Berkshire Environmental Action Team

Habitat Chat
2026-07-01 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-08-05 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-09-02 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-10-07 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-11-04 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | 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

Pittsfield Farmers Market
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, 2026-08-15 09:00 - 13:00, 2026-08-22 09:00 - 13:00 and 10 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

Act on Climate with 350Mass Berkshires
2026-07-15 18:00, 2026-08-19 18:00, 2026-09-16 18:00, 2026-10-21 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.
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

Berkshire Biodiversity Day 2026
2026-09-19 12:00 - 2026-09-20 12:00 | Bartholomew’s Cobble, 105 Weatogue Rd, Sheffield, MA
As global biodiversity faces unprecedented challenges, Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) is bringing the community together to celebrate and explore the rich variety of life found in the Berkshires.
The 17th annual Berkshire Biodiversity Day, also known as Berkshire BioBlitz, invites nature lovers of all ages to join scientists, naturalists, and environmental educators in identifying as many species as possible—plants, animals, fungi, and more—over the course of 24 hours.
The event will take place from noon on Saturday, September 19, to noon on Sunday, September 20, at Bartholomew’s Cobble, a property of The Trustees located at 105 Weatogue Road in Sheffield, MA. Participation is free and open to everyone, regardless of age or experience.
Attendees are invited to drop in at any point during the event to join scheduled guided walks, attend hands-on demonstrations, and learn from expert-led presentations.
All activities and presentations will be based at Bartholomew’s Cobble, where attendees must register upon arrival. Participants may stop by anytime to take part in the scheduled guided walks, live demonstrations of surveying techniques, and educational presentations, or contribute their own observations to the species survey across the Cobble’s diverse 357-acre landscape.
A full schedule of guided walks and presentations will be available soon—stay tuned!
Berkshire Biodiversity Day is organized by Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT). This year’s program is co-sponsored by The Trustees of Reservations and BEAT.
