PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) invites the entire community to join them in celebrating their 20th Anniversary on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 1-3 PM, at their Environmental Leadership & Education Center, located at 20 Chapel Street in Pittsfield.

 

According to a press release:

 

BEAT was established in 2003 when a vernal pool at Berkshire Community College (BCC) was being threatened by the development of soccer fields on the campus. Over the past two decades, BEAT has taken on many fights and projects — often leading them and creating a path for environmental change and progress. BEAT's mission has remained the same: to protect the environment for wildlife in support of the natural world that sustains us all. However, their vision and goals have continuously expanded and evolved. 

 

BEAT envisions a world where communities work together to sustain their environmental health and economic vitality; all people recognize their interconnectedness to, and dependence on, the natural world; the air and water are clean; rivers and streams flow naturally; and there is plenty of interconnected, natural land where wildlife thrive. BEAT's goal is to make all of this happen — and their newly renovated Environmental Leadership & Education Center is one of the first steps in reaching that goal.

 

The renovations feature a balcony overlooking the west branch of the Housatonic River, which runs directly behind the building, a fully accessible bathroom, and an accessible sloped walkway that leads to an entryway. Some renovations are still underway, but the building should be fully accessible in time for the celebration.

 

Join them on December 2 to celebrate two decades of accomplishments, see the new renovations, hear about what's to come, and meet members of BEAT's staff and board. Executive Director Jane Winn will lead an optional tour of the building at 1:15 PM, and a stream-table demonstration will start at 2 PM. Finger foods and refreshments will also be served.

 

They ask that people RSVP if they plan to attend; let them know you're coming at this link: tinyurl.com/Celebrate-with-BEAT