Environmental Organizations

The Appalachian Mountain Club is a leading organization in outdoor recreation, conservation and education. The Berkshire Chapter maintains trails, leads hiking, snowshoeing, kayaking and other trips. For information on volunteer and intern opportunities, see the volunteer page of the Berkshire Chapter’s website.

Not-for-profit membership supported environmental advocacy group and land trust working throughout the Berkshires to preserve threatened lands. Volunteer/intern opportunities available in various capacities.

Official area wide planning agency in the Berkshire Region with comprehensive planning responsibilities including economic development, environmental, transportation, regional, community and land-use planning and data and GIS services. Volunteers and interns welcome on various projects.

Mass Audubon sanctuary located one mile from the center of Pittsfield which attracts a variety of birds and includes 3 miles of trails. Programs offered through the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Lenox.

CET, a community based non-profit organization, has been working since 1976 to help individuals, businesses, schools and communities reduce our environmental impact. CET provides education and assistance in recycling, composting, using less toxic products, energy conservation, and renewable resources. Services include: Home energy surveys and weatherization in partnership with local utility companies; sales of energy efficient lighting, weatherization, water conservation products, and recycled paper. Home Heating Oil Co-op; ReStore Home Improvement Center in Springfield for affordable renovation materials; Office Paper Recycling and Document Destruction.

A non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration, conservation and enjoyment of the Hoosic River and its watershed through education, research and advocacy. To find out more about volunteer and intern opportunities including the volunteer-based water quality monitoring program and the annual Riverfest celebration, contact HooRWA.

A non-profit coalition of Berkshire County residents working to restore the Housatonic River and its floodplain as a major community asset, a river safe to fish and swim. HRI’s work includes a) advocating for timely and comprehensive PCB cleanup, b) educating County residents, young and old, about the river, its ecological science, contamination and cleanup, and c) partnering with others to rid the River of garbage by cleaning it and the floodplain.

HVA works to conserve the natural character and environmental health of our communities in the Housatonic River watershed by restoring and protecting our lands and waters for this and future generations.

Mission and programming focused on protection and preservation of the Appalachian Trail and Trail corridor lands in Massachusetts through scheduled work parties during the field season and collaboration with relevant State and Federal Agencies on matters of land protection and preservation.

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to preserve plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. The organization employs a strategic, science based process called “Conservation by Design” to identify the highest priority places — landscapes and seascapes — that, if conserved, promise to ensure biodiversity over the long term.

The Orion Society’s programs and publications seek to inform, inspire and engage individuals and grass roots organizations to become a significant cultural force for healing nature and community. Orion’s work includes Orion Magazine, books, workshops, seminars and the Orion Grassroots Network, a fast growing association of environmental and community organizations. The Society welcomes volunteers in a variety of capacities.

Non-profit member organization, established in 1989, dedicated to protecting the land essential to Sheffield’s natural, scenic, agricultural, and rural character through a program of stewardship and by working with landowners, farmers and other partners. Welcomes volunteers in a variety of capacities.

A grantmaking foundation funding conservation projects that safeguard wild land, wild water, native wildlife and living soils in the northern Appalachian region.

Member supported non-profit conservation organization that preserves various property for public use and enjoyment. Field Farm is a 300 acre property managed by the Trustees. Will Garrison, Historic Resources Manager at Field Farm, welcomes volunteer help, particularly with tours of the farm.

Non-profit member supported land trust working with the community to preserve and protect the rural New England character and unique landscapes of Williamstown. Director Reed-Evans welcomes volunteer and intern help in many capacities, including special projects which students might propose such as habitat creation.