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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Berkshires Outside
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250907T120000
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CREATED:20250819T193359Z
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UID:67771-1757246400-1757260800@berkshiresoutside.org
SUMMARY:Writing For The Wild
DESCRIPTION:WRITING FOR THE WILD\nSundays\, September 7 & 14\, 12:00 – 4:00 pm  \nNature writing is not just a genre\, it’s an ongoing conversation with Earth. A way of listening\, remembering\, and belonging. This immersive two-part workshop with Vanessa Chakour invites writers of all levels into deeper conversation with the wild within and around us. We’ll explore the many facets of nature writing while cultivating intimacy with the more-than-human world and expanding ecological literacy. \nTogether\, we’ll reflect on what compels us to write on behalf of the wild\, who we’re writing for\, and how to shape poetry and prose that honor our interdependence. We’ll explore memoir\, poetry\, and research-driven science writing\, as well as imaginative approaches like writing to and from the perspective of other species. \nWhether sitting with a white pine on the Mount grounds during our outdoor writing sessions\, or drawing on a memory that lives in your body\, this workshop invites you to slow down and write from a place of deep attention. Through readings\, writing prompts\, intimate discussion\, and outdoor activities\, we’ll explore how nature writing can foster healing and amplify the voices of our more-than-human kin. \nBetween sessions\, writers will be encouraged to continue our practices\, to keep a nature journal\, and bring writing to share the following week. We’ll also discuss pathways to publication and how to become an advocate for Earth in a time of ecological crisis — when wild neighbors desperately need our voices. \nABOUT VANESSA: \nVanessa Chakour is a naturalist\, author\, and land steward who builds emotional and ecological bridges between humans and nature. Through writing\, immersive retreats\, and collaborative storytelling\, she invites deeper connection with plants\, animals\, and land. Her books\, Awakening Artemis and Earthly Bodies\, blend memoir with calls to kinship\, exploring the interdependent paths of personal and ecological healing. Vanessa has collaborated with organizations like the Wolf Conservation Center and Jaguar Rescue Center\, and as a Project Coyote ambassador\, facilitates conversations that inspire reverence for our multispecies family. A devoted student of nature\, Vanessa continually seeks creative and regenerative pathways toward coexistence. \nDISCOUNT CODE IN HONOR OF MONARCH MIGRATION: \nOur time together coincides with the peak monarch butterfly migration through Massachusetts — an incredible phenomenon that unfolds across thousands of miles and multiple generations. Monarchs travel 50–100 miles a day\, guided not by maps\, but by genetic memory. It takes up to three generations to complete their journey to Mexico\, each butterfly continuing on a path they have never flown before. \nTo honor their extraordinary migration\, we’re offering a special discount through September 1. Type MONARCH60 into the registration link to receive $60 off and join an intimate circle of voices writing on behalf of the wild.
URL:https://berkshiresoutside.org/event/writing-for-the-wild/
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ORGANIZER;CN="The Mount":MAILTO:info@edithwharton.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250823T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250823T140000
DTSTAMP:20260610T003739
CREATED:20250814T131525Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250814T131525Z
UID:67707-1755943200-1755957600@berkshiresoutside.org
SUMMARY:Wild Acres Pittsfield Group Hike
DESCRIPTION:Western Mass Hilltown Hikers Group Hike \nWild Acres Pittsfield \nAugust 23rd at 10:00 am \nParking: 500 South Mountain Road\, Pittsfield\, MA 01201 \nHike Rating: Fun! Easy 2 miles\, several loops \n  \nJoin us for a fun hike at Pittsfield’s hidden oasis\, Wild Acres.  A large parking lot with pavilions for events makes this a great family friendly destination for a day out and a place to picnic lunch and there is so much more….Short and easy hiking loops great for dog walking and children\, wetlands and ponds for wildlife viewing in all seasons all with many benches. There is a surprise around every bend here including a lookout tower that overlooks a marsh with wide views of the Yokun Ridge.  Probably the most fun here is getting up close to the Pittsfield Municipal Airport where you can watch the planes take off and land\, watch from the ground or from the tower all with an excellent view of the Berkshires. Bring the family and a picnic lunch let’s go have some fun! \nWe will hike rain or shine. Registration required.  Please Register per car load on https://westernmasshilltownhikers.ticketleap.com Maps and bottled water provided.  Well behaved dogs allowed. Event is volunteer lead. Suggested donation is $15.  More details are on www.hilltownhikers.com .  Please email westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com or call/text 413-302-0312 if you have any questions.  As always be prepared for rocks\, mud and roots\, bring trekking poles! \nWant to hike every weekend year-round? Become a Hilltown Hiker Member! Get access to our private Messenger Group Text with hike and event announcements that are member exclusive events.  You can sign up on www.HilltownHikers.com. \nFollow us on Facebook\, Instagram\, and YouTube. Tees\, hoodies\, hats\, patches and bags will be for sale by donation at the event.  See all our events\, maps\, blog and photos at www.hilltownhikers.com Please keep our beautiful places clean and carry in and carry out.
