Blog

During this holiday when love is in the air, we all feel like shouting out about our deepest feelings. And so we will!

We are so grateful to you for making the 9th Annual Run for the Hills 5k/10k Race on October 6, 2019 an overwhelming success! 140 runners and walkers enjoyed the beautiful fall foliage in support of land conservation in Great Barrington while families and kids had a fun run on the soccer field at Simon’s Rock. A record number of local businesses as well as 27 incredible volunteers helped us to make this event possible.

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.

Great Barrington Land Conservancy has worked with the town and private landowners to restore a crucial ecological area as the final step of the Knob Hill stormwater mitigation improvements.

Serviceberry, Summer Sweet, Silky Dogwood, Steeple Bush... These are just a few of the native shrubs that have been planted on the hillside at the intersection of Knob Hill Road and Lake Mansfield Road. Devan Arnold, owner of Sassafras Land Care, was hired for the job.

Planting Description:

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 9th Annual Run for the Hills 5k/10k Race on Sunday, October 6th! 120 runners and walkers enjoyed the beautiful fall foliage in support of land conservation in Great Barrington while families and kids had a fun run on the soccer field at Simon’s Rock.  

Thanks to our record number of business sponsors and to the staff at Simon’s Rock and the Kilpatrick Athletic Center for making this year’s Run for the Hills such a successful event!

Great Barrington - On September 28th, twelve dedicated volunteers donned work gloves, grabbed tools and got to work to save a large red oak tree located between River Walk and the old Searles School.  This effort was led by River Walk, a project of Great Barrington Land Conservancy. Arborist, Tom Ingersoll led this effort with an explanation about the steps needed to support tree health. Large trees have an extensive and shallow root system. Compaction from vehicles and competition with grass can stress wide-spreading roots and threaten the health of trees.