Berkshire Environmental Action Team

Letting Nature Lead: The Promise of Passive Rewilding
2026-05-27 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | North Adams Public Library, 74 Church St., North Adams, MA
Join Shelby Perry of Northeast Wilderness Trust for an informative conversation about forest conservation.

Join us for a conversation about restraint, respect, and the long view of forest conservation.

Passive rewilding is the practice of stepping back and allowing forests to grow and change on their own. In this event, we’ll explore what that looks like in practice, and why it matters.
Together, we’ll consider the benefits of letting natural processes unfold, reflect on the difference between human and forest timescales, and think about the value of future old-growth forests whether or not we’re here to see them.
Shelby Perry is the Wildlands Ecology Director at Northeast Wilderness Trust. She oversees all aspects of the Wildlands Ecology program, which conducts, supports, and shares ecological research pertaining to wildlands and inventories ecological values on the Wilderness Trust’s protected lands. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an M.S. in Plant Biology – Field Naturalist from the University of Vermont, and speaks and presents frequently around the Northeast on wildlands, rewilding, and old forests. When not working in them, Shelby can usually be found playing in wild forests, exploring them on foot, in snowshoes, or through the lens of her camera.
Learn more and register at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/letting-nature-lead-the-promise-of-passive-rewilding-tickets-1986267147507?aff=oddtdtcreator

DATE: Wednesday, May 27
TIME: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
LOCATION: North Adams Public Library, 74 Church St, North Adams, MA 01247

Building Better Soil: A Three-Part Soil Health Intensive
2026-05-29 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-05 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-12 10:00 - 16:00, 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

Discover Greylock Hike
2026-05-29 11:00 - 14:00 | Mount Greylock State Reservation
Join Mount Greylock State Reservation for a lively hike!
Suitable for ages 8 and older. Explore seasonal changes in the forest, look for signs of wildlife, and discover unique natural and cultural features along easy-moderate trails. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring water, a snack, bug spray and sunscreen. Trekking poles are recommended. Inclement weather cancels. Meeting locations vary. For more information and to register, call the Visitor Center at (413) 499-4262.
This event is free.
DATE: Friday, May 8 | Friday, May 22 | Friday, May 29
TIME: 11:00am – 2:00pm
LOCATION: Meeting locations vary

Pittsfield Farmers Market
2026-05-30 09:00 - 13:00, 2026-06-06 09:00 - 13:00, 2026-06-13 09:00 - 13:00, 2026-06-20 09:00 - 13:00 | 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

Calling all Chestnut Fans!
2026-05-30 09:00 - 16:00 | Gould Farm, 100 Gould Road, Monterey, MA, 01245, United States
Join the MA/RI Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation, with support from the Monterey Native Plants Group, to help plant an amazing chestnut seedling orchard!
You are invited to help plant an orchard of 100 specially selected chestnut seedlings that have been hybridized for resistance to the blight that wiped out this keystone species in the early part of the last century.
Gould Farm has been chosen for this large planting (100+ seedlings) as another step toward restoring the iconic American Chestnut to our woodlands. This effort has been ongoing for over 40 years by the American Chestnut Foundation (TACF), a national organization with chapters throughout the historic range of the American Chestnut from Maine to Georgia.
The MA/RI chapter, which has worked closely with the Monterey Native Plants Group on a number of programs, including several annual chestnut talks and nut and seedling distributions, has breeding orchards throughout the state. Last year the MA/RI chapter cross-pollinated the most promising and robust trees in its orchards. It was a labor-intensive effort to take the pollen from the best tree in one orchard and pollinate the best tree in a different orchard. The effort was a success in producing a number of viable nuts. The nuts produced from that effort have been sprouted, potted up and the young seedlings will be ready to plant later this month, on a property near the parking lot of Diane’s Trail on Curtis Road.
The efforts at the state chapter level are accomplished wholly by volunteers. All are invited and welcome to be part of this major restoration effort. All help is greatly appreciated.
For more information, contact John at johnkingfisher54@gmail.com.
DATE: Saturday, May 30 (rain date Sunday, May 31)
TIME: 9:00am – 4:00pm
LOCATION: Parking lot for Diane’s Trail, Gould Farm, Monterey, MA. Orchard located off Curtis Rd, Monterey, MA 01245

