Under the supervision of trail consultant, Peter Jensen, volunteers build the bridge/boardwalk crossing.

Just a few steps from the beach at Lake Mansfield a new trail has begun to take shape. Located within the town-owned Lake Mansfield Conservation Forest, this trail connects the lake to the nearby Christian Hill Rd. and Welcome St. neighborhood and the Christian Hill Commons housing development.  These accessible trails provide a much needed resource for people with physical challenges and a great place for many to connect with the natural world–families, our aging population, students, residents and visitors alike. 

 First stages of the project have been supported by over 250 volunteer work hours.The project is coordinated by Lake Mansfield Alliance and the Great Barrington Conservation Commission it has been supported by funding through the DCR Recreational Trails Program, the Berkshire Environmental Endowment of the Berkshire Taconic Foundation, the Berkshire Garden Club, the Town of Great Barrington and Lake Mansfeild Alliance.
 

April Trail Building Work: The Wheeler and Taylor Team joins the effort!

Just like jazz: when talented people get together great things just have to happen.

The trail building project in the Lake Mansfield Conservation Forest has been powered by an eclectic volunteer force and supported by diverse funding agents.  This joyful collaborative effort has involved GBLC through the coordination of Lake Mansfield Alliance and the Town of Great Barrington through the guidance and support of the Conservation Commission and the Department of Public Works.

 We’ve accomplished a great deal so far. Our work has been shaped by master trail designer, Peter Jensen. A bridge-boardwalk has been carefully built through a sensitive wetland habitat area. In Ocotober, an access trail head will be constructed in the town right-of-way providing a safe connection to the Welcome Street sidewalk and allowing for the continued development of a “central loop trail” connecting our downtown & neighborhoods with river, forest and lake.

 Now, final funding is being sought for the last phase of trail building. This final effort will provide a forest trail system designed to encourage “people-powered excursions” to and from Lake Mansfield. The accessible system will meet national standards and will provide access to all community members.  Upon completion, the Lake Mansfield Conservation Forest Trail System will continue to engage many in active resource stewardship and to provide students with an outdoor classroom for environmental studies.

Please Contact Christine Ward (ch.wards@verizon.net) if you would like to join in on this great community project.