A gathering of local naturalists and educators to remember the contributions of local environmentalists was held at Mass Audubon’s Pleasant Valley Sanctuary in 2014. This became the impetus for what is now the Berkshire Natural History Conference.
The venue moves around the county each year, hosted by Berkshire Community College, the Berkshire School, Williams College, and the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. A committee organizes the speakers, exhibitors, and activities and is financially supported by Green Berkshires, the Hoffmann Bird Club, Ward’s Nursery, Orion Magazine, and others.
The gathering celebrates all the naturalists, past, present, and future, who have contributed in large and small ways to the preservation, protection, and in some cases, restoration of our little corner of the planet. People of all ages are welcome to attend.
Speakers and Topics for 2024 include:
Ed Neumuth and Dan Shustack – Juncos from year to year.
Kayla Downs – Environmental Education in the Digital Age.
Linda Merry – Weather Tools for the Birding Toolbox.
James Lowenthal – Darkness at Night: Essential for Life.
Jerry Jenkins – The Great Northwoods.
Karolina Fucikova – The Lore and Fascination of Algae.
Jeremy LaCrosse – The Living Lab Project.
Robin Sears – The Williamstown Land Trust.
