We hope that you have enjoyed the videos of Russ Cohen's virtual tour of Housatonic River Walk (filmed on July 29, 2020). Early visitors to River Walk this spring may have noticed that plants are already sprouting along the trail!
Have you considered tree nuts for nibbling and baking? Black Walnut Baklava is a surprising way to enjoy this aromatic tree species. Spring could be a perfect time to plant your own Black Walnut tree! In the final video below Russ Cohen suggests a number of plants that you can add to your own edible landscape that support local pollinators too.
We will be in touch in the coming weeks as we look forward to celebrating Earth Day and Arbor Day with ways to explore our local ecosystems and trees and to learn about the complex and cooperative nature of forest systems.
Stay tuned and thank you!
-Christine Ward, Project Director
P.S. Under the video you can get a sneak peak of the volunteer opportunities that will be available at Lake Mansfield this year!
Part 5: Hackberry, Wild Mint, Black Walnut, Butternut & Pineapple Weed
The Russ Cohen video series was sponsored by:
Wild & Scenic Westfield River
Massachusetts Rivers Alliance
Great Barrington Land Conservancy
Funded in part by: Housatonic Heritage
Film and editing by: Meredyth Babcock
With special thanks to: Russ Cohen and Greenagers Interns
2021 Lake Mansfield Spring and Summer Volunteer Workdays
Go to www.GBLand.org to take a look at all Great Barrington Land Conservancy
volunteer opportunities and activities.
Rather than our traditional May Lake Day event, a series of small group volunteer days will be held this year so we can care for our forest and lake while maintaining health protocols. Registration will be required to participate in order to help us insure small group sizes. Folks interested in volunteering must register by emailing info@GBLand.org. Be sure to include the dates you are hoping to help out. We are looking forward to working with you!
Volunteers should come with masks, work gloves, and water bottles. Sanitized tools will be provided. Social Distancing will be maintained.
- Beach Area 1 - Saturday May 1st, 9:30 -11:30
Led by Christine Ward
2 Leaders + 8 volunteers
Repair slats in garbage/recycle containers
Litter cleanup (Beach area, parking area, LM Road, Conservation Forest)
Beach Kiosk updating
-
Beach Area II – Saturday May 15th, 9:30 – 11:30
Led by Christine Ward
2 Leaders + 8 volunteers
Mulching of trees and shrubs in beach area
Planting of annuals
Repaint storage shed
-
Forest and Trails - Saturday May 22th, 9:30-11:30
Led by Christine Ward, Brad Roblin, and Kate Ritter
3 Leaders + 8 volunteers
Guided forest walk and trail assessment
Collect litter
Remove invasive species
Refresh trail blazes
