Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) Events Coming Up
The Housatonic Valley Association (HVA), founded in 1941 with a local office in Stockbridge, is dedicated to protecting the environmental health of the 2,000 square-mile watershed of the Housatonic River. HVA's mission is to save the natural character and health of our communities by protecting land and water throughout the watershed from the Berkshires through western Connecticut to Long Island Sound. It establishes partnerships with agencies and organizations, conducts research, education, advocacy, and provides technical assistance to communities and local groups. HVA's goals include healthy rivers and streams, clean drinking water and natural places for our families to enjoy for generations to come.
Celebrate our Watershed with HVA - to learn more contact Alison Dixon, HVA Berkshire Watershed Conservation Manager, at 413-298-7024; adixon@hvatoday.org or visit www.hvatoday.org
From May 26 - July 4, we invite you to explore the outdoors through friendly competition, either solo or as a team (most miles hiked, biked, paddled, etc.), by attending one of our events like a hike along the Appalachian Trail or River Exploration for kids, or by simply enjoying nature your own way! This fun, free, and easy event celebrates the Housatonic River Valley and helps protect our waterways and lands.
Explore the watershed, post pictures to share the love of the watershed and win exciting prizes from Patagonia, REI, and more! Visit the website or contact Alison to learn more and register.
Bacteria monitoring in the Housatonic Watershed
We are excited to begin our fourth season of bacteria monitoring thanks to Mass DEP funding. This year we will assess 9 - 10 sites for bacteria. Volunteers are needed to collect samples about 2 times a month from mid-June to end of September. We expect sites will be located in the East Branch of the Housatonic Watershed, the Green River, Konkapot River and Schenob Brook watersheds. There may also be help needed with monitoring our temperature and conductivity loggers. Training is provided.
Anticipated training date Tuesday, June 6 - 10am to about 11:30am
Location: Konkapot River/ River Road intersection (pull-out parking area) in Monterey. Please call the office 413-298-7024 to register. Leave a message, if I don't answer! Be prepared to get in the water - bring water shoes or knee high boots!
River Cleanups, in partnership with BEAT
Saturday, May 20th – 9 – 1pm In partnership with MassWildlife Housatonic River in Lenox (launching at Decker landing). There will be on land and on the water cleanup crews. We will have a limited number of spaces in the HVA canoes. Visit the wwebsite or contact Alison to register!
Thursday, June 1, 10am to Noon - we will be hosting Wahconah High School students We could use extra adults to help out! Call 413-298-7024, if you are able/willing to help!
Saturday, July 22nd – 9am – 1pm West Branch of the Housatonic River - meet at Wahconah Park, Wahconah Street, Pittsfield. SAVE the DATE - Registration information to follow
BERKSHIRE PRIDE PADDLE - First Annual! (LGBTQ+)
Saturday, June 24 paddle 4pm - 6:30pm (stay for potluck 6:30 - 7:30pm)
Extra help is welcome and you are welcome to just join us, too!
Call Alison at 413-298-7024 if you would like to help/join!
As part of our Celebrate the Watershed event, HVA is partnering with the organization Q-MoB (Queer Men of the Berkshires) for a paddle on the Housatonic River. We will launch at Decker Landing and paddle downstream and back enjoying a relaxing late day paddle.