This fellow was spotted near the Alford Brook at the end of April. He or she is a wood turtle, a species of special concern in Massachusetts. Once abundant, they are now quite rare due to habitat loss and most especially rotary mowers. We also have painted turtles, spotted turtles, and most common, snapping turtles. […]

We regret to announce that due to the pandemic and the now-familiar safety concerns, we will cancel our 19th Annual Meeting this fall. In lieu of a formal meeting, we are offering a walk through the Riggs’ family forest on North Egremont Road. On Saturday, October 10 at 10 am you are invited to join […]

Lately, I hear over and over, “How fortunate we are to be in Alford during the pandemic.” So many people have found hours of calm walking or bicycling on our roads, hiking our woodland trails, and watching the seasons unfold at their homes in Alford. Through conservation projects and partnerships the Alford Land Trust strives […]

With the help of a few volunteers, we planted a mix of the following native seeds at Schiffman Woods: Whitewood Aster, Big leaf Aster, Herb Robert, Black Cohosh, and White Snakeroot. The seeds were donated by Helia Native Seeds.

Despite the fact that my family has had our house in Alford since I was two, we have never stayed in it for long periods of time. Jokingly, we would say that if the zombie apocalypse came, Alford would be our safe haven. Somewhat ironically, it now is. Allow me to introduce myself. I’m a […]

On February 4, BNRC’s Narain Schroeder and MassWildlife visited Devil’s Den looking for bats. They didn’t find any, but did come back with some stunning cave photos.

The Alford Land Trust is partnering with the Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) to conserve 242 acres on the south end of the Tom Ball ridge on the south eastern border of Alford. Residents are invited to learn more about the project at the Alford Land Trust’s annual meeting, to be held on Saturday, September […]

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a small insect that bores into the bark of ash trees, eventually killing the tree. It has been spreading across the eastern United States since it was first detected in Michigan in 2002. Here in Alford, we have been hoping the tiny pest would overlook our pristine forests, but […]

There have been a number of Barred Owl sightings this winter.  Here’s one on West Road waiting for its dinner to come by….