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

03:26PM / Tuesday, April 01, 2025Print Story | Email Story

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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North Adams Housing Authority Director Steps Down

Staff Reports09:16AM / Friday, October 09, 2026

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Jennifer Hohn, the longtime executive director of the North Adams Housing Authority (NAHA), has stepped down after 24 years with the agency.

The Berkshire Eagle reported that Hohn resigned from her position on Thursday. The NAHA Board of Commissioners is currently developing a transition plan.

Her resignation follows rising tension between Hohn and the tenants association. Residents—particularly at the Spring and Ashland Park apartments—have raised specific concerns regarding building security, drug activity, and trespassers.

This summer, Tenants Association President