Junior Rangers Program at Mount Greylock

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LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Mount Greylock State Reservation announced the Junior Ranger program for children ages 8-12.

The program is free and is held at Mount Greylock State Reservation, Pittsfield State Forest, Clarksburg State Park, Natural Bridge State Park, Savoy Mountain State Forest, and Mohawk Trail State Forest, on specific Thursdays in July and August from 10:00am to noon. 

Space is limited to fifteen participants. All participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  

Work toward earning a Junior Ranger Patch and Certificate by attending programs and completing the activities in the Junior Ranger Activity Guide. Each week, participants will explore different topics that promote outdoor recreation and appreciation of the natural world. Led by Park Interpreters, Junior Ranger activities may also include easy hikes that  explore the water, geology, climate, plants, and animals at the respective parks.  

Children must wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Sturdy walking shoes, water, a snack, sun screen and insect repellent are recommended. Parents, guardians and siblings are encouraged to participate.  

Program sessions take place during a seven-week period where participants will meet at alternate parks that offer a unique theme and activity. Participants are required to attend a minimum of two programs (first and last) and complete the Junior Ranger Activity Guide to qualify for the Junior Ranger patch and certificate.  

Session #1 on July 13th will be held at:                                                                                              

Pittsfield State Forest Ski Lodge 

1041 Cascade St., Pittsfield, MA 01201 

Phone: (413) 442-8992 - Please call for directions.                           

Robert.Rando@mass.gov

Session #2 on July 20th, and Session #7 on August 24th  will be held at:                            

Mount Greylock State Reservation Visitor Center 

30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA 01237 

Phone: (413) 499-4262 - Please call for directions. 

Michael.W.Whalen@mass.gov  

Session #3 on July 27th, will be held at: 

Savoy Mountain State Forest Nature Center  

260 Central Shaft Road, Florida, MA 01247 

Phone: (413) 663-8469 – Please call for directions. 

Alicia.Cellana@mass.gov

Session #4 on August 3rd,  will be held at: 

Natural Bridge State Park Visitor Center 

McAuley Road, North Adams, MA 01247 

Phone: (413) 663-6392 - Please call for directions. 

Geeg.Wiles@mass.gov  

Session #5 on August 10th, will be held at:                                                                                      

1199 Middle Road, Clarksburg, MA 01247

Clarksburg State Park Nature Center 

Phone: (413) 664-8345 - Please call for directions. 

Kristen.Maybe@mass.gov

Session #6 on August 17th, will be held at:  

Mohawk Trail State Forest 

P.O. Box 7, Route 2, Charlemont, MA 01339 

Phone: (413) 339-5504 – Please call for directions. 

Christian.Drake@mass.gov

Certificates and patches are awarded to those who attend at least two sessions, complete the Junior Ranger Activity Guide, and show outstanding participation. The Mount Greylock Visitor Center is located at 30 Rockwell Road, 1.5 miles from North Main Street and Route 7 in Lanesborough. Sponsored by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Registration forms are available at the Visitor Center in Lanesborough or call (413) 499-4262 for more information and session locations. 


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Pittsfield Council Rejects Federal Police Drone Grant

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City Council on Tuesday rejected a $31,000 police drone grant after a larger conversation about surveillance and responsible data storage. 

On the agenda was $31,167 from the Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance, for the Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program. For about two hours, councilors dug into the U.S. Department of Justice contract, found grammatical errors, and what they described as abnormally worded conditions and red flags. 

"It's not even like one red flag. It's like a whole field of red flags," Ward 7 Councilor Kathy Moody said.

They voted 9-2 to reject the grant, with only Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren and Ward 3 Councilor Matthew Wrinn in favor.  

"We should not approve a grant where the contract goes against our own policies, whether it be state or local policies, or whether the requirements in that contract go against our community's values," Councilor at Large Alisa Costa said. 

"And what I heard from residents before this meeting, and what was a concern that I flagged when I first read this, is that it does go against my values and the values of our neighbors and us wanting to protect people." 

Open microphone speakers said provisions in the contract violate the Massachusetts PROTECT Act, which Gov. Maura Healey signed last month to establish statewide limits on state and local cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement. 

"I'm particularly concerned about Condition 53, that would essentially require police officers to report to [the Department of Homeland Security] anyone who is being released from custody from a correctional facility, which would include local jails," resident Kamaar Taliaferro said. 

"Condition 54. This condition is in direct violation of the PROTECT Act." 

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