Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary to host a gathering to confront climate change and its impact

LENOX — Sharpening its focus on the impact of climate change, Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary on Friday will host an “immersive public event,” Forage Forward: An Evening for Change.

The Mass Audubon nature center will combine exploration of the sanctuary, local food, and discussion aimed at sparking “meaningful climate action in the Berkshires,” according to Mass Audubon’s Regional Director Becky Cushing Gop.

Participants will begin the 6 p.m. event with a guided tour of scenic trails led by Cushing-Gop, followed by a spring dinner in The Barn prepared by Hudson Valley chef Leah Guadagnoli.

Then, author, TEDx speaker and educator Anne Therese Gennari will conduct a discussion based on her book, “The Climate Optimist Handbook.”

“It’s a must-read to help shift the narrative on climate change toward a place of courage and excitement, not fear,” Cushing-Gop said.

Also participating is activist Ollie Perrault of Mass Audubon’s Youth Climate Leadership Program.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity to talk with folks about climate solutions, explore active-hope, and to be in community with people who share my visions for a more just, equitable, and greener future for our planet and our people,” Perrault said.

The leadership program organized by Mass Audubon offers middle and high school students a road map on climate change effects and how to work in small teams for local action plans.

Taconic High School in Pittsfield participated in the statewide program this past year.

Pleasant Valley also worked with students at Pittsfield High and in Lenox, where students conducted a tree carbon study and organized an amphibian crossing project with handmade signs alerting local motorists to known salamander migration routes on area roadways.

Since an extremely damaging microburst that devastated parts of the sanctuary and downed a wide swath of century-old trees along Yokun Ridge in July 2021, followed by another fierce storm in July 2022, an estimated $750,000 of work has been done to repair and enhance the habitat, trails and visitor experience, Cushing-Gop told The Eagle.

The epicenter of damage that resembled a tornado was categorized as a straight-line wind storm by the National Weather Service.

“In the concentrated areas around the boardwalk, where you can still see the upturned roots of the downed trees, we’ll continue to do some seeding and live staking, to assist the natural regeneration process,” Cushing-Gop said. She also cited an increase of invasive plants and an expanded tick population as evidence of climate change.

This fall, there will be a celebration of the expanded, already reopened All Persons Trail when the final stages of the interpretive signs and audio tour have been completed.

Overall, the sanctuary seeks to build climate resiliency across the habitats and infrastructure at Pleasant Valley. The site attracts nearly 20,000 visitors and hikers annually.

“Our next stage is working to assess, restore and improve our 7-mile trail system, to be better able to handle increased storm severity in the face of climate change as well as growing sanctuary visitation,” Cushing-Gop pointed out.

If you go ... 

What: Mass Audubon's Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary hosts "Forage Forward: An Evening for Change," a dinner prepared by chef Leah Guadagnoli, and a discussion on combating climate change.

When: 6 p.m. Friday 

Where: 472 West Mountain Road, Lenox

Why: How to promote action steps to help shift the approach from fear to courage and excitement.

Speakers: TEDx speaker and educator Anne Therese Gennari,  author of “The Climate Optimist Handbook” and activist Ollie Perrault of Mass Audubon’s Youth Climate Leadership Program. 

Sanctuary tours: Led by Mass Audubon Regional Director Becky Cushing-Gop.

Cost: Tickets start at $150; register at tinyurl.com/52et4bhf