350Mass Berkshires to Host Climate Action Program at Wander

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — 350Mass Berkshire Climate Action has announced a public program, "Bringing Climate Action Home," scheduled for April 7, 2026, at Wander, located at 34 Depot St., Suite 101. 
 
The event is free and open to the public, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. for a community organization showcase followed by guest speakers at 6:00 p.m.
 
The program is designed to provide resources for individuals involved in home renovations, new construction, or the transition to energy-efficient electrical appliances. The information provided will target a broad demographic, including homeowners, landlords, and renters.
 
Three featured speakers will present during the session:
  • Wendy Brown, AIA, CPHD, of Terra Design-Build, will discuss energy-efficient design for new and existing structures, the Mass Save program, and the local impacts of climate disruption.
  • Joe Carry of Decumanus Green Design-Build will share insights on sustainable building, including net-zero design and construction based on local experience.
  • Amanda Parker from the Green Energy Consumers Alliance will cover the adoption of residential battery storage, window heat pumps, and plug-in balcony solar. Her presentation will focus on the needs of renters and low-income households, including an outline of currently available financial incentives and rebates.
The host organization, 350Mass Berkshires Climate Action, is a volunteer-led group focused on environmental issues at the local and state levels. The group has recently been involved in efforts to convert Pittsfield's "Peaker Plants" to clean energy and advocating for sustainable school building designs.
 
Additional information is available via the organization's website at 350maberkshires.org.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Seeks CPA Funds for Bike Racks, AED

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city plans to apply for Community Preservation Act funds for park bike racks and an AED machine at the pickleball fields. 

On Tuesday, the Parks Commission endorsed Pittsfield’s applications for CPA funds. 

"Both of those projects are certainly, relative to CPA funds, low cost but high benefit," Commissioner Anthony DeMartino said. 

Through CPA, bike racks are proposed for a few city parks, and the Berkshire Mountain Pickleball league is looking to place an automatic external defibrillator at the Benedict Avenue pickleball fields. 

Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Manager James McGrath and Recreation & Special Events Coordinator Jennifer VanBramer presented the two small project applications, which will go through an eligibility period before full consideration in the spring of 2027. 

During the city’s free, six-week, summer playground program, it was observed that many kids access parks by bicycle. The plan is to buy between six and eight racks to be placed at Durant Park, the Common, and Clapp Park; other parks are being considered as well. 

McGrath explained that the three parks hosting the playground program don’t have bike racks, and they wind up on the ground and sometimes become a distraction. 

"The ancillary benefit to having bike racks is that it encourages that mode of transportation for folks that want to come to the park on their bike," he said. 

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