Crane Donates Jericho Woods Conservation Group
DALTON, Mass. — Crane & Co. has donated 126 acres of woodlands, known as Jericho Woods, to the Berkshire Natural Resources Council.
The Jericho Woods property spans the communities of Dalton and Hinsdale, and has been protected by Crane and the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife under a Wildlife Conservation Easement. In 2015, Crane donated 685 acres of land, known as the Boulders, to the BNRC.
"Crane has a long, sustained legacy of leading in the area of environmental stewardship," said Stephen P. DeFalco, chief executive officer of Crane Currency. "The donation of the Jericho Woods property to the BNRC will ensure that this wonderful resource will be preserved and maintained for the enjoyment of the community."
The company and Crane family have been supporters of conservation efforts since the council was founded in 1967. The late Frederick Crane Jr. was a founding board member and chairman of 20 years. His sons Dicken and Tim have both served as directors of BNRC, and Tim Crane is currently chairman of the board.
The Jericho Woods property includes the Old Mill Trail, which is approximately 2 miles long and runs along the East Branch of the Housatonic River. The trail was developed by the Housatonic Valley Association to provide increased recreational and educational opportunities to visitors.
"We thank all the parties involved in this project: MassWildlife, Housatonic Valley Association, Crane Currency – and everyone who supports BNRC's goal of keeping land open for everyone," BNRC's Narain Schroeder said.
Tags: BNRC, conserved land, Crane & Co., forestland, land conservation,
