Beaver Moon hike at Olana
Hudson, N.Y. — The Olana State Historic Site will present environmental educator Fran Martino at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 25, with an inspiring walk for all ages. Participants will gather in the Wagon House Education Center to learn the history of this November moon and then venture out into nature on the level and wide gravel carriage roads designed by Frederic Church.
Fran Martino has tales and facts to share so that, even if the weather conditions thwart good viewing, participants will be inspired by the regional history and science they will learn. Martino’s work includes developing, planning and presenting educational and recreational programs for the general public, schools, scouts, town parks, day camps, and other organizations.
The cost of the hike is $5 per person. Pre-registration is not required and the hike will take place rain or shine.
–E.E.
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Trustees of Reservations supports #OptOutside on Black Friday
Boston — In support of REI’s Black Friday #OptOutside campaign, the Trustees of Reservations, Massachusetts’ largest conservation and preservation nonprofit, announced that the organization will waive paid entry and parking fees at several of its most popular properties and encourage families and friends to take time before the holiday rush to connect in the great outdoors.
On Friday, November 27 the Trustees of Reservations will offer free entry at its three gated properties, which include Crane Beach, World’s End, and Bartholomew’s Cobble. It will also waive parking fees at its five sites with parking kiosks which also includes Bartholomew’s Cobble, Monument Mountain, Norris Reservation, Appleton Grass Rides, and Rocky Woods. Free entry does not include public programming or historic house tours. For the rest of the year, Trustees members receive discounted entry to gated sites and free parking. A majority of The Trustees 114 properties offer free entry to all, year-round.
–E.E.
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BHRSD receives grants
Great Barrington — The Berkshire Hills Fund for Excellence has awarded $9,000 to fund six programs in the Berkshire Hills Regional School District. The grant money was distributed in the following ways:
- $2,500 to Flying Cloud Institute to continue a science unit in grades 5-8
- $1,660 to Greenagers to help with its Community Work initiative
- $1,000 to Michael Rosenthal for a grades 9-12 spoken word poetry program
- $1,000 to Cory Sprague for a student self defense program
- $1,000 to send students to see “Veils” at Barrington Stage Company
- $1,835 to sponsor author/illustrator Jim Arnosky at Muddy Brook Regional Elementary School
The Berkshire Hills Fund for Excellence is a nonprofit fund operating under the auspices of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation to help support programs in the Berkshire Hills Regional School District. The fund has been in existence for 10 years, has awarded over $125,000 in grants, and has an endowment of over $200,000. In early December it will be conducting its annual fund drive. Those interested in learning more about the fund may contact Jack Spencer at (413) 298-4742 or jsjackspencer4@gmail.com
–E.E.
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Stockbridge photo contest
Stockbridge — Laurel Hill Association and the Stockbridge Land Trust (SLT) have teamed up to launch their first annual photo contest. “The contest celebrates Stockbridge’s natural beauty and supports our organizations’ conservation efforts,” said contest coordinator and SLT board member Stewart Edelstein. “We invite people to submit up to 10 photos of Stockbridge’s natural environment, in any season, by Tuesday, March 1, 2016 — including photos taken previously. There is no fee for submission.”
Laurel Hill Association president Shelby Marshall added, “some of the photos will appear on the Laurel Hill Association website, and the winning photos will appear on cards and other items Laurel Hill Association and Stockbridge Land Trust will sell as a joint fundraiser.” Edelstein reported that local merchants are enthusiastic about selling the cards.
All proceeds from the sale of the cards will go to the Stockbridge Land Trust and Laurel Hill Association.
The contest rules and photo submission guidelines are available online.
–E.E.
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Muddy Brook PTA online auction
Great Barrington — The Muddy Brook Regional Elementary School Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has announced that its annual online auction will begin on the morning of Wednesday, November 25 and continue through Sunday, December 6 at 8 p.m. The auction is the PTA’s main fundraiser and supports a wide range of enrichment programming including artist residency programs and field trips.
Through the generosity of community members and local businesses, there will be more than 150 items to bid on, such as gift certificates, art, theater tickets, and books.
–E.E.
