MCLA Green Living Seminar: Restoring Rivers and Rewilding Wetlands in Massachusetts

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. —   Beth Lambert, director of the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) will give a presentation on Restoring Rivers and Rewilding Wetlands in Massachusetts on April 2 as part of MCLA's Green Living Seminar Series and the MCLA Environmental Studies Department.  
 
With 20 years of experience in river and watershed restoration across Oregon, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, Lambert brings a wealth of knowledge on ecological restoration. Her presentation will highlight key restoration initiatives in Massachusetts, the benefits of rewilding wetlands, and how these efforts contribute to climate adaptation and biodiversity conservation. 
 
Lambert leads the Massachusetts DER, a 30-person agency within the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game dedicated to restoring and protecting rivers, wetlands, and watersheds. DER staff work closely with communities, landowners, non-profit organizations, and state and federal agencies to revitalize aquatic ecosystems. Their efforts include removing aging dams, upgrading culverts, rewilding wetlands, and supporting community-driven restoration projects that enhance habitat and improve climate resilience. 
 
Presentations occur every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in the Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation (FCSI) Room 121. Each presentation is free and open to the public. Podcasts will be posted online following each presentation.   
 
All lectures will be recorded and can be replayed on the MCLA ENVI Youtube Channel and broadcast on Northern Berkshire Community Television Channel (NBCTC) 1302 at the following times:   
  • Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.  
  • Fridays at 4 p.m.  
  • Saturdays at 3:30 p.m.  
  • Sundays at 11:30 p.m.  
  • Mondays at 5:30 p.m.   
Community members can find up-to-date information about the schedule at mcla.edu/greenliving

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Clarksburg Students Write in Support of Rural School Aid

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

Mason Langenback calculated that Clarksburg would get almost $1 million if the $60 million was allocated equally.
CLARKSBURG, Mass. — Eighth-graders at Clarksburg School took a lesson in civic advocacy this week, researching school funding and writing letters to Beacon Hill that call for fully funding rural school aid. 
 
The students focused on the hardships for small rural schools and their importance to the community — that they struggle with limited funding and teacher shortages, but offer safe and supportive spaces for learning and are a hub for community connections.
 
"They all address the main issue, the funding for rural schools, and how there's a gap, and there's the $4 million gap this year, and then it's about the $40 million next year, and that rural schools need that equitable funding," said social studies teacher Mark Karhan.
 
A rural schools report in 2022 found smaller school districts cost from nearly 17 percent to 23 percent more to operate, and recommended "at least" $60 million be appropriated annually for rural school aid. 
 
Gov. Maura Healey has filed for more Chapter 70 school aid, but that often is little help to small rural schools with declining or static enrollment. For fiscal 2027, she's budgeted $20 million for rural schools, up from around $13 million this year but still far below the hoped for $60 million. 
 
Karhan said the class was broken into four groups and the students were provided a submission letter from Rural Schools Advocacy. The students used the first paragraph, which laid out the funding facts, and then did research and wrote their own letters. 
 
They will submit those with a school picture to the governor. 
 
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