OUTDOORS

Outdoors focus invests in initiatives centered on accessibility to outdoor experiences, environmental wellness, conservation, and sustainability.

Berkshire Outdoor Recreation Summit

Mill Town Foundation and Berkshire Regional Planning Commission plan and execute the annual Berkshire Outdoor Recreation Summit – bringing stakeholders and outdoor recreation enthusiasts together for presentations and discussions on Berkshire-based outdoors topics. A virtual Outdoor Recreation Stakeholders’ Information Exchange is held each spring in advance of the Summit.

Greenagers

Mill Town Foundation has partnered with Greenagers to provide employment and volunteer opportunities for teens and young adults in the fields of conservation, sustainable farming, and environmental leadership, in support of the Trails Crew which maintains existing trails and builds new trails for the Trustees of Reservations, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and other conservation organizations in the region.

BRPC Outdoor Recreation Plan

In partnership with Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, Mill Town Foundation led the production of a comprehensive planning document for Berkshire County including research, data collection, community engagement, data analysis, mapping, and project reporting. This initiative has helped inform the community of meaningful insights into economic development growth areas connected to outdoor recreation by identifying key outdoor recreation assets to the Berkshires.

Berkshire Natural Resources Council

Recognizing the environmental, wellness, and economic benefits of a supported outdoor recreation infrastructure, Mill Town Foundation works closely with Berkshire Natural Resources Council to develop a robust trail system and preserve land in Pittsfield and throughout the Berkshires.

High Road

Mill Town Foundation contributed to the development of The High Road in partnership with Berkshire Natural Resources Council. The High Road offers hikers a trail network connecting towns and villages throughout the county.

Berkshire Community College Turf Field

Mill Town Foundation provided critical engagement, support, and capital to Berkshire Community College and Friends in an effort to construct and program Pittsfield’s first synthetic turf field on BCC’s campus. This field is currently used for youth sports practices and games on a year-round basis and provides a level playing field for local teams competing with those from outside the area.