Native Plant Giveaway & Exchange at BEAT’s Rain Garden
2026-05-30 10:00 - 12:00 | Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT), 20 Chapel St., Pittsfield, MA
Like previous years, BEAT will thin out the rain garden this spring at our Environmental Leadership & Education Center, and we’d love to spread some of these native plants out to other areas in Berkshire County!
DATE: Saturday, May 30
TIME: 10 AM to Noon
LOCATION: BEAT’s Environmental Leadership & Education Center, 20 Chapel Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Five years ago, with the help of volunteers, BEAT planted a pollinator-supporting rain garden at our Environmental Leadership & Education Center located along the West Branch Housatonic River in Pittsfield. Not only does this garden collect and filter stormwater before running off and draining to the Housatonic River directly behind our building, but it also supports native pollinators. For the last two years, we have been amazed at how huge and dense the plants get each summer, with blue vervain and other native plants over nine feet tall! The garden is filled with pollinators all summer, and then in the fall, birds feast on the fruit.
We’ll be at BEAT’s Center (20 Chapel Street, Pittsfield) giving out plants from 10 AM to Noon on Saturday, May 30. Feel free to stop by at any time during those hours. Some species that will be available to take home are Sweet Joe-Pye-Weed (Eutrochium purpureum), common sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale), seaside goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens), blue vervain (Verbena hastata), great blue lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) and likely a few other species as well. Also, if you have an abundance of native plants in your garden and would like to share them with others, please feel free to bring them along — but it’s also not necessary.

Forest, Fields, and Waterfalls Hike
2026-05-30 10:00 - 12:30, 2026-06-06 10:00 - 12:30 | Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center, 1515 & 1516 Savoy Hollow Rd., Windsor, MA
Join Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center in Windsor, MA for an informative hike! Learn about the unique fauna and flora of high elevation forests and fields plus a visit to Georgie’s Falls on this 2 mile hike with Naturalist & Director Aimee Gelinas.
To register, email full_circle_o@yahoo.com. To learn more, visit www.tamarackhollow.org.
This event costs $20.
DATE: Saturday, May 16 | Saturday, June 6
TIME: 10:00am – 12:30pm
LOCATION: Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center, 1515 Savoy Hollow Rd, Windsor, MA 01270

A Nature Year at Pleasant Valley: Spring
2026-05-30 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-06-06 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-06-13 18:00 - 20:00, 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

Habitat Chat
2026-06-03 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

19th Annual Free Family Fishing Day
2026-06-06 10:00 - 14:00 | Barton Cove, 82 French King Hwy, Gill, MA, 01354
Visit Great Falls Discovery Center for a day of FREE fishing fun. Enjoy our annual Family Fishing Day at Barton Cove, with additional activities at Great Falls Discovery Center including fish printing and fly tying. Adults and children of all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Event is held rain or shine. Parking is free at each site. More details coming soon, or call the Discovery Center, (413) 863-3221.
DATE: Saturday, June 6
TIME: 10:00am – 2:00pm
LOCATION: Barton Cove, 82 French King Hwy, Gill, MA 01354

RiverFest
2026-06-06 11:00 - 15:00 | MA
Join the Hoosic River Watershed Association, Hoosic River Revival, and Trout Unlimited Taconic Chapter on Saturday, June 6, 11am-2pm for RiverFest! Historic Beaver Mill, right along Route 8 in North Adams, is hosting RiverFest.

Celebrate and get to know the species who live in the River. Visit stations for hands-on explorations of fly casting, aquatic macroinvertebrates, water quality monitoring. Join in a guided riverwalk. MassWildlife will join us so that participants can learn to fish without a license under instruction/supervision. Bring a picnic blanket or chair and sit for a spell along the River. Walk across the street and up the road to visit Natural Bridge State Park. Remember your water bottle.
This event is free and open to the public. Many thanks to Barbara and Eric Rudd Art Foundation and Historic Beaver Mill for hosting this event.

RiverFest is brought to you by: Hoosic River Watershed Association, Hoosic River Revival, and Trout Unlimited Taconic Chapter.

