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Spring in the Berkshires pulls attention back to the landscape — rising water levels, returning plants along riverbanks, trails reopening, and people spending more time outdoors in the places that shape daily life, like our local parks.
A park is a backdrop for quiet mornings, held conversations, play, walks after dinner. Memory, movement, ecology, and human connection all become part of a landscape over time. The feeling of a place is shaped not only by what we see, but by what we experience there: landing, grounding, finding, and founding—to move beyond, allowing the unique, felt experience of a site to emerge and shape the evolution.
We hope you’ll join us at Old Maid’s Park this Saturday, May 16 in Housatonic for a community open house focused on the future of the park. The afternoon will include food, music, a native plant walk, hands-on ecology activities, and conversation about the future of this shared space. This gathering is part of a broader community-driven effort centered on stewardship, accessibility, ecological health, and what people want this park to be for generations to come.
If this work resonates, we’re grateful for your support. It allows us to stay engaged and present where it matters most.
Below, you’ll find program updates, upcoming events, and ways to stay involved.
Rose, Chelsey, Andrew, Brittany, Drake, and Melanie
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Pipelines
BEAT submitted scoping comments to FERC opposing the proposed revival of the Constitution Pipeline, arguing the project lacks demonstrated market need and relies on a previously vacated approval process. The filing outlines risks to wetlands, streams, aquifers, wildlife habitat, and public health. It also calls for a full Environmental Impact Statement examining cumulative climate impacts, long-term fossil fuel dependence, air pollution exposure, and infrastructure risks.
The comments also challenge claims that the pipeline would lower energy costs or improve reliability, noting that existing downstream constraints—not supply shortages—remain the primary bottleneck for New England gas delivery. BEAT urged FERC to reject the proposal and require any future application to undergo a new, comprehensive review process. We will continue to share updates on the project as it continues through the permitting process.
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Wildlife Conservation
The totals are in for Spring Crossings!
Across BEAT’s amphibian crossing stations, volunteers recorded and assisted:
- 744 peepers
- 408 spotted salamanders
- 275 wood frogs
- 89 pickerel frogs
- 48 red efts (eastern newts)
- 4 four-toed salamanders
- 2 Jefferson salamanders
- 2 red-backed salamanders
These crossings help reduce roadway mortality during one of the most vulnerable periods in amphibians’ life cycles. Thanks to the volunteers who came out and helped us this year at BEAT’s amphibian crossing stations.
FISH STOCKING
BEAT Executive Director Brittany Ebeling was recently featured in an interview with WBZ NewsRadio discussing Massachusetts’ fish stocking practices and their ecological impacts. BEAT is also credited in a recent Vox Video, “Why are states unleashing millions of these fish?”
This coverage examines how millions of hatchery-raised trout are released into waterways each year, despite growing concerns about competition with native species, altered aquatic food webs, hatchery pollution, and high post-release mortality. BEAT’s campaign argues that continued stocking of non-native fish conflicts with Massachusetts’ biodiversity goals and shifts attention away from long-term habitat restoration and stream health. The conversation also highlights broader questions about how wildlife agencies are funded and the role recreational stocking plays in shaping conservation priorities.
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ENERGY
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell is calling on the state’s gas utilities, including Berkshire Gas, to revise climate compliance plans that regulators say fail to adequately address greenhouse gas reductions, long-term ratepayer costs, and continued dependence on aging fossil fuel infrastructure. The filing raises concerns about stranded gas assets, rising customer costs, and the lack of credible transition planning away from leak-prone systems.
The developments follow continued advocacy and formal comments submitted by Berkshire Environmental Action Team opposing Berkshire Gas’s proposed rate increase and criticizing the company’s failure to develop a meaningful transition plan away from fossil fuels. BEAT’s comments emphasized the disproportionate burden placed on low-income households already struggling with rising utility costs, questioned the justification for continued investment in aging gas infrastructure, and urged stronger investment in electrification and networked geothermal alternatives. Brittany Ebeling and Rosemary Wessel also testified during public hearings on the proposal.
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Open House at Old Maid's Park
Join BEAT for a community open house at Old Maid’s Park! This family-friendly event will feature a plant identification walk to learn about local species, a hands-on macroinvertebrate activity to explore the tiny creatures living in the water, and plenty of fun for all ages. Come spend time outdoors, enjoy some delicious food, and take part in shaping a shared vision for the park.
- Saturday, May 16 @ 1-3 PM (rain date: Sunday, May 17, 1-3PM)
- Old Maid's Park - 30 Wyantenuck St, Housatonic, MA
Westside Legends Block Party
The Westside Legends are hosting their annual Block Party to celebrate Pittsfield’s Westside neighborhoods. The party includes various foods, vendors, arts and crafts, face painting, kayaking, raffles, Whiffle Ball and Cornhole tournaments, and more. BEAT will be there for Kids in Kayaks with a few kayaks and BEAT staff and volunteers to show kids what it's like to paddle in the river. As one of our highlights, there will be a performance by the Wanda Houston Band. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public.
- May 23rd 1-5PM
- Westside Riverway Park, 181 Dewey Ave. Pittsfield, MA
Find BEAT at Pittsfield’s Family Fun Zone
Stop by BEAT’s table at the Family Fun Zone during First Fridays on North Street in Pittsfield. Come say hello, learn more about our work, and play BEAT’s interactive game for a chance to win prizes—a fun way to test your knowledge on local environmental issues!
