Mount Greylock to Host Nature-Based Program for Youth

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LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Mount Greylock State Reservation has scheduled a free public interpretive program, the "Discover Greylock Explorer's Club," for Friday, March 20. 
 
The event will run from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and is based at the park's Visitor Center.
 
The program is designed for children ages 8 and older, including homeschoolers, though younger siblings may attend. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Activities are slated to include map and compass orienteering, tree and animal track identification, and environmental games.
 
Organizers stated the program will be held primarily outdoors, weather permitting. Participants are advised to prepare for variable late-winter conditions by wearing warm layers and waterproof footwear. The use of trekking poles and traction devices or snowshoes is recommended. Attendees should also bring water and food.
 
While the program is free of charge, registration is required. According to park officials, inclement weather will result in the cancellation of the event.
 
For registration or weather updates, the Visitor Center can be reached at (413) 499-4262.
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Recent E. Coli Detection in Pontoosuc Lake Confined to Lanesborough

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Only Lanesborough's portion of Pontoosuc Lake had a bacterial exceedance last week. 

During the Lake Management Commission's second meeting on Thursday, members received an update on the situation. 

On July 22, the Lanesborough Board of Health closed the Sunrise Street and Narragansett Avenue beaches due to high E. Coli levels.  They have since cleared. 

"We didn't have any bacterial exceedance in Pittsfield, so there's no concern at all last week for any E. coli concerns in Pittsfield,” Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Manager James McGrath reported. 

Regular monitoring for bacterial exceedances at swimming beaches across the Commonwealth is required.  Pittsfield's Board of Health tests Pontoosuc and Onota Lake weekly on Wednesdays throughout the summer. 

Lanesborough also conducts weekly testing through its Board of Health, and an exceedance was reported to the state at Sunrise Beach, at the very north end of Pontoosuc Lake. 

McGrath noted that he did not see Narragansett Beach on the state's dashboard. 

"The City of Pittsfield was made aware of the bacterial exceedance and we, of course, were concerned,” he said. 

"Our weekly testing happened the next day on Wednesday. Our results were returned Thursday morning. We did not have a bacterial exceedance at Pontoosuc Lake Park, where we test off of the wall on the north side of the channel, and also proximate to the boat ramp, at this point in time.” 

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