Berkshire Environmental Action Team

Learn About Ferns!
2026-06-19 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center, 1515 & 1516 Savoy Hollow Rd., Windsor, MA
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 full_circle_o@yahoo.com. To learn more, visit www.tamarackhollow.org.
This event costs $20.
DATE: Friday, June 19
TIME: 10:00am – 12:00pm
LOCATION: Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center, 1515 Savoy Hollow Rd, Windsor, MA 01270

Building Better Soil: A Three-Part Soil Health Intensive
2026-06-19 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-26 10:00 - 16:00 | Mount Wachusett Community College, 444 Green St., Gardner, MA
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 26
TIME: 10:00am – 4:00pm
LOCATION: Mount Wachusett Community College, 444 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440

Pittsfield Farmers Market
2026-06-20 09:00 - 13:00, 2026-06-27 09:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-04 09:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-11 09:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-18 09:00 - 13:00, 2026-07-25 09:00 - 13:00, 2026-08-01 09:00 - 13:00, 2026-08-08 09:00 - 13:00 and 5 more dates | Pittsfield Common, 100 1st St., Pittsfield, MA
Every Saturday through October, rain or shine!
Find more details here: farmersmarketpittsfield.org
DATE: Saturday, May 9 – Saturday, October 31
TIME: 9:00am – 1:00pm
LOCATION: The Common, 100 First St, Pittsfield, MA 01201

A Nature Year at Pleasant Valley: Spring
2026-06-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 West Mountain Rd, Lenox, MA, 01240, United States
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

A Conversation with the authors of “Tending Your Forest: A Guide to Ecological Forest Stewardship”
2026-06-22 18:00 - 19:30
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
2026-06-24 09:30 - 11:30 | Mt. Hunger at Konkapot Ridge, #0, Monterey, MA, 01245, United States
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 24
TIME: 9:30am – 11:30am
LOCATION: Mt. Hunger Trailhead at Konkapot Ridge Reserve, #0, Monterey, MA 01245

Forests Close to Home
2026-06-24 11:00 - 16:00 | Greylock Glen Outdoor Center, 135 Gould Road, Adams, MA, 01220, United States
Do you own woods or forested land? Curious about how to care for it—or why it matters? Whether you own a few wooded acres or a larger forest, your land can play an important role in the future of our region.
Join BNRC for a half-day conference exploring how your forests can support wildlife, strengthen climate resilience, and remain healthy for generations to come.
Featuring:

Keynote speaker Ethan Tapper, an internationally recognized forester, ecologist, bestselling author of “How to Love a Forest,” and digital storyteller from Vermont.
Paul Catanzaro​​​​​​​, Professor of Forest Ecology and Silviculture at the University of Massachusetts. He serves as the State Extension Forester and co-directs the Family Forest Research Center, a partnership between the USDA Forest Service and UMass. Author of “Tending Your Forest.”

Learn More About:

Caring for your forests into the future
Supporting sustainable habitats for wildlife and birds
Tree diseases, invasive pests, and invasive plants
How family forests can provide meaningful income
Outdoor recreation and ecotourism opportunities

Lunch will be provided.
Hosted by Berkshire Natural Resources Council and generously sponsored by the Woodlands Partnership Program of the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs.
Register Here
DATE: Wednesday, June 24
TIME: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
LOCATION: Greylock Glen Outdoor Center, 165 Gould Road, Adams, MA 01220

Housatonic River Cleanup
2026-06-27 09:00 - 12:00 | Westside Riverway Park, 181 Dewey Ave., Pittsfield, MA
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

Sheffield Land Trust Annual Meeting
2026-06-28 12:00 - 14:00 | 1050 Berkshire School Rd., 1050 Berkshire School Rd., Sheffield, 01257, United States
Come one, come all and celebrate at the Sheffield Land Trust’s Annual Meeting to introduce the Combes Family Conservation Restriction under the tent in the field at 1050 Berkshire School Rd. next to the land soon to be conserved. Hear about the Land Trust’s latest conservation projects, meet your neighbors, and enjoy a guided walk to Combes Pond, soon to be conserved. There will be live music by The Lucky 3. Enjoy our traditional potluck lunch. You bring your favorite dish to serve six and your own plates and utensils, we’ll provide the drinks.
Music: 12 PM to 1 PM
Lunch: 12:30 PM
Meeting & Speakers: 1 PM
Guided Walk: 1:30 PM
DATE:Sunday, June 28
TIME: 12 PM to 2 PM
LOCATION: 1050 Berkshire School Rd., Sheffield, MA
For more information, email shefland@bcn.net or find us on Facebook.

