66 acres conserved for Nature and Community Access in Great Barrington

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. (NEWS10)-- The Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) has conserved 66 acres to protect wildlife and create new opportunities for community members to connect with nature. The property, on the western slope of Three Mile Hill is in the Blue Hill Road property, next to the Thomas and Palmer Brook Reserve.

According to the BNRC, the property is home to diverse natural features including quartzite boulders and multiple species of trees. A portion of the land is also designated as a Critical Natural Landscape and Priority Habitat of Rare Species by Massachusetts Natural
Heritage and Endangered Species Program.

"The Blue Hill Road property protects critical forest habitat and prevents further fragmentation in an area facing increased development," Nick Pitel, BNRC’s assistant director of conservation said. "By securing this land, BNRC conserves the ecological health and connectivity of Three Mile Hill for future generations."

The land was secured through the 30x30 Catalyst Fund from Mass Audubon, support from the Thieriot Foundation and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ Acquisitions for Forest Reserves Grants Program. Mass Audubon contributed $125,000 towards the acquisition.

"The Catalyst Fund is tailor-made to assist with land projects like this. It was Mass Audubon’s pleasure to work with our partner, BNRC, to secure this property as it exemplifies the goals of the Catalyst Fund, which are to protect Massachusetts’ most bio-diverse, carbon rich lands” said Mass Audubon’s President and CEO David O’Neill.

The land will be designated as a Forest Reserve and will be connected to the Thomas and Palmer Brook Reserve to expand recreational access. According to BNRC, additional trailheads will be made to access "Whale Rock," a popular boulder on the property, and a larger trail network will be made to connect the two properties with educational opportunities available.

"This conservation success reflects BNRC’s mission to care for Berkshire lands, waters,
and wildlife while offering more ways for people to connect to the outdoors," said Jenny
Hansell, BNRC’s president. "The Blue Hill Road property expands a key BNRC reserve
while protecting important habitat and increases access for nearby communities."

For more information on the BNRC or to see a full list of trails and reserves the BNRC has, visit the council's website.