Berkshires Awarded Grants to Boost Woodland Restoration, Tourism

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BOSTON, Mass. — The state awarded he Berkshire Naural Resource Council, Adams, Cheshire, Peru, and Williamstown grants designed to protect forests and boost local economies in Western Massachusetts. 
 
Through the Woodlands Partnership Program, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) is providing funding, $310,000 in total, to six rural communities and three regional organizations focused on conservation and economic development. These grants will improve outdoor recreation opportunities in public forests, ensure community safety and implement sustainable forestry practices that
promote forest resilience. 
 
In Berkshire County:
 
Adams - $25,000  
  • An Invasive Plant Management Plan for Greylock Glen: Prepare an Invasive Plants Management Plan for Greylock Glen, focusing on areas under the Town of Adams' lease with the Commonwealth. 
Berkshire Natural Resource Council - $25,000 
  • Hoosac Range Climate Smart Forest Stewardship Plan: Develop a Forest Stewardship Plan for BNRC's Hoosac Range Reserve, a 992-acre property located in North Adams and Florida. 
Cheshire - $13,250 
  • Trail Kiosks: Install two informational trail kiosks on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail for recreational users. 
Peru - $25,000 
  • Fire Department Communications Upgrade: Purchase five new portable radios utilized by the Fire Department to ensure compatibility with digital upgrades to the E911 system. 
Williamstown - $25,000
  • Purple Trails Mountain Bike Trail Improvements: Construction of a one mile segment of critical intermediate level mountain bike trail within a professionally designed 20+ mile trail network in the mountains of Williamstown. 
Forests play a central role in these communities. They support local jobs, improve air quality and shape the identity of the region," said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "This funding helps protect those natural spaces while supporting local efforts that ensure people can continue to hike, camp and enjoy the outdoors for years to come." 
 
These grants support the goals of the Mass Ready Act by protecting forests and water resources while investing in the local economies that depend on them. 
 
The Woodlands Partnership of Northwest Massachusetts was formed in 2018 through the collaboration of local residents, government officials, non-profits, and academic institutions. Together, they developed a comprehensive plan to drive economic growth and create jobs through sustainable forest management and tourism, which are vital for communities along the Vermont and New York borders. 

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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. 

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