Preserving Community and Ecosystems for Future Generations this Giving Tuesday

Soon, you will be able to stroll down a new section of the Housatonic River! In September, the Great Barrington Land Conservancy broke ground on the new Riverfront Trail which will connect visitors to a long-inaccessible section of the Housatonic River. This much-anticipated trail will have two sections for year-round exploration, totaling approximately 4,500 feet. The route will highlight important wildlife habitats, river and birdlife viewing areas, wetlands, and historic agricultural and urban landmarks.

Riverfront Trail ConstructionThe path is designed for accessibility to all and will feature a crushed stone surface to accommodate assistive devices. The trail route has been laid out and designed by Peter S. Jensen, designer and builder of the Housatonic River Walk and dozens of trail projects in New England. 

But we can’t do it without your support! This Giving Tuesday, we are calling on you to help us improve our community, protect our ecosystem, and create a better world for future generations. Every act of generosity counts!

Giving Tuesday is a global giving movement every year during which millions of people around the world come together to support and champion the causes they believe in and the communities in which they live. It’s about communities banding together and giving their time, power, skills, expertise and resources. It's about the collective spirit of generosity that brings change to our communities.

You can help us to build:

  • a black locust split-rail fence with access gates through the Dewey Academy property,

  • fencing near Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Field, 

  • a reconstructed storm culvert and a stone and timber footbridge on the Dewey Academy property, 

  • fencing and benches at the viewing area to encourage birdwatching,

  • vehicle access barriers at Brookside Road,

  • kiosks at each trailhead,

  • and interpretive and wayfinding signage.

Your tax-deductible gift to the Great Barrington Land Conservancy shows your commitment to creating and preserving these special places for generations to come. 

Volunteers are a crucial part of the Great Barrington Land Conservancy. At Housatonic River Walk, Lake Mansfield Conservation Forest, and Pfeiffer Arboretum, they have helped us to build and maintain trails, as well as battle invasive species and install native plants for pollinators and birds. They have been instrumental in running our annual fundraiser Run for the Hills. Volunteers have stuffed envelopes for our annual Hullaballoo fundraiser, lead bird walks, saved native seeds, photographed events and work days, monitored trails, and, whatever they are doing, they are helping us to build our GBLC community.
 

Lake Mansfield Clean Up and Family Fun Day.

May 19th 2019, Lake Mansfield Clean Up and Family Fun Day.
 

Attend one of our events, like a guided hike or bird walk and a yoga class at Lake Mansfield. Follow us on FacebookInstagram, or check out the homepage of our website for updates and announcements. We love to see the community exploring our properties! Tag us on Instagram and add the trail location to your post.

Since 1992, the Great Barrington Land Conservancy (GBLC) has helped to develop and preserve the community trails and open spaces that make our town such a wonderful place to live, work, and visit. When you think of the Lake Mansfield Conservation Forest and Trails, the Pfeiffer Arboretum on Long Pond Road, and the Housatonic River Walk, GBLC has ensured that these places will be maintained and will be sources of recreation, ecology, education, and community for years to come.

With your help we can preserve the best of what makes Great Barrington the place we all love and call home. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your dedication and support of this important work. On behalf of the entire Board of Directors:

Janice Kabel, President

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Peter S. Jensen, Riverfront Trail designer