Dear friend,
Sixty-six acres in Great Barrington. Over 100 acres in Tyringham. And new High Road segments opening this year. Land conserved and trails built, all thanks to you.
As I write this, snow is falling and the Berkshires are iced over. By the time you read this, perhaps you’re seeing the first signs of spring—maple syrup collection buckets on the trees, or even the raspy squawk of a red-winged blackbird. If not yet, then soon!
I want to share with you updates on the work to conserve crucial lands in Berkshire County; new trail building and improvement projects; and news about the BNRC team—the people here are the heart of what we do.
Winter is our planning time, and, by the time you read this, we will have finalized the second of two major land conservation deals that recently came to fruition.
With the expansion of Thomas & Palmer Brook Reserve, we’re planning an additional trailhead that will connect to the larger trail network. Once complete, you’ll be able to explore the forest full of oaks, hickories, and American chestnuts.
The second new property, 109 acres in Tyringham, is in the middle of one of the most important habitats in the world. I’m not exaggerating—Berkshire County is a part of the larger Appalachian regional ecosystem identified by The Nature Conservancy as globally significant for biodiversity and climate resiliency. The property is adjacent to the Appalachian Trail corridor, and it is an important parcel to help preserve forest connectivity for the many species that call our region home.
Later this year we will celebrate the opening of the next section of The High Road, a 7-mile trail in Great Barrington! BNRC acquired the parcel that enables this connection in 2019, and we have been developing the trail network and access areas for you, our community, since then. I’m so happy to announce the creation of this beautiful trail through forests, wetlands, and hills, connecting town to trail, for you, our friends to enjoy!
We are also preparing to enhance access at Hollow Fields Reserve in Richmond—adding more parking spaces with gorgeous native landscaping. The lot will close briefly for construction, but it will be ready by June so that you can visit with the Bobolinks and Savannah sparrows and take in one of the best (and most easily accessible) views in the Berkshires.
New team members are energizing every aspect of BNRC’s work.
Nick Pitel joined us two years ago, bringing his tremendous knowledge of forestry, agriculture, and his land conservation experience, to strengthen BNRC’s work. Now, upon the retirement of Director of Conservation, Beth Mills, Nick has stepped into that leadership role. We are thrilled.
We are also glad to welcome Jonathan Lueken, who has led our seasonal trail crew for the past five summers, as our Trail Crew Leader. Now he’ll be with us year–round, keeping our reserves ready for you. When you are out and about on the trails you will almost certainly meet him.
Emily Daunis joined us a few months ago in a newly created role at BNRC, Director of Advancement. Not only does she have charge of all our fundraising and marketing activities, she also oversees our community engagement work—the fantastic hikes, family events, online programs, and volunteer opportunities.
All of these talented and hard-working people have one very important thing in common: they are committed to helping people connect to BNRC, and to nature.
And how important is that? My connection to nature is what gets me through the day. During these weeks as we wait for spring, a hike through the woods (or a visit with my growing houseplant collection) is balm for an anxious soul.
Take care of yourself and take care of each other. Invite a friend or neighbor to take a walk with you—even in the cold and snow!
Your friendship and support is indispensable to our success, and it’s essential to the hope of building a stronger community. Thank you! I look forward to seeing you on the trails.
Yours truly,
Jenny Hansell
President, BNRC
P.S. You, and all of our donors, make this work possible! Consider joining the BNRC family as a monthly donor—it’s easy to set up! Donors who “subscribe” to the outdoors provide continual and critical support for land conservation, habitat and wildlife protection, and free access to the Berkshire outdoors for everyone.