Free Wild Edible Plant Hike in Great Barrington

03:05PM / Wednesday, June 04, 2025Print Story | Email Story

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Join Russ Cohen, author of the book "Wild Plants I Have Known…and Eaten," and Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) for a 3-hour hike in the BNRC's Alford Springs Reserve on Sunday, June 8, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM.

Participants will learn about at least two dozen species of edible wild plants. Keys to the identification of each species will be provided, along with info on edible portion(s), season(s) of availability and preparation methods, as well as general guidelines for safe, ethical, and environmentally-responsible foraging.

This walk has a participant limit. Registration is required. Learn more and register at this link: https://BEAT-wild-edible-plant-hike.eventbrite.com

Be Advised: The planned loop for the hike is somewhat strenuous, with substantial elevation gain and loss, so this walk is recommended only for fit participants with the proper hiking gear.

Tags: BEAT,

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Elevated Mercury Level Found in Center Pond Fish

11:41AM / Friday, December 19, 2025

BECKET, Mass. — The state Department of Public Health has issued an advisory after a mercury-contaminated fish was found in Center Pond.

According to a letter sent to the local Board of Health from the Division of Environmental Toxicology, Hazard Assessment and Prevention, elevated levels of mercury were measured in the sample taken from the pond.

The concentration in the fish exceeded DPH's action level of 0.5 milligrams per kilogram, or parts per million.

"This indicates that daily consumption of fish from the waterbody may pose a health concern. Therefore, DPH has issued a FCA for Center Pond recommending that sensitive populations should not eat chain pickerel and all other people should limit consumption of chain pickerel to 2 meals/month," the letter states.

The letter specifically points to chain pickerel, but the 60-acre pond also has largemouth and smallmouth bass and yellow perch.

The "sensitive populations" include children younger than 12, those who are nursing, pregnant, or who may become pregnant.

The Toxicology Division recommends reducing intake of "large, predatory fish" or fish that feed on the bottoms of waterbodies, such as largemouth bass and carp. More information on safely eating fish can be found here.

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