September 30th, 2024 : Community Action and Resiliency - Christine Ward
The next steps for improvements at Lake Mansfield will include a number of plantings aimed at strengthening the habitat with native trees, shrubs, and perennials. The town of Great Barrington's Lake Mansfield Improvement Task Force continues to meet to support the Town's efforts as contractors move into their final tasks at Lake Manfeild.
Currently, staked signs mark the location of trees to be planted in October as the final phase of the improvement work contracted by the town in the Lake Mansfield beach area. Shoreline plantings of native “tubelings” will also be included in this work phase which will begin to address the rehabilitation of disturbed soil between the lake and the new pedestrian way.
Great Barrington Land Conservancy is dedicated to engaging the community in support of a multi year effort that will continue care and rehabilitation of the habitat. Collaboration with the town and local business is a big of part of this community effort. Volunteers are essential.
On November 9th, Helia Native Nursery and GBLC will lead community volunteers in improving forest resiliency east of the new beach area parking lot. Trees donated by Helia through Helia's 2024 Carbon Offset Initiative which allows folks to offset annual carbon use by purchasing trees planted in protected areas.
Trees donated by Wards Nursery and Garden Center will be included in this fall’s efforts as we work to bring much needed shade to the shoreline area.
Lake Mansfield Planting - Volunteer! Saturday November 9th 9AM-12PM :
Volunteers are needed! Saturday November 9th (9am-Noon) Join in this joyful day of habitat improvement. We will be working at planting over 100 tree saplings along with 90 shrub plantlings that have been grown on from cuttings by Helia harvested along the shoreline in the spring, as well as the planting of trees and shrubs along the forest edge. If time and energy allows , we will also be removing invasive species in our ongoing efforts to support a healthy lake and forest habitat.
GBLC is excited to coordinate and collaborate this conservation effort at Lake Mansfield as part of out long-term commitment to engage our community in the ongoing care the outdoor spaces so important to vibrant habitats and community health.