URL:https://berkshiresoutside.org/event/wild-acres-pittsfield-group-hike/
LOCATION:Wild Acres\, 500 South Mountain Road\, Pittsfield\, 01201
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250811T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250815T160000
DTSTAMP:20260610T003739
CREATED:20250715T131347Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250715T131347Z
UID:51578-1754902800-1755273600@berkshiresoutside.org
SUMMARY:Find Your Authentic Voice in Plein Air
DESCRIPTION:Transform your plein air painting skills in this week-long outdoor workshop. \nEasily accessible from New York or Boston\, the Berkshires have some of the most amazing scenery in the northeast\, along with a wide variety of accommodations. \nMy workshops help painters refine their personal technique in watercolor\, pastel\, oils\, gouache\, and acrylics. You will find your own voice and style without becoming anyone’s clone. These are intensive classes\, with morning and afternoon on-site painting sessions and lunch-time discussions and demos. \nWe will cover: \n\nColor theory\nComposition\nMixing colors\nFinding your own voice\nAuthentic brushwork\n\nWe stress strategies\, protocols\, and best practices in painting to get you good results with the least amount of wasted time. That means more attention on drawing\, brushwork and observation. You will learn to paint boldly\, using fresh\, clean color. You’ll learn to build commanding compositions\, and to use hue\, value and line to draw the eye through your paintings. \nBasic painting experience is required. Students will need to bring a portable easel as well as the other art supplies necessary for painting. A list will be sent to registrants. \nCost: $750. This covers all painting instruction\, room and board are the responsibility of the student. \nSkill level: Early-intermediate to Advanced. \nRequirements: Portable plein air easels\, paints\, brushes\, etc.\, rain jackets\, plein air umbrella\, sunscreen\, insect repellent\, stool suggested. Be prepared in case of rain. \nMaximum: 14 participants/workshop. \nMediums: All mediums are welcome: oil\, acrylic\, pastel\, watercolor. \nTime: 9 – 4 pm each day. \nLocation: 5 beautiful outdoor locations in the Berkshires in western Massachusetts.
URL:https://berkshiresoutside.org/event/find-your-authentic-voice-in-plein-air/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250712T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250712T110000
DTSTAMP:20260610T003739
CREATED:20250505T195308Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250505T195308Z
UID:4550-1752310800-1752318000@berkshiresoutside.org
SUMMARY:Guided Hike: Examine the Local Effects of Climate Change
DESCRIPTION:Climate change is a global challenge with impacts right here in the Berkshires. Join Williamstown Rural Lands for a three-mile hike along the Taconic Crest & Shepherd’s Well Trails while we discuss how the local climate has shifted through the history of Williamstown. From views across to Mt. Greylock and along the Taconics\, we see the evidence of wildly different climates of the past\, and at the weather station we can see how we monitor climate change today. \nRegistration required: learn more and sign up at the event website. \nWilliamstown Rural Lands is a non-profit\, member-supported land conservation trust. We conserve and promote the forests\, fields\, farms and natural habitats of our region for the benefit of our communities and future generations.
URL:https://berkshiresoutside.org/event/guided-hike-examine-the-local-effects-of-climate-change-2/
LOCATION:Petersburg Pass Parking Lot\, Top of Petersburg Pass/Rt. 2\, Petersburg\, NY\, 12138
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ORGANIZER;CN="Williamstown Rural Lands":MAILTO:programs@rurallands.org
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250628T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250628T123000
DTSTAMP:20260610T003739
CREATED:20250318T133729Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250318T135248Z
UID:4329-1751108400-1751113800@berkshiresoutside.org
SUMMARY:3rd Annual LGBTQ Pride Hike: Pleasant Valley Wildlife Refuge
DESCRIPTION:Naturalist-led easy hike for LGBTQ+ & families through a beautiful forest\, streams\, beaver wetlands & a trail for people with mobility challenges.
