike and Board, the new sponsor of the Pittsfield Repair Cafe.

You can see photos of past Pittsfield Repair Cafes on Facebook at The Pittsfield Repair Cafe.

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HVA Offers Free River Paddle Trips

The Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) invites you to paddle the Housatonic River this summer. Choose from five paddle trips which will explore the natural beauty and historical significance of the Housatonic River. The trips are diverse and include paddling the headwaters in Hinsdale and negotiating numerous beaver dams to an easy flat water paddle of the Housatonic as it flows into Connecticut. For all but the Hinsdale trip, you may reserve a canoe. Registration is required -- for further information and to register contact HVA at 413-394-9796.

On Wednesday, June 19th, join us at 3pm for an early evening, short paddle trip that will allow you to explore the Housatonic as it flows through Lee. Experience is helpful for this stretch which begins at the Athletic Field on Housatonic Street in Lee and ends about 5 miles further downriver behind the HVA office in South Lee. There is some quick water and downed trees to negotiate at the beginning.  Participants are invited join in a potluck meal afterwards. Russ Cohen, who works for the Massachusetts Department of Ecological Restoration, will paddle along with us and provide insights into the river’s ecology, including the importance of leaving fallen trees in the river, what animals we might encounter and identifying invasive plants along the river corridor.

Explore Stockbridge on Wednesday, July 31st from 3:00pm – 6:30pm and learn about the original residents of the Housatonic Valley. This easy, family friendly trip of 4.5 miles will take you past the Country Club and to the Glendale dam. The trip will end just before the dam at a new official access installed in 2012.

Extend your paddling experience into Connecticut on Saturday, September 14th during our 10+mile flat water paddle from New Milford to Bridgewater. This trip will include paddling through the high canyon walls of Lover’s Leap Gorge.

Fall colors will highlight the last paddle trip of the season on Saturday, October 5th as we paddle from Rannapo Road to Falls Village in Connecticut. In addition to enjoying the autumn foliage, we will learn about nineteenth century industry in the HousatonicValley.

HVA will supply canoes and life jackets for those who reserve them (except for the June 1st paddle, as noted above). Paddlers who bring their own canoes or kayaks must also have life jackets for everyone in their group. Other items that should be brought along are drinking water, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent and snacks.

Dennis Regan, HVA Program Director, said, “Our paddle trips of the Housatonic and its tributaries allow people to experience the beauty of the river valley. What better way to learn about the river than to paddle on it?"
  
The event is free but pre-registration is required. Each trip is limited to 15 people. For more information and to register, please contact Alison Dixon at HVA’s office in Lee, Massachusetts, 413-394-9796, or email her at adixon@hvatoday.org.

HVA, a tri-state nonprofit citizen’s environmental group founded in 1941, works to conserve the natural character and environmental health of its communities by protecting and restoring the land and waters of the 2,000-square-mile Housatonic watershed from its source in the Pittsfield, Massachusetts area to Long Island Sound. HVA is monitoring water quality, adding sections to the Housatonic RiverBelt Greenway (linking preserved space along the Housatonic River with hiking and biking trails), and using computer mapping to help towns measure the impact and benefits of land use and development. HVA also sponsors the Litchfield Hills Greenprint Collaborative in protecting more land across northwest Connecticut. It has offices in Cornwall Bridge, Connecticut; South Lee, Massachusetts and Wassaic,

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North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival
15 Years of Celebration!

Event Name: 15th Annual North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival
Event Date: Saturday and Sunday, October 5 and 6 10 a.m. to 5 PM both days.  Shine or Rain
Location:   Forster’s Farm, 60 Chestnut Hill Rd.  Orange, MA 01364, No Pets Allowed
Full Details on the festival Website: www.garlicandarts.org
Admission: Only: $5 per day for Adults, $8 for weekend pass. Kids 12 and under free.  

Mark your calendars for the North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival, on October 5 and 6, 2013.

