![Peaceful Places [Video]](/Ollie and Egan.png?Action=thumbnail&Width=300&Height=225&algorithm=fill_proportional)
The Healing Power of Nature
Science and popular culture may soon be starting to appreciate something that you have likely known for a long time—being in nature benefits the human body, mind, and spirit. It comes as no surprise to hear that being outside in the woods, surrounded by living, breathing plants, birds, and animals, can decrease your stress levels, improve your mood and fight depression, improve your memory, and improve your general sense of well-being. If you’re walking and getting your heart rate up, all the better. Though many of us have... Read More Valley Gives Day - May 2nd
Only you can protect our peaceful places for today and tomorrow! Where do you go outside to find peace? The top of a mountain, beside a roaring stream, a hammock in your backyard, or a quiet drive on a country road? Spending time outside renews, restores and refuels us as we navigate our way through an unrelenting and fast paced world. Your support helps save places for everyone to find their own peaceful refuge. Each day, development threatens our natural places, and endangers the water, air and lands that your kids will... Read More
D2R2, August 19th
What is D2R2? Each August close to 1,500 bicyclists descend on Franklin County to participate in the nation’s largest dirt-road cycling event, the Deerfield Dirt Road Randonnée. Hosted by Franklin Land Trust (FLT), last year the ride attracted cyclists from 26 states and 5 countries. This year, which marks the 12th anniversary of the event, promises to be the best yet! “D2R2,” as the ride has been nicknamed, offers EIGHT dirt-road courses ranging in length from a16... Read More
A Guide to Land Conservation & Management Programs
Making Sense of Land Programs The vast majority of western Massachusetts woodlands are owned and cared for by private individuals and families. Privately owned lands provide clean air, water, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and contribute to the scenic beauty of our region. The decisions private landowners make about their land will determine what our region looks like in the future. There are a wide range of programs offering expertise, funding, tax benefits, and help in taking care of land. However, the programs can be confusing and difficult to... Read More
Conway Tornado Clean Up
FLT was happy to mobilize our members and supporters to help our friends and neighbors in Conway who were impacted by the recent tornado. About 40 volunteers joined FLT staff and board members in cleaning up debris in a hayfield, wetland, and stream in Pumpkin Hollow, the neighborhood that was hit the worst by the storm. Thanks to the Maggs and Sheehans for welcoming us on their land, the 9th grade at the Academy of Charlemont and all the volunteers that helped us make short work of the clean-up, as well... Read More
Snowshoers & Hikers Welcome
Last week our Land Steward, Emily Johnson, led a small group of volunteers on a snowshoe hike at Guyette Farm in Plainfield. Open to the public and accessible year-round, Guyette Farm boasts diverse habitat with lots of evidence of wildlife! Over the past several years, the Franklin Land Trust has been managing Guyette Farm's old pastures to provide early successional habitat for wildlife browsing. After having spent hot autumn days cutting to promote juniper and blueberry, Emily - also... Read More
Winter Tracking, Ecology and Tree ID hike with Naturalist Aimee Gelinas, Tuesday, February 21st
February vacation event for kids, families and community members! Winter Nature Walk with Naturalist Aimee Gelinas Tuesday, February 21st 1-3 pm Walnut Hill Woods, Buckland Suggested donation $5/person or $10/family Kids, families and community members are invited to join naturalist guide and Tamarack Hollow Director Aimee Gelinas for a winter nature walk at one of FLT’s newest properties.... Read More
Woodland Connections for Women - Friday, February 10, 2017
Woodland Connections for Women Friday, February 10, 2017 11AM-1PM Charlemont Free. Lunch and discussion, followed by optional snowshoe/walk in the woods Women offer a unique perspective when it comes to caring for the natural world. From managing wildlife habitat to working with your family to determine the future of the land, women face an array of weighty issues concerning... Read More