URL:https://berkshiresoutside.org/event/3rd-annual-lgbtq-pride-hike-pleasant-valley-wildlife-refuge/
LOCATION:Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary\, 472 West Mountain Rd.\, Lenox\, MA\, 01240\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://berkshiresoutside.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Pleasant-Valley-pic.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250628T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250628T120000
DTSTAMP:20260610T003739
CREATED:20250505T195314Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250505T195314Z
UID:4545-1751101200-1751112000@berkshiresoutside.org
SUMMARY:Guided Hike: Bee Hill and Flora's Glen via Fitch Trail
DESCRIPTION:Join Williamstown Rural Lands for a 4 mile hike overtop Bee Hill and down Flora’s Glen. \nWe’ll start at Sheep Hill in Williamstown with a climb up open fields to Bee Hill Road\, then through mixed woodlands on the Fitch Trail to the high point of Bee Hill\, passing some extraordinary old Sugar Maples along the way. Descend through hemlock groves to the RRR Brooks Trail\, returning along Flora’s Glen Brook to the remains of an old mill pond on Bee Hill Rd. \nThe trail starts in an open\, mowed field — the path is on grass to start — but most of the hike is in the woods on rooty\, rocky trails. Initial strenuous climbing leads to Bee Hill\, and a moderate descent returns us to Bee Hill Road. Much of the descent through Flora’s Glen features a narrow path with a steep drop-off to one side. \nRegistration required: learn more and sign up at the event website. \nWilliamstown Rural Lands is a non-profit\, member-supported land conservation trust. We conserve and promote the forests\, fields\, farms and natural habitats of our region for the benefit of our communities and future generations. \n 
URL:https://berkshiresoutside.org/event/guided-hike-bee-hill-and-floras-glen-via-fitch-trail-2/
LOCATION:Sheep Hill\, 671 Cold Spring Rd.\, Williamstown\, 01267
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ORGANIZER;CN="Williamstown Rural Lands":MAILTO:programs@rurallands.org
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250620T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250620T204500
DTSTAMP:20260610T003739
CREATED:20250407T170807Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250407T170807Z
UID:4443-1750446000-1750452300@berkshiresoutside.org
SUMMARY:Guided Hike: Solstice Evening Hike Down the Shepherd’s Well Trail
DESCRIPTION:Join Williamstown Rural Lands for a summer solstice hike! On this evening the sun will set at 8:36 pm. In the hour before sunset the light filters through the trees at a low angle intensifying colors. Clouds can turn subtle pink or orange. This hike passes through beautiful woods and offers some spectacular open views looking west or looking east towards Mount Greylock.\n\nExcept for a brief steep uphill beginning\, this 1.5 mile hike is one-way mostly downhill. We will meet at the large parking lot at Petersburg Pass on Route 2 just across the New York State border and shuttle some cars down to our ending point. Then we will hike north from Petersburg Pass along the Taconic Crest Trail and east down the Shepherd’s Well Trail. This hike is suitable for both experienced and inexperienced hikers who are confident walkers. We will take a leisurely pace\, stopping to admire the views\, and will finish just before dark. Wear sturdy shoes and pack a flashlight or headlamp in case you need it. Please leave your dog at home.\n\nRegistration required: learn more and sign up at the events website.
URL:https://berkshiresoutside.org/event/guided-hike-solstice-evening-hike-down-the-shepherds-well-trail/
LOCATION:Petersburg Pass Parking Lot\, Top of Petersburg Pass/Rt. 2\, Petersburg\, NY\, 12138
ORGANIZER;CN="Williamstown Rural Lands":MAILTO:programs@rurallands.org
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250615T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250615T170000
DTSTAMP:20260610T003739
CREATED:20250318T132912Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250318T135404Z
UID:4322-1749996000-1750006800@berkshiresoutside.org
SUMMARY:2nd Annual LGBTQ+ Pride Bike Ride on Ashuwillticook Rail Trail
DESCRIPTION:Dust off your bike\, or we can rent you a bike/e-bike for this easy eco-ride on the rail-trail past beautiful wetlands\, lakes\, & forests.