HooRWA;s Water Quality Monitoring demos are funded by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.
Many thanks to our snacks sponsors: Big Y World Class Market, Guido’s Fresh Market, Stop & Shop #0784, and Wild Oats Market. Thank you to A1 Septic for giving us a discount on the port-a-potty.
June 6 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm – Rain date is Sunday, June 7.

BNRC/OLLI Joint Hike, Thomas & Palmer
2026-06-10 09:30 - 11:30 | Thomas & Palmer Brook Reserve, 305 State Road, Great Barrington, MA
Join Berkshire Natural Resources Council and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute for a hike!
This hike will include all three sections of trail in this BNRC reserve. The trail begins near a wetland and open meadow before entering the forest and ends at the unique rock formation called Whale Rock. By traversing these varied habitats, hikers may see some of the many birds that call this reserve home, early summer wildflowers, and an apple orchard.
The trail is easy to moderate with some elevation gain in the last section to Whale Rock.
Registration Link:
Registration opens Tuesday May 26, 9:00am on OLLI’s website: Register here

DATE: Wednesday, June 10
TIME: 9:30am – 11:30am
LOCATION: Thomas and Palmer Brook Reserve, 305 State Rd, Great Barrington, MA 01230

Wild Thing 5K/10K Trail Race and Walk
2026-06-12 08:00 - 2026-06-13 17:00 | Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 West Mountain Rd, Lenox, MA, 01240, United States
Come volunteer with Mass Audubon and help put on this exciting race!
Volunteers are needed to help with a variety of roles during this trail race weekend. Opportunities include course support, registration assistance, aid stations, and more. Be part of the action while supporting a fun, nature-filled community event!
Learn more and register at this link: https://tinyurl.com/TrailRaceOpportunities
DATE: Friday, June 12 | Saturday, June 13
TIME: Depends on role
LOCATION: Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 W Mountain Rd, Lenox, MA 01240

West Stockbridge Historical Society Presents: Frog Fables and Salamander Stories
2026-06-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Old Town Hall, 9 Main St, West Stockbridge, MA, 01266, United States
Discover the Lives of Berkshire Amphibians with Naturalist Tom Tyning
Next up in the Berkshire Nature Talk Series:
Back by popular demand: Tom Tyning: Frog Fables and Salamander Stories. Tom Tyning returns to offer an introduction to the incredible amphibians of Berkshire County, highlighting their remarkable life history strategies, amazing behaviors, and incredible beauty.
This engaging evening will explore questions as yet unanswered—how did amphibians arrive in the Berkshires after the glaciers? Who came first? Why do some species ignore water altogether? How can certain frogs survive without lungs? With stunning photos of frogs and salamanders in their natural habitats, and with a number of live specimens whose stories will be told, Tyning will bring these remarkable creatures to life.
Tom Tyning brings over four decades of experience as a field biologist, author, professor, and passionate naturalist. He currently teaches Environmental Science at Berkshire Community College and is widely recognized for his work on amphibians, reptiles, butterflies, and habitat conservation across Massachusetts and beyond.
Free for West Stockbridge Historical Society members; $10 suggested donation for nonmembers. Please register at weststockbridgehistory.org.
DATE: Friday, June 12, 2026
TIME: 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
LOCATION: Old Town Hall, 9 Main St, West Stockbridge, MA 01266
COST: $10 suggested donation for non-members
REGISTER

Second Saturday Volunteer Day at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
2026-06-13 09:00 - 12:00 | Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 West Mountain Rd, Lenox, MA, 01240, United States
Join Mass Audubon for a morning of hands-on stewardship and community care during our monthly Second Saturday Volunteer Day. This month’s projects will focus on refreshing and improving several sanctuary spaces, including painting and revitalizing the nature play area, weeding along trails and garden beds, and removing invasive plant species to help support native habitats and wildlife.
These volunteer mornings are a great way to spend time outdoors, meet fellow community members, and directly contribute to the health and beauty of the sanctuary. No prior experience is needed, and all tools, materials, and guidance will be provided.
Register at this link: https://volunteer.massaudubon.org/need/detail/?need_id=1252765
DATE: Saturday, June 13
TIME: 9:00am – 12:00pm
LOCATION: Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, 472 West Mountain Rd., Lenox, MA 01240

Act on Climate with 350Mass Berkshires
2026-06-17 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

Learn About Ferns!
2026-06-19 10:00 - 12:00 | 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

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