Celebrate and Be Inspired; it’s the 15th year of ‘The Festival that Stinks,’ consistently rated in the Top 3 Local Festivals by the Valley Advocate ‘Best Of’ readers poll.
There’s something for everyone at this fabulous family destination, held on a beautiful historic farm in Orange, MA. Buy local, be local: support the bounty of over 100 booths featuring regional artists, farmers, and community organizations; strengthen communities by purchasing locally crafted and grown. Relax and celebrate life with great music, performance, spoken word, and dance on two solar powered stages and throughout the rolling fields and forest. Gain inspiration with over sixty inspiring presentations and activities, plus exhibitor demos, and great art and nature activities for kids. Get silly with garlic games galore including the famous raw garlic-eating contest. Travel the garlic globe with celebrated chef demos, and fill your belly with glorious, farm fresh and savory cuisine as you relax in the food courts overlooking the festivities. Energize your life with informative workshops in the renewable energy and healing arts tents. Orange is the New Green: trash free (well, only three bags of garbage for 10,000 people) with everything else recycled or transformed into fertile compost. All this for an incredible, affordable family friendly admission: $5.00 per day for adults, weekend pass $8.00, kids 12 and under free, free shuttle and parking too. Celebrate and Be Inspired!

To get there: Route 2 to Exit 16, then route 202 South (or 202 North from points south) and follow the signs to the free shuttle for a short ride to the festival entrance. Parking at the festival site is for carpools of 3 or more or handicap tags. Save Fuel: bike or carpool. Hikers! Park at the shuttle lot and enjoy a mile hike to the festival gate. No pets allowed at the festival or parking areas; please leave yours at home.

Get the whole bulb at: www.garlicandarts.org; the 2013 schedule of exhibitors, music, entertainment and games, chef demos, renewable energy, local living and healing arts workshops will be updated by July.

A fully volunteer committee of friends and neighbors, and Seeds of Solidarity Education Center, a non-profit organization, organize the North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival. Supporters include the Forster/Stewart Family, local businesses, and over 200 community volunteers the festival weekend! Festival proceeds keep the event sustainable and affordable, and support the festival’s community grant program for regional arts, agriculture, health and energy projects.

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Nice and Easy Hikes, Mt. Greylock

Get outdoors this summer with “Nice and Easy Hikes” around Mount Greylock State Reservation. The FREE hikes are held every Wednesday and Saturday at 9:00am, weekly from June 13-October 12. Call the Visitor Center (413) 499-4262 for hike location and meeting place. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather, sturdy walking shoes, and bring water and a snack.  In the event of rain the hike is cancelled.

The easy-paced, two-hour, one to two-mile walks geared especially for seniors, but open to all ages. A different trail is featured each week and may include plant/tree identification, birding or wildlife viewing depending on the interests of the hikers. Reasonable accommodations may be available upon request. Sponsored by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

Additionally, FREE Massachusetts Senior Parking passes are available at the Visitors Center for seniors aged 62 years or older that permit the card holder and passengers in the vehicle to park free at all DCR state and urban park facilities that charge a day-use parking fee. Seniors must have a valid Massachusetts Drivers License. Parking is free for vehicles with Handicapped, disabled veteran plates/placard.

For more information call the Mount Greylock Visitor Center in Lanesborough: (413) 499-4262.

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Wild Edibles and Medicinal Plants Classes in MA
Wild Edibles and Medicinal Plants: Seeing through the Eyes of the Forager

Our wild edibles classes are designed to teach how to:

  • identify
  • process
  • prepare
  • cook
  • preserve
  • eat on the spot

Our Wild Edibles and Medicinal Plant classes provide valuable knowledge!
Join us for this unique experience and come away with skills in correct identification of wild edibles and medicines you can find right outside your back door. You will learn how and when to harvest by season and in what habitat to seek out your favorite wild edibles. Additionally you will learn how to harvest with intention; keeping in mind the importance of the responsibility we have as foragers and earth stewards. A responsible, attentive forager always finds a meal!