Habitat Chat
2026-07-01 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-08-05 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-09-02 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
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

Act on Climate with 350Mass Berkshires
2026-07-15 18:00, 2026-08-19 18:00 | Online
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: berkshires@350mass.org
DATES: 3rd Wednesdays
TIME: 6:00 PM
LOCATION: Online via Zoom

Observing Moths at Night: Light-sheeting Demo at Chesterwood
2026-07-24 20:30 - 23:30 | Chesterwood, 4 Williamsville Rd, Stockbridge, MA, 01262, United States
Every year during the last week of July, National Moth Week celebrates the beauty, diversity, life cycles, and ecological importance of moths — while also raising awareness about the global decline of these essential insects. People of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to explore, observe, and document moths right in their own backyards, parks, and neighborhoods.
Join Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) and Matthew Rymkiewicz at Chesterwood on Friday, July 24, from 8:30–11:30 PM for a nighttime light-sheeting demonstration in celebration of National Moth Week! Using illuminated sheets to attract moths and other nocturnal insects, we’ll watch as these fascinating creatures begin to appear after dark. As the evening progresses, larger and more diverse species will arrive, offering a closer look at their incredible patterns, colors, and adaptations.
Participants are welcome to drop in any time during the program—no experience necessary, just curiosity. Come for a few minutes or stay for the whole evening as we observe, photograph, and try to identify the critters that gather at the sheets. This event is limited to 30 attendees; please register in advance to assure a spot to attend.
DATE: Friday, July 24
TIME: 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM
LOCATION: 4 Williamsville Rd, Stockbridge, MA
COST: Free!
REGISTER IN ADVANCE
About the Demonstration Leader
Matthew Rymkiewicz is an avid naturalist, birder, photographer, and amateur entomologist based in Dutchess County, NY. Over the past nine years, he has hosted events during National Moth Week in the Taconics and Berkshires region. A former musician and non-profit manager, Matthew works in IT at Jacob’s Pillow in Becket, where the birding is off the charts.
This event is in collaboration with Chesterwood, the summer estate and studio of American sculptor Daniel Chester French.

Housatonic River Cleanup
2026-07-25 09:00 - 12:00 | Westside Riverway Park, 181 Dewey Ave., Pittsfield, MA
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, July 25th (Rain Date: Saturday, August 22nd)
TIME: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
LOCATION: Riverway Park, 181 Dewey Ave, Pittsfield, MA

Points East: Possible Impacts of Constitution Pipeline for New England
2026-08-15 14:00 - 17:00 | Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT), 20 Chapel St., Pittsfield, MA
Join Cathy Kristofferson of Pipe Line Awareness Network for the North East (PLAN-NE) and Rosemary Wessel of Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) for a presentation and discussion of the Constitution Pipeline’s potential impacts on the Northeast region.
The rise in demand for data centers is likely the most prevalent driving force behind proposals to build and expand pipelines across the country. The Constitution Pipeline would transmit natural gas from the fracking fields of Pennsylvania to a major pipeline hub in Wright, New York, just west of Albany, where it would then be brought into New England. Pipeline expansion could spur the growth of data centers in New England, with proposals for new locations at a scale of up to six times the size of the current largest centers.
Learn about the market and political factors driving current gas transmission expansion and what the construction of Constitution Pipeline could mean to our local communities and the environment, and what you can do to stop it.
This presentation is part of a series of community events throughout the region impacted by the Constitution pipeline proposal.
DATE: Saturday, August 15
TIME: 2 PM to 5 PM
LOCATION: Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT), 20 Chapel St., Pittsfield, MA 01201
VIRTUAL HYBRID EVENT: Zoom (registration required)
REGISTER ONLINE
. . . . .
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Cathy Kristofferson is a co-founder of StopNED and the Pipe Line Awareness Network for the Northeast and is their member of the Mass Power Forward Planning Team. Cathy is also a Conservation Commissioner in the Town of Ashby.
Rosemary Wessel is the co-founder and Program Manager for Berkshire Environmental Action Team’s No Fracked Gas in Mass program and Board Member of Pipe Line Awareness Network for the Northeast.
