Clarksburg State Park Hosts Free Summer Programs

Print Story | Email Story
CLARKSBURG, Mass. — Enjoy free programs at this summer at Clarksburg State Park and meet Smokey the Bear on Saturday. 
 
The state park is located at 1199 Middle Road; a day-use parking fee applies. 
 
All programs are run out of the Nature Center. Programming is free and open to the public but children must be accompanied by an adult. Participants are asked to dress appropriately for the weather; inclement weather cancels outdoor events. 
 
Note that programming does not occur on Aug. 10-18, 24 and 30. For more information: 413-664-8345. 
 
Kidleidoscope: Fridays from 1 to 2 p.m. for ages 3-6. The program includes a story, activity, and a craft. Siblings welcome.
 
Explorers: Fridays from 4 to 5 p.m. for ages 7-12. Explore the plants, animals and trails of the park. Rotating topics that includes an activity. 
 
Campfire Talks: Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. for all ages. Join the park interpreter for hands-on, educational programs on a variety of topics that explore the plants and wildlife of the park. Meet at the Nature Center fire pit.
 
Hike the Loop: Saturdays from 10 to noon. This is an easy-to-moderate three miles. Discover the story of the pond and look out for wildlife along the way. Bring water, snack and bug spray and wear sturdy footwear.
 
Aquatic Detectives: Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. for all ages. Come to the hands-on discovery table to explore the plants and animals in and around the pond that make Mausert's Pond their home. Meet at the Nature Center's beach area.  
 
Nice and Easy Hike: Sundays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. for all ages. This mile or less hike will explore one of the trails at the state park. Wear appropriate walking shoes and bring water and wear bug spray. 
 
Art Naturally: Sundays from 11 to 1 p.m. for all ages. Explore your creative side with nature arts and crafts. Supplies will be provided.
 
Junior Rangers: Thursdays from 10 to noon for ages 8–12. This long-standing program is designed to capture the imagination of youth and foster a sense of stewardship. This collaborative program takes place at multiple Western Berkshire state parks over a seven-week period. For registration, call Mount Greylock State Reservation at 413-499-4262. 
 
Junior Rangers is held at Clarksburg State Park on Thursday, July 24. Programs start Thursday July 10 and end Aug. 21.
 
Smokey Bear Visit: Saturday, July 19, from 11 to 1 for all ages. Visit with the Smokey Bear, ambassador of wildfire prevention and celebrate his 81st birthday. Learn about fire safety and black bears. too. Smokey will be joined by the state Department of Conservation and Recreation's District 12 fire crew, a DCR fire truck, and other fire equipment used to fight forest fires. 

Tags: state parks,   

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

Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.

Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.

We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.

In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.

Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear. 

The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.

"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."

Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.

In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.

The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.

"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.

They are hoping their display carries on the tradition of the Arnold Family Christmas Lights Display that retired in 2022.

The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.

In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.

"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said. 

View Full Story

More North Adams Stories