Berkshire Environmental Action Team

Building Better Soil: A Three-Part Soil Health Intensive
2026-05-08 10:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | 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
2026-05-08 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

Park Serve Day: Pick a Park, Give a Day, Make a Difference
2026-05-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA
The Department of Conservation and Recreation invites you to the Great Falls Discovery Center to lend a hand during this day of volunteer service to our state parks. Bring your own water and snack. For registration visit mass.gov/info-details/dcr-park-serve-day. For ages 6 and up. Meet at the main entrance.
DATE: Saturday, May 9
TIME: 10:00am – 12:00pm
LOCATION: Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA 01376

Berkshire Botanical Garden Spring Fest
2026-05-09 10:00 - 16:00 | Berkshire Botanical Garden, 5 West Stockbridge Rd., Stockbridge, MA
Join the Berkshire Botanical Garden for a full day of family fun at SpringFest on Saturday, May 9. The day’s activities include Best Damn Espresso and Cousins Maine Lobster food trucks, craft vendors, a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, and children’s activities. We will also celebrate our most recent Horticulture Certificate graduates with the Herb Associates’ celebrated herb-infused cookies and the Mai Bowle, a traditional May wine punch, fragrant, refreshing and a perfect toast to spring.
Learn more at this link: https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/springfest
DATE: Saturday, May 9
TIME: 10:00am – 4:00pm
LOCATION: Berkshire Botanical Garden, 5 W Stockbridge Rd, Stockbridge, MA 01262

A Nature Year at Pleasant Valley: Spring
2026-05-09 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

Nice and Easy Mother’s Day Hike
2026-05-10 11:00 - 13:00 | Mount Greylock State Reservation
Join Mount Greylock State Reservation for a scenic hike on Mother’s Day!
All ages welcome. Join DCR Interpreter Caroline this Mother’s Day in celebration of Moms and Mother Nature by appreciating the gifts that all mothers provide. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of forested trails at Mount Greylock, while rejuvenating your mind, body, and spirit in the fresh mountain air. Easy-moderate 1–2-mile hike. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Bring water, a snack, bug spray, and sunscreen. Inclement weather cancels. For more information and to register, call (413) 499-4262.
This event is free.
DATE: Sunday, May 10
TIME: 11:00am – 1:00pm
LOCATION: Mount Greylock State Reservation, 30 Rockwell Rd, Lanesborough, MA 01237
