Join BEAT To Free a Tree From Invasive Hardy Kiwi

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Join BEAT on Saturday, Aug. 8, at Burbank Park in Pittsfield to remove invasive hardy kiwi.

Hardy kiwi is an ornamental plant known for its fast and dense growing patterns that has become a significant issue in Berkshire County. The dense curtains can smother native plants, creating a monoculture that threatens biodiversity and ecosystem resilience, according to a press release.  

To help free the area of this harmful invasive, the BEAT team and volunteers will meet at the Onota Boat Launch on Saturday, Aug. 8 from 9:00 AM - Noon. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Participants will pull and cut kiwi vines, specifically removing any fruit to keep wildlife from eating it and spreading the plant further.

Participants should come prepared to walk approximately 10 minutes into the forest and spend an hour or two pulling hardy kiwi. Wearing long pants, long socks, and closed-toed shoes is important. Additionally, participants are encouraged to bring a full water bottle and any equipment, such as gloves, shears, or loppers they possess. BEAT has equipment participants can borrow. Before the pulling begins, BEAT will direct volunteers to sections of hardy kiwi and provide any necessary instructions. This event is open to everyone, regardless of previous experience. 

Register at https://tinyurl.com/beat-kiwi-pull-2026 For more information, visit thebeatnews.org or call (413) 464-9402.


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Companion Corner: Freya, Fudge & Charlotte

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — If looking for the perfect feline pet, why not triple the fun? There's a threesome at Berkshire Humane Society waiting for a family to call their own.

iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home.

We highlighted Freya, Charlotte and Fudge last month and they are still looking for their new home together. 

Kittens Fudge and Charlotte and their mother, Freya, have been at the shelter and in a foster home since April. All three have tested positive for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), often described as feline HIV/AIDS

Feline/small animal adoption counselor Alyssa Petell introduced us to them. 

"They originally were brought in from animal control. The conditions weren't the best in the home. But when they came in, they were tested positive for feline AIDS (FIV). We do send our kittens normally to foster programs to get socialized with the mom. So they got sent to a foster program for about two months to get socialized," she said.

The shelter preferably would like the three to as a family, and to a home with respectful children that will keep them inside.

"We would prefer if they could all go together, but they are a very sweet trio of kitties. They would have to be indoor only because of them being feline AIDS positive," Petell said. "It is OK for them to go into a home with other cats. We prefer if they go into a home with feline AIDS-positive cats, but even if they are negative for feline AIDS, as long as they're not actively scratching each other and biting each other to transmit it, then it should be OK."

Each cat has their own personality. The two kittens love to play with an abundance of toys; one is shy and the other is outgoing. They both like to curl up and sleep in your lap once they get to know you.

It turns out that Fudge is actually a girl. In our previous article, he was mistakenly identified as a boy. 

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