Blog

23 valiant explorers paddled and hiked their way from River Walk, a National Recreation Trail, along the Housatonic River "trail"  to the Appalachian Trail, a National Scenic Trail. Some of them even took a plunge! The trip was challenging due to river conditions and weather, and it was encouraging to see the great spirit of adventure and good will that marked the day. The Sheffield Land Trust provided midway refreshments and information about their ongoing Tree Project.

Dear Friends,

On Saturday May 20, River Walk had the opportunity to celebrate the spring like we never have before-with a unique musical experience of expressive music and dance.

Thank you, Sam Rosen, for having the idea and envisioning what such an event could be.

Despite the rush of spring a core group of volunteers turned out on April 29th for the annual spring cleanup at Lake Mansfield hosted by Lake Mansfield Alliance, a project of Great Barrington Land Conservancy. For some of us, it was our 12th (or more!) year of spring service for others it was a new way to pitch in and connect with our lake community.

Great Barrington town voters, on May 1, authorized a Community Preservation Act grant in the amount of $58,000 for the design and development of a new walking trail between Bridge Street and Brookside Road. GBLC is honored to have the support of the CPA Committee and town residents for the development of this new trail. The grant, which will be available in FY18, will help GBLC cover the cost of professional trail design, land surveying, permit applications, and construction budgeting. GBLC estimates the total cost of this work at $75,000.

Adventure out in this surprising heat to woodland trails! Experience the harsh midday light in this moment before early flowers and foliage burst forth. You are quite likely to discover this early butterfly: Mourning Cloak. Unlike most other butterfly species that winter in the larva stage, the adults of this species enter hollow trees and woodpiles to hibernate through the winter. How does the early butterfly survive with scarce if any nectar sources?