Simon's Rock Global Climate Education Initiative

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Bard College at Simon's Rock is joining more than 300 universities, high schools, and other organizations around the world to focus on climate change 
 
On Sunday, March 27 through Thursday, March 31, Simon's Rock will host an open dialogue on the topic of "Climate Solutions and Justice" in Massachusetts. 
 
Members of the public can attend remote events via the links in the brochure.
 
This will be one of many similar events held across the planet in late March, as part of the WorldWide Teach-in on Climate and Justice sponsored by Bard College in New York. Worldwide, from Austria to Alabama, Kyrgyzstan to Kentucky, Colombia to Colorado, and Malawi to Minnesota, students, teachers, and community members will discuss steps that can help move the needle on solving climate change, while creating jobs and income. Members of the public can find events around the world and register here. 
 
"We have ten years to solve climate, and we can get a lot done in this decade. But only if we focus the world on climate solutions and a just transition," said Amanda Landi, lead organizer of the event at Simon's Rock. "We are proud to be a lead college for this global climate education project. Please join us for this important conversation."
 
In Great Barrington, the discussion will feature Simon's Rock faculty, speaking on topics ranging from climate change and indigenous peoples, how artistic disciplines engage with the climate, strategies for local climate action, thermodynamics, mathematical models for understanding climate-based scenarios, and more.
 
"It's energizing to be part of a worldwide event bringing awareness and momentum to the climate justice movement," said Jennifer Browdy, head of the Languages and Literature Division at Simon's Rock. "It's going to take input from all of us, in all the academic disciplines and fields of endeavor, to bring our Earth back into balance. If we work together, we can make it happen!"
 
Eban Goodstein, economist and Director of the Solve Climate project at Bard College urges climate-concerned teachers at the college, university, and high school level to kick off Earth Month by having students attend the Teach-in-- either live or recorded-- and then engage students in this critical dialog. 
 
"You don't have to be an expert on climate to talk with your students," said Goodstein. "Every subject contributes to understanding climate solutions. Whether you are teaching art, literature, business, philosophy, or any other discipline, you can use the Teach-in to #MakeClimateAClass at Simon's Rock." 
 

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BNRC Conserves 66 Acres Along Great Barrington's Blue Hill Road

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire Natural Resources Council has conserved 66 acres of woodland on the western slope of Three Mile Hill, enhancing the region's natural beauty and bolstering climate resilience. 
 
With support from the Thieriot Foundation and private foundations, Mass Audubon, and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs' Acquisitions for Forest Reserves Grants Program, BNRC's Blue Hill Road property will safeguard vital wildlife habitat and create new opportunities for people to connect with nature. 
 
Mass Audubon contributed $125,000 toward this acquisition through its 30x30 Catalyst Fund. The fund is a $75 million private initiative dedicated to accelerating the pace of land conservation in Massachusetts. 
 
"The Catalyst Fund is tailor-made to assist with land projects like this. It was Mass Audubon's pleasure to work with our partner, BNRC, to secure this property as it exemplifies the goals of the Catalyst Fund, which are to protect Massachusetts' most bio-diverse, carbon rich lands" said Mass Audubon's President and CEO David O'Neill. 
 
BNRC's Assistant Director of Conservation Nick Pitel, said, "The Blue Hill Road property protects critical forest habitat and prevents further fragmentation in an area facing increased development. By securing this land, BNRC conserves the ecological health and connectivity of Three Mile Hill for future generations." 
 
Located next to BNRC's Thomas and Palmer Brook Reserve, the property is home to diverse natural features, including mountain laurel at higher elevations, quartzite boulders along the ridgeline, and the iconic "Whale Rock." 
 
A portion of the land is designated as Critical Natural Landscape and Priority Habitat of Rare Species by Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, emphasizing its ecological importance. The land features rich soils that support healthy forests and is part of an area identified by The Nature Conservancy for recognized biodiversity and as a resilient habitat — better able to adapt to the changing climate.
 
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