- Friday, June 5 @ 5-8PM
- North St. Pittsfield, MA
Party in the Park
Party in the Park returns, bringing neighbors together for an afternoon of live music, local food, activities for families, and community celebration. The annual event highlights the role public parks play as shared gathering spaces and lighthearted fun! It’s a great event for families, and anyone that wants to come have a good time and spend time. There is also a basketball competition!
Stop by BEAT’s table for face painting of a native plant or amphibian and to talk about Old Maid’s Park!
- Saturday, June 13th @12pm - 4pm
- Alice Bubriski Memorial Playground, 129 Front St. Housatonic, MA
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River Cleanup
Cleanups make a considerable difference in the health of the Housatonic River. Each summer, BEAT and Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) work together to remove trash from the West Branch of the Housatonic River. The West Branch is a beautiful stretch of the Housatonic River running south from Pontoosuc and Onota Lakes and joining with the East Branch on the south end of Pittsfield. BEAT and HVA staff and volunteers have been taking to the river in waders, boots, and canoes to remove trash and keep the river beautiful for several years. Since beginning annual cleanups, our efforts have made a noticeable difference, with the piles of trash getting smaller — and that wouldn’t be possible without the help of volunteers.
Join us to help support the health of our Housatonic River! We will meet at Wahconah Park in Pittsfield before cleanup teams disperse to nearby locations to gather miscellaneous trash from the river banks and bottom. We’ll finish cleaning up around noon and then eat some lunch, which will be provided for free to all volunteers.
- Saturday, June 27 @ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Riverway Park, 181 Dewey Ave, Pittsfield, MA
- More Info & Sign Up!
Action Alert: Protect Local Wetland and Water Protections
The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) is urging residents to contact legislators regarding amendments added to the Mass Ready Act that could weaken local wetland and water protection bylaws tied to new housing development. Advocates warn the changes may limit municipalities’ ability to protect wetlands, flood-prone areas, and drinking water resources through local conservation and wastewater regulations. MACC is encouraging residents to call legislators, send letters, and share information with local officials and community members. Read the full action alert, talking points, and draft letter here.
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Massachusetts Joins Global Conservation Union
Mass.gov
Massachusetts has become the newest government member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a global network focused on biodiversity conservation and environmental policy. State officials say the membership will strengthen collaboration on climate resilience, habitat protection, and conservation science while connecting Massachusetts to international environmental initiatives and research.
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Mass Audubon Protects 850+ Acres in Becket
Josh Landes, WAMC
Mass Audubon has purchased more than 850 acres in Becket, formerly known as the Berkshire Fishing Club, preserving a large forested landscape adjacent to October Mountain State Forest. The property includes extensive wildlife habitat, a 125-acre lake, and important carbon storage capacity, and is expected to become the future Palmer Brook Wildlife Sanctuary with public access, trails, and environmental education opportunities.
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Eversource Reports Higher Earnings as Utility Investments Expand
Eversource
Eversource reported first-quarter 2026 earnings of $606.8 million, driven in part by continued investment in electric and gas infrastructure and recent distribution rate increases across Massachusetts and other New England states. The company’s gas distribution segment saw significant earnings growth tied to ongoing investment in natural gas infrastructure, even as regional debates continue around fossil fuel dependence, ratepayer costs, and long-term climate compliance planning.
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Traveling Climate Accountability Exhibit Comes to Western Massachusetts
A traveling library display organized by the Union of Concerned Scientists is making its way through communities across Massachusetts, highlighting decades of fossil fuel industry knowledge about climate change and documented efforts to obscure those risks from the public. The exhibit also explores ongoing climate accountability lawsuits, including one in Massachusetts, and provides resources for public engagement and action. The display is up in Windsor, Chesterfield, and Pelham, and future Western and Central MA towns that will host the display include South Hadley, Northampton, Greenfield, and Williamstown. An online version of the materials, including the Decades of Deceit report, can be viewed here:
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Pittsfield’s annual Arbor Day celebration at Taconic
Brittany Polito, iBerkshires
High School brought students, city officials, and community members together to plant a tree that will grow alongside future generations of students. The event highlighted the long-term environmental and community benefits of urban trees, including shade, habitat, stormwater management, and improved air quality.
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Study Warns Rising Seas Could Flood Thousands of Toxic Sites
UC Berkeley Public Health
More than 5,500 hazardous sites across the U.S. — including oil and gas facilities, sewage plants, refineries, and toxic waste sites — could face major coastal flooding by 2100 as sea levels rise. Researchers also found that low-income communities and communities of color are disproportionately located near many of these at-risk sites, raising concerns about long-term environmental health and climate justice impacts.
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Lee Businesses Receive Support for Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Leslee Bassman, The Berkshire Edge
Several Lee businesses are receiving funding and technical support to implement energy-saving improvements through a new state-backed initiative focused on reducing energy use and lowering long-term operating costs. The program supports upgrades such as insulation, heating and cooling improvements, and efficiency retrofits aimed at helping small businesses reduce emissions while improving building performance.
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Winter Cold Snap Highlights Challenges in New England’s Energy Transition
Ben Simmoneau, WCVB5
New England relied heavily on oil-fired power plants during this winter’s prolonged cold snap, even as Massachusetts continues encouraging residents to switch from fossil fuel heating to electric heat pumps. The article highlighted ongoing tensions around grid capacity and costs, and the need to expand renewable energy and storage systems to support long-term electrification goals.
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| | Our work wouldn't be possible without the help of our supporters. Thank you for empowering us to continue to fight for the protection of the environment in western Massachusetts and beyond! | | | | |
