LENOX, Mass. — Nick Pitel has been promoted to director of conservation, effective January 2025, by the Berkshire Natural Resources Council.

 

Pitel succeeds Beth Mills, who retired at the end of 2024 after three years of service to land conservation at BNRC. Pitel will lead the organization's conservation efforts across Berkshire County.

 

A lifelong explorer of nature, Pitel grew up in Otego, N.Y., where he developed a deep connection to the outdoors. He holds a bachelor of science in field biology from Paul Smith's College and a master's degree in forest ecology and management from the State University of New York's College of Environmental Science and Forestry. His professional background includes developing conservation plans for farm and forest landowners in Western Massachusetts with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and stewarding protected farmland for the state Department of Agricultural Resources. 

 

Pitel is also a licensed forester and previously worked with the Columbia (N.Y.) Land Conservancy before joining BNRC in 2022. 

 

"Nick is incredibly knowledgeable about forest ecology and agriculture, skilled in negotiation, a wonderful communicator, and a terrific colleague," said BNRC President Jenny Hansell. "And, in his career he has become a local Berkshires guy — his kids go to school locally he drives these back roads every day. We are lucky that he came to us several years ago and learned the ins and outs of what we do, so now he can step seamlessly into the role. We have a lot of work to do in the coming years to protect critical land and habitat before it's too late, and I'm so pleased that Nick will be leading us there." 

 

Pitel expressed enthusiasm for his new role, saying, "I am excited to be able to expand upon the great work that my predecessors and colleagues have done throughout the county for decades. ...

 

"I am grateful to be able to do this work where my family lives and recreates and connect with caring landowners and conservation partners to further our shared conservation goals that not only benefit our local communities, but our larger connected regional landscape."  

 

Under Mills' leadership, BNRC achieved significant milestones in land conservation, including working with local partners to support the Stockbridge-Munsee Community in their acquisition of Fenn Farm, a 350-acre property in Stockbridge of historic importance to the tribe. 

 

Pitel's appointment marks the next chapter in advancing BNRC's mission to conserve and care for open spaces, wildlife habitats, and recreational opportunities for generations to come.