Dear friend, Jean was the first to find out the property was going on the market. A third-generation farmer in Stockbridge, Jean’s parents conserved their own farmland more than a decade ago. Now, a 350-acre parcel next door was about to be sold. Surrounded by already-protected land, Fenn Farm was a perfect opportunity for conservation, for all kinds of reasons: The connectivity—providing unimpeded passage for wildlife is an important way to help protect nature. The presence of rare and endangered plants. The beauty, beloved by local residents and visitors alike. And, its abiding importance ..read more

Thomas & Palmer Brook Reserve, Great Barrington September 2023 In summer 2023, BNRC installed a Beaver Deceiver, to regulate water levels and protect the accessible trails. The beavers were unharmed and continue to raise their family just a little farther down the stream.   Often called “ecosystem engineers,” beavers create wetlands that provide rich and valuable habitat for numerous plans, invertebrates, and wildlife.  Beavers populated the Berkshires and beyond for thousands of years, until they were wiped out in a matter of decades by the fur trade.   A small popula ..read more

Stockbridge-Munsee regaining access to 351 acres of homeland.  Photo: Douglas Brown Over two hundred years ago, the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans was forced off their homeland, now known as the Berkshires and Hudson Valley, where they and their ancestors had lived for thousands of years. After many years and more forced removals, the Tribe relocated to a reservation in Wisconsin and refused to move any further.  They never lost their connection to the Berkshires, always returning to conduct official business or reconnect to their homelands. When they learned that Monument Moun ..read more

Dear reader, I have so much good news to share that I’m going to dive right in. First of all, THANK YOU!! to the very many of you who responded to the Spring Challenge Match fundraising drive. Together, we claimed all available matching challenge dollars with a couple of days to spare. Everything I am writing about here, and everything BNRC does, depends on donors. So if you were part of the Challenge, or gave last fall, or have remembered BNRC in your estate plans, you can feel extra proud as you read this because you made it happen. DONATE On to the news! I don’t often write to you about tw ..read more

Domingo 15 de Octubre, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm Esta caminata se ofrece específicamente a hispanohablantes y a aquellos interesados ​​en la inmersión en español. El recorrido completo, mayormente terreno plano, es de 5 km, o 3 millas, y ofrece hermosas vistas de la sección este del río Housatonic. Se aconseja llevar algo para comer, agua y calzado adecuado. Grado de dificultad: Facil Por favor confirme su asistencia: Envíe un correo electrónico América a alopez@bnrc.org o llama o manda mensaje por whatsapp, (413) 212-1249 Direcciones: Old Dalton Rd, Hinsdale, MA 0123 Desde el centro de Dalton: tome ..read more

Sunday, October 15, 8:30 am – 12:20 pm This hike is specifically offered to Spanish speakers and those interested in Spanish immersion. The entire trail, mostly flat terrain, is 5 km, or 3 miles, and offers beautiful views of the eastern section of the Housatonic River. Please bring snack, water, and wear appropriate footwear. Degree of difficulty: EASY Please RSVP: Email América alopez@bnrc.org or call or send a message by whatsapp, (413) 212-1249 (I added your email as an option here) Directions: Old Dalton Rd, Hinsdale, MA 01235 From the center of Dalton: take Route 8 south to the Hinsdale ..read more

Full-time August 2023 Donor Relations Manager.pdf BNRC is looking for a Donor Relations Manager to succeed a retiring team member. Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) is a conservation organization in the westernmost region of Massachusetts. As a land trust, BNRC conserves land, protects wildlife and habitat, supports local farmers, builds climate resilience, and provides free access to the Berkshire outdoors for everybody, at over 50 locations across the region. BNRC cares for ancestral homelands of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans, who were forcibly displaced from the region by ..read more

Full-time August 2023 Conservation_Associate.pdf Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) is a nonprofit conservation organization in western Massachusetts that cares for ancestral homelands of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans, who were forcibly displaced from the region by European colonization. As a land trust, BNRC conserves land, protects wildlife and habitat, preserves local farms, and provides free access to the Berkshire outdoors for everyone, at over 55 nature reserves across the region. Since 1967, BNRC has helped conserve more than 100,000 acres of forest, fields, wetlands ..read more

By Susan LeBourdais June 29, 2023 Decrepit bridge, Wild Acres, Fall 2022.  When we think of a bridge, many images come to mind. Most practically, bridges enable us to get from one side to another, crossing a stream, a river, or a gorge. They connect people. They facilitate access. They open new opportunities.    As a volunteer for Berkshire Natural Resources Council and a Pittsfield resident, the chance to work on a new bridge for the City of Pittsfield’s Wild Acres Park was rewarding for many reasons. Practically speaking, there was a real need, identified by BNRC, via p ..read more

Part-Time / Hybrid or On-Site July 2023 Director_of_Finance & Accounting .pdf Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) is a nonprofit conservation organization in western Massachusetts that cares for the ancestral homelands of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans, who were forcibly displaced from the region by European colonization. As a land trust, BNRC conserves land, protects wildlife and habitat, preserves local farms, and provides free access to the Berkshire outdoors for everyone, at over 55 nature reserves across the region. Since 1967, BNRC has helped conserve more than 100,00 ..read more