URL:https://berkshiresoutside.org/event/2nd-annual-lgbtq-pride-bike-ride-on-ashuwillticook-rail-trail/
LOCATION:Berkshire Outfitters\, 169 Grove Street\, Adams\, MA\, 01220\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://berkshiresoutside.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Ashu-pic.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250614T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250614T140000
DTSTAMP:20260610T003739
CREATED:20250603T103100Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250603T103100Z
UID:17695-1749895200-1749909600@berkshiresoutside.org
SUMMARY:Azalea Fields Group Hike at Pittsfield State Forest
DESCRIPTION:Western Mass Hilltown Hikers Group Hike \nAzalea Fields Group Hike at Pittsfield State Forest \nJune 14th at 10:00 am \nParking: Berry Mountain Vista Lot \nHike Rating: Moderate 3.36 miles ridgeline hike with 600 feet of total elevation gain with options for less. \n  \nJoin DCR Interpretive Coordinator Alec Gillman on one of the most beautiful mountaintops to experience the best the Taconic Ridge has to offer…sixty five acres of wild azaleas. Berry Hill named for William Berry\, a Revolutionary War veteran who owned land here is filled with the sweet smell of blooms of many varieties of the pink wild flowers and at 2\,060-feet\, Berry Pond is the highest natural water body in Massachusetts. We will hike the Berry Pond shoreline and then follow the Taconic Crest Trail to Tower Mountain then return on the Pine Mountain Trail to visit Tilden Swamp with its bog vegetation. Our hike will start at the dirt parking lot known as the New York Overlook with commanding views of the Catskills and Albany. Berry Hill is also a well known hawk watching site and many different varieties of wildlife can be seen here at this high elevation. Come explore this hidden gem on the New York Massachusetts border\, one of our greatest State Forests filled with the most exciting trails and grand vistas! \nWe will hike rain or shine. Registration required.  Please Register per car load on https://westernmasshilltownhikers.ticketleap.com Maps and bottled water provided.  Well behaved dogs allowed. Event is volunteer lead. Suggested donation is $15.  More details are on www.hilltownhikers.com .  Please email westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com or call/text 413-302-0312 if you have any questions.  As always be prepared for rocks\, mud and roots\, bring trekking poles! \nWant to hike every weekend year-round? Become a Hilltown Hiker Member! Get access to our private Messenger Group Text with hike and event announcements that are member exclusive events.  You can sign up on www.HilltownHikers.com. \nFollow us on Facebook\, Instagram\, and YouTube. Tees\, hoodies\, hats\, patches and bags will be for sale by donation at the event.  See all our events\, maps\, blog and photos at www.hilltownhikers.com Please keep our beautiful places clean and carry in and carry out.
URL:https://berkshiresoutside.org/event/azalea-fields-group-hike-at-pittsfield-state-forest/
LOCATION:Pittsfield State Forest\, 1041 Cascade Street\, Pittsfield\, 01201
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250614T073000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250614T093000
DTSTAMP:20260610T003739
CREATED:20250414T202920Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250414T203037Z
UID:4467-1749886200-1749893400@berkshiresoutside.org
SUMMARY:Pancake Breakfast at the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery
DESCRIPTION:The Friends of the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery is teaming up with the Sheffield Kiwanis to host a FREE Pancake Breakfast from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM at the hatchery! \nCome enjoy a delicious breakfast\, take a guided tour of the hatchery\, and learn about our beautiful trail systems from one of our knowledgeable volunteers. We offer a variety of hikes\, including: \n\n\nA moderate 3-mile walk with scenic views and historic features \n\n\nAn easy 0.3-mile hike showcasing a unique glacial kettle \n\n\nA kid-friendly Nature Trail with fun educational signs along the way \n\n\nAfter breakfast\, don’t miss our Fishing Derby from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM!It’s a great opportunity for kids and families to enjoy some outdoor fun and maybe even win a prize. \nCome for the pancakes—stay for the adventure!
URL:https://berkshiresoutside.org/event/pancake-breakfast-at-the-berkshire-national-fish-hatchery/
LOCATION:Berkshire National Fish Hatchery\, 240 Hatchery Road\, Great Barrington\, MA\, 01230\, United States
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ORGANIZER;CN="Friends of the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery":MAILTO:info@hatcheryfriends.org
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