This past summer, all new bog bridges and boardwalks were installed at the Pfeiffer Arboretum, using black locust timber harvested from the Lake Mansfield Conservation Forest and donated by the Town of Great Barrington. This project involved 14 teens from Greenagers, 3 crew leaders and one director. Volunteers contributed 119 hours of work. Together, the volunteers and crews removed rotted walkways and installed the supports and beautiful hemlock boardwalk, stone steps and other beautiful features. Invasive species plants were removed and some new native plants were added.
This property offers a quiet .7 mile walking loop through diverse forest and wetland ecosystems. Forest management and invasive plant species control efforts are underway, helping to preserve the abundant native plants. The spur trail offers views of Long Pond. The trailhead is located at 249 Long Pond Road. From Division Street, go .6 of a mile to the trailhead. There is a sign and informational kiosk. Parking is limited. Please be considerate of our neighbors.
The project is part of GBLC's celebration of its 25 years of stewardship and has received grant funding through the MA Recreation Trail program, The Berkshire Environmental Education fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Housatonic Heritage and the Fields Pond Foundation. We thank these organizations for their generous grants toward this work. Volunteers for are still needed to maintain this beautiful arboretum. Please become a Friend of the Pfeiffer! Email Christine@GBLand.org to sign up to pitch in.
