Hardy kiwi removal efforts information session

Lenox — On Tuesday, March 29, at 6 p.m. at the Lenox Library, a group of experts and local officials will discuss ongoing efforts to remove hardy kiwi from open space and recreational areas in Berkshire County, with a focus on ongoing efforts in Lenox and Burbank Park in Pittsfield. Information about the next phase of hardy kiwi removal in Kennedy Park and the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary land will be provided.

Hardy kiwi is an edible, fruit-bearing, non-native vine that has proven to thrive in the soils of the Berkshires. The different groups working to address hardy kiwi in the Berkshires are looking for volunteers to remove kiwi plants, and also to share information with residents about how to identify and remove kiwi. The plant is not isolated to public lands and can be found in backyards as well.

This effort is a joint one among the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, Mass Audubon, Berkshire Environmental Action Team, and the Town of Lenox. For more information contact Town Planner/Land Use Director Gwen Miller at gmiller@townoflenox.com or (413) 637-5500 x1203.

–E.E.

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Aging in Place open forums

Berkshire County – The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission will conduct three forums centered around the senior community and aging independently in one’s own home. The forums will be held Thursday, March 31, from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at the Ralph Froio Senior Center in Pittsfield; Thursday, March 31, from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at the Adams Visitor Center at 3 Hoosac St. in Adams; and Friday, April 1, from 10 a.m. – noon at Berkshire South Regional Community Center in Great Barrington.

The goal of the forums is to develop a dialogue about barriers to aging in one’s home and community, offer suggestions and tips for creating a regional aging action plan, and to learn about other efforts to support older adults in the Berkshires. For more information contact Allison Hope at ahope@berkshireplanning.org or (413) 442-1521 x37.

–E.E.