The size of these Gilded Age estates helped create South County’s unique beauty and semi-rural character. For a video tour of the cottages, go to the end of the article.
More than half the CPA funds would go to applicants for two affordable housing projects due to what the CPA committee believes is their “immediacy” and “need.”
“Instead of pouring money into attorneys that fight the Environmental Protection Agency, pour it into cleaning the river.”
-- Berkshire Natural Resources’ letter to General Electric CEO Jeffrey Immelt
Laurel Hill Association, established in 1853 , is the oldest village improvement association in America. In its first year, 400 trees were planted, and that was just the beginning. It was so successful that it became a model for civic beautification organizations all over the country.
The donation of the property to the BNRC will ensure that the land is properly maintained for the enjoyment of the community. The Boulders property spans Dalton, Pittsfield, and Lanesborough.
“It’s quiet and silent and it’s making you money. It’s a win-win for the community and the environment, a secure sanctuary for endangered species. You don’t get that everyday in a neighbor.”
-- Ed Dunn, project manager for Housatonic 1 Solar
The Francis W. Sargent Conservation Award has been presented Berkshire Natural Resources Council, the first time the award has been presented to an organization instead of an individual.
It is “disappointing” that while there will be some drainage improvements to Great Barrington’s Main Street from the reconstruction project, there aren’t more significant changes. He expressed concern about a large stormwater pipe that releases into the river, near the skateboard park off Bridge Street.
---Landscape designer Craig Okerstrom-Lang
In 1999 the Berkshire Natural Resources Council dedicated a trail on Yokum Ridge in his honor for the then "30 years of mostly anonymous but invaluable service" in ensuring the preservation of vast swatches of land throughout Berkshire County.
Flying Cloud educator Kristen Sparhawk says the February vacation activities aim to help kids discover the excitement of learning outdoors in winter: “Last year students built a snow shelter that lasted four weeks and tracked porcupine, otter and coyote. They engineered and tested miniature sleds on a run they built in the field.”
"The community is getting clean energy, $230,000 [annually] in money that was not there before, a LOT of conservation land, and public access for fishing and kayaking on the river.”
-- Kirt Mayland, developer of the Housatonic Solar Project
The world-class Chamber Players ensemble is made up of Boston- and Berkshire-based musicians who regularly perform with the Boston Symphony, Boston Pops, Spoleto Festival, and Portland Symphony, and who teach at the Tanglewood Music Center. Many have homes and close ties to our area.
“There is a generation of young people eager to farm; however, they do not know where to turn.”
-- Lisa MacDougall of Mighty Food Farm, a 2009 Microloan recipient
