The habitat at Lake Mansfield hosts a enormous variety of wildlife. Snapping turtles are frequently seen swimming in the lake and laying their eggs at the shoreline. Improvements coming to the lake this year will improve the water quality and shoreline habitat for many animal species including reptiles, amphibians and mammals. Read hear about a successful rescue of an injured turtle at Lake Mansfield.
The extensive improvement work at Lake Mansfield has begun. Please plan for road closure and changes in walking routes as needed.
The Lake Mansfield project is getting under way, and Lake Mansfield Road will close Monday, Nov. 6 to make way for construction and improvements.
The projects consists of culvert replacements, recreational improvements and parking improvements, and Lake Mansfield Road will become a walking path that is closed to traffic, except for a driveways serving a couple properties on north end and for emergency use.
On Saturday, June 3, Great Barrington Land Conservancy hosted naturalist and wild edibles enthusiast Arianna Alexsandra Collins at Lake Mansfield to teach participants about wild edible and medicinal flora. She covered plants you can find on a lawn such as Plantain, White Clover, Red Clover, and Dandelion. She also went over shrubs such as Lilac and Multiflora Rose, and wetland plants such as Cattails. Walking into the Conservation Forest we learned about Wood Nettle, Garlic Mustard, Eastern Hemlock, Black Birch, and White Pine.
Peter S. Jensen is committed to designing and building pedestrian trails which provide safe visitor access while safeguarding the natural, cultural, and historic landscapes. His long history with Great Barrington Land Conservancy, where he served as a Board member, includes trail design and installation at River Walk, the Pfeiffer Arboretum, Lake Mansfield Conservation Forest Trails, and the Riverfront Trail.
Peter has lead symposiums focused on Trails for All and building sustainable trails.