WHO: Adults
WHERE: Various Locations in the Hilltowns and Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts
WHEN: Monthly throughout the Spring, Summer and Fall
HOW MUCH: Depending upon location, range from $40-$65 PREPAID, sliding scale, per Workshop ($45-$70 if paid day of Workshop)

WILD EDIBLES & MEDICINAL PLANTS IMMERSION 2013

  • Sunday, July 7, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
  • Saturday, August 17, Edibles & Medicinals 1:00 – 4:00 pm
  • Saturday, September 28, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
  • Sunday, October 27,  1:00 – 4:00 pm
  • Saturday, November 16, 1:00 – 4:00 pm

Books are great resources but direct experience with a knowledgeable person is invaluable.

Click here to register.

We plan on meeting with small groups only, so register now to ensure your participation!

Click here to read from our many blog posts about Wild Edibles and Medicinal Plants.

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Pittsfield Tree Watch -

Pittsfield Tree Watch meets the 2nd Thursday of every month at the Pittsfield Senior Center, 330 North Street, from 4-5:30 pm. Please come and learn more about what is happening to increase the number of trees in Pittsfield!

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The Berkshire Conservation District holds open public meetings every third Tuesday of the month at 4pm at 78 Center Street, Room 206, Conte Federal Building in Pittsfield.



In cooperation with the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, the district provides technical assistance to landowners in the conservation and management of natural resources throughout the county. The district is a sponsor of the state-wide Massachusetts Envirothon and provides scholarships to Berkshire Community College and UMASS students.

The district is governed by seven supervisors who serve for three year terms. The current slate of supervisors are:
Robert Lear, Chairman
Tony Boyer, Vice-Chair
Kevin Zimmer, Treasurer
Dave Jurczak, Dennis Mareb
Ned Kirchner, Bill Florek
The public are welcome to attend monthly meetings. For more information please call the office at (413) 443-1776 or visit the website: www.berkshireconservation.org

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Green Drinks-Great Barrington -

The next Great Barrington Green Drinks is Thursday, July , at Route 7 Grill, from 5:15 on.

This month we will hear from the proprietors of Big Elm Brewing, the new brewery in Sheffield, which uses local ingredients in several of its brews. You've probably enjoyed a Big Elm before if you frequent the Grill, it's often on tap and always delicious. Pints of Big Elm will be on special and there will probably be free samples as well.

As always there will be deliciously free snacks courtesy of our lovely Route 7 hosts, and gloriously free copies of the new issue of Orion magazine for your enjoyment.

What exactly is Green Drinks? It's a monthly social event hosted by the folks who create Orion magazine, for people like you and I interested in everything from environmental education to local agriculture, the arts, green business & design, and the ways all of these intersect. We usually have 50 or so folks from around the area stop by.

So grab a friend or two and bring them down to share what you're working on (green or not) and meet others active in the community.

Please forward this on to your friends & contacts...the more the merrier.

Best wishes,

Erik
-- 
Erik Hoffner
Orion magazine

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Green Night -2nd Wednesdays, Clarion Hotel, Northampton

Western Mass Green Consortium (WMGC)

We have some exciting news to share..!  

Green Night is back by popular demand..!!  and you're invited to join in the fun and green learning this coming Wednesday, July , 2013!

Time and location: 4pm at the Clarion Hotel & Cafe, located at 1 Atwood Drive, Northampton Ma.   

Please see the WMGC Website for more exciting details....!  www.westernmassgreenconsortium.org

Thank you to the Northampton Brewery!!!
We have had four years of amazing Green Night events thanks in part to the generosity of the Northampton Brewery for hosting our Green Night events...!  Thanks goes out to Janet Egelston and her amazing staff for taking good care of us and helping us build this event into a recognized asset for our community!  Unfortunately the Brewery will no longer be able to accommodate this event at there facility but we encourage you to make it a point to thank them for all their support by having some dinner and locally brewed beers on tap!

