Berkshire County Green Teams Recognized

Print Story | Email Story

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) today acknowledged students from 475 classrooms across the state who participated in the Green Team program, making the 2024-2025 school year the highest registration in the program's history.

Among the 94 Green Teams recognized statewide for outstanding environmental stewardship and educational activities, several Berkshire County schools received particular accolades.

"Congratulations to all of the participating Green Team teachers and students for their accomplishments," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "Their initiative and leadership provides an excellent example of how we can raise environmental awareness and promote waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting in our schools, homes, and communities."

Lee Elementary School's Garden program (grades K-5) and Pittsfield High School's Compost Program (grades 9-12) were specifically recognized for going "above and beyond" with their efforts to promote sustainability and responsible leadership in their communities. These schools, along with 30 others across the state, will receive a gift card to celebrate their hard work or to support their Green Team initiatives.

Additionally, Green Teams from Pine Cobble in Williamstown and Berkshire Arts and Technology Charter Public School in Adams were among the 62 participating classes whose students will receive a "Bee the Change" pollinator seed packet for their work this school year.

The Green Team is a statewide program sponsored by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) and MassDEP, empowering students and teachers to help the environment by acting in their communities.


Tags: MassDEP,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Ribbon Cut on Lee's Long-Awaited Housing Development

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

LEE, Mass.— After more than a decade of work, tenants will move into the Eagle Mill Lofts this fall. 

On Tuesday, Hearthway and Rees-Larkin Development held a ribbon-cutting for the first 56 apartments in the former paper mill.  Sitting on the banks of the Housatonic River, this development offers one- to three-bedroom, mixed-income units in the heart of the downtown. 

Lead Developer Jeffrey Cohen said the apartments are "unbelievable."  The building's original brick is celebrated in the units, which feature different layouts and are contrasted with modern appliances and features. 

"I saw the apartments when they first got done, and I couldn't understand really how they look so good," he said during a ceremony in the foyer. 

"And I think that is so good for the town of Lee, for affordable housing in general." 

This project has been ongoing since 2012.  Individuals and families will begin to move in next month.  This is the first phase; another 44 apartments will be built onsite. 

President and CEO of Hearthway Eileen Peltier said projects like the Eagle Mill are important to addressing the need for housing at varied income levels.  These units will house families of varied incomes, with rent-assisted units for people making 30 percent of the area median income, and affordable units for those in the 60-80 percent AMI. 

Rents under these guidelines range from $1,360 for a one-bedroom to $2,100 for a three-bedroom. 

"What that means is that people with varied life resumes will be living here in this beautiful community," Peltier said. 

View Full Story

More Lee Stories