Environment – John Townes

Preserving the Iconic Small Town Qualities of Stockbridge

The Laurel Hill Association has ramped up its longtime role as an active protector of the scenic beauty and local character of Stockbridge.

Are Plastic Shopping Bags on the Way Out?

Pittsfield considers banning plastic shopping bags in stores, as other Berkshire communities have done.

Restoring an American Giant

Pittsfield orchard is part of a broad national effort to bring back the once-prevalent American Chestnut tree.

A New Model for Saving Farmland

Project will test an emerging strategy of using private investment capital to preserve farmland and make it available to farmers on affordable terms.

Pipeline Plan Prompts Protests

A controversial plan to build a major new natural gas pipeline from Pennsylvania to eastern Massachusetts is likely to advance to its next phase in September.

Program Serves as Matchmaker for Farmers and Landowners

Farmer Landowner Match Program, connects farmers searching for land and property owners who want to lease farmland for agricultural use.

Efforts Aim to Preserve Scenic and Historic Tract

The Shaker Swamp, which extends over nearly 500 acres in New Lebanon, is one of two areas that would be preserved from development under pending conservation projects in the town.

Connecting Rail Routes to Create a Regional Bike and Hiking Trail

Ongoing efforts progress to create a network of regional hiking and biking trails by connecting former railroad track routes.

Charting a High Road to the Future

The Berkshire Natural Resources Council has launched an ambitious plan to create a network of interconnected walking trails throughout the Berkshires.