Thank you to our founders!!!
We have a long list of volunteers and financial contributors that have helped to make the WMGC and Project Retrofit possible.  We will be having a special "Founding Members Appreciation Event" at some point this summer.  Stay tuned for more details!

WMGC Next Steps..
More details coming soon for Green Night 2013 and other activities being brainstormed right now..!  If you would like to find our how to get involved please contact Andrew Baker at bakera@gcc.mass.edu or Nancy Bair at nancycbair@gmail.com

Thanks everyone, I hope to see you all soon!
Sean Jeffords
Western Mass Green Consortium

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North Adams Green Drinks - gathering of people interested in conservation and environmental issues - all welcome

2nd Wednesday of each month!

Wednesday, July 10,2013
starting at 5:30 pm
6:30 a presentation by Ed Stockman on labeling of genetically modified foods (GMOs)
Freight Yard Pub, Western Gateway Heritage Park

On Wednesday, July 10, North Adams Green Drinks starts at 5:30 pm at the Freight Yard Pub. At about 6:30, we will have a short presentation by Ed Stockman, who will discuss why genetically modified foods should be labeled in America. The United States and Canada are the only two industrial nations that do not require mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods. Ed Stockman is a biologist (B.S. & M.S.), organic farmer (41 years), former NOFA/Mass organic extension educator and an anti-GMO educator (13 years). He gives GMO presentations throughout New England, and runs Summit Farm in Plainfield, MA. He is the co-founder of Massachusetts Right To Know GMOs, and will share updates us on the national and statewide movement for GMO labeling, and how people can take action to declare our right to know what’s in our food.

North Adams Green Drinks is a very informal gathering, open to everyone with any environmental interest. The drinks aren't green, but our conversations are.

Every month, on the second Wednesday, beginning at 5:30 pm we invite you to gather for "Green Drinks" at the Freight Yard Pub in the Western Gateway Heritage Park.  Please join us on the 2nd Wednesday, for a casual gathering of environmentally inclined folk talking about anything from wildlife crossings to recycling, wetlands to weatherizing. What would you like to talk about? We usually meet upstairs. Come and join the conversation. 

Green Drinks in North Adams is sponsored by the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) and Northern Berkshire Transitions.

Green Drinks is a great way of catching up with people you know and for making new contacts. These networking events are very simple and unstructured. Come along and you'll be made welcome.

For more information about North Adams Green Drinks, contact Bruce Winn at BEAT (bruce@thebeatnews.org or 413-230-7321).

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Springfield, MA Green Drinks


Theodores' Blues Booze & BBQ in Springfield, Massachusetts

Who We Are
Green Drinks Springfield is the local Springfield, MA meetup for citzens, professionals, and public servants interested in sustainability, renewable energy, all things "green," the environment, and the new Green Movement. Whether a seasoned professional in a green business or just curious to find out what the buzz is about you are welcome!

Green Drinks is an agenda-less, non-dues-paying open social event. Come and find out more!

Where You Can Find Us Online:
www.greendrinks.info
www.facebook.com/GreenDrinksSpringfield
www.linkedin.com/groups/Green-Drinks-Springfield-MA

Occurs the 1st Thursday of every Month, 5:30-7:30 at Theodores' Blues Booze & BBQ in Springfield, Massachusetts
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Pittsfield Green Drinks - gathering of people interested in conservation and environmental issues - all welcome - every 3rd Tuesday of the month

Pittsfield Green Drinks
Tuesday, July , 2013
starting at 5:15 pm
6:30 pm short presentation by Elia Del Molino from BEAT will ask, "Where do you see wildlife crossing our roads?"
at
Mad Jack's BBQ
295 North St, Pittsfield, MA 01201  
sponsored by Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT)

July 16th, Elia Del Molino from BEAT will ask, "Where do you see wildlife crossing our roads?" Please join us to find out how BEAT is partnering with land protection organizations, watershed organizations, towns, and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to find the most critical locations for wildlife to cross our roads, and then to devise a plan to help them cross.

Pittsfield Green Drinks is a very informal gathering, open to everyone with any environmental interest. The drinks aren't green, but our conversations are. 

Coming up:

  • August 20th, Project Native will be presenting.

Green Drinks in Pittsfield is sponsored by the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT).  

What is Green Drinks? Green Drinks is an international forum where people who work in the environmental field meet for a beer and snacks at informal sessions. There will be a lively mix of people from Non-profit organizations, academia, government and business.

Green Drinks is a great way of catching up with people you know and for making new contacts. These networking events are very simple and unstructured. Come along and you'll be made welcome.

For more information about Pittsfield Green Drinks, contact Jane Winn at BEAT (jane@thebeatnews.org or 413-230-7321).

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Athol Bird and Nature Club
Millers River Environmental Center
100 Main Street Athol Ma
atholbirdclub.org

Athol Bird & Nature Club Field Trips & Meetings 2012
Unless otherwise noted, programs meet at the Millers River Environmental Center, 100 Main Street, Athol.  If weather is questionable on a field trip day, please call the trip leader at least an hour before the scheduled meeting time.

Saturday, June 22, 9 p.m. - late night          5th Annual Moth Ball
Join ABNC president Dave Small and naturalist Lula Field at Dave and Shelleys house, 1542 Pleasant St., Athol, to search for Lunas, underwings, silkmoths and other night flying insects. Participants are invited to bring their tents, snacks to share and favorite moth baits. (Dont know what those are? Youll find out!) Info: Dave Small, 978-413-1772 or Dave@dhsmall.net.

Saturday, June 29, 9 p.m. - late night          Bugs at Night
Join ABNC president Dave Small and naturalist Lula Field as we travel to the home of naturalist Julie Lisk and photographer/naturalist Tom Murray at 63 Spencer Circle in Groton, MA for an evening of observing moths, beetles, caddisflies and other insects attracted to lights. Bring your point and shoot digital (or other) camera and flashlight. RSVP: Julie Lisk at julielisk@gmail.com or 978/272-1151.

Tuesday, July 9, 8-10 a.m.                            Accessible Birding with Joe
Join Joe Superchi on the second Tuesday of the month visiting local sites. Open to birders of all abilities. Meet at the Center. Call ahead for wheelchair van access, 978-248-9491.

Celebration of ABNC's 50 Years will take place September 21st 2013. We are looking for photos or other memorabilia from our rich past to share. Please contact Dave Smallif you have photos video (film)or audio recordings, articles from past programs, adventures, and classroom. We are also looking for Volunteers to assist with the planning of the Dinner and related events. We are also interested in e-mail addresses of former members or students of Bob Coyle who might be interested in an invitation. Stay tuned more to follow…

Athol Bird and Nature Club on Facebook

Dave Small
president
Athol Bird and Nature Club
Millers River Environmental Center
100 Main Street Athol Ma 01331
Dave@dhsmall.net
978-413-1772

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Hoffmann Bird Club Schedule

The Hoffmann Bird Club is Berkshire County’s premier ornithological organization. It was established in 1940 with a mission of promoting the study of birds in the county. The club was founded under the auspices of the Berkshire Museum and was named in honor of Ralph Hoffmann, a naturalist born in Berkshire County. The trips and events are free and open to the public.

Meetings: are held at Berkshire Life Insurance, 700 South St., Pittsfield  01201 (499-4321), or at Pleasant Valley Sanctuary, 427 W. Mountain Rd., Lenox  01240 (637-0320). Consult the schedule for specific dates and locations. Most meetings begin at 7:00PM and are open at no charge to everyone interested in birds. Come enjoy the scheduled program and light refreshments.

Field Trips: Times listed are departure times; please arrive a few minutes early to meet the leader(s) and carpool when possible. Call the Trip Leader if you have questions.

Trips, running now, September 2012 thru August 2013

Click here for the Hoffmann Bird Club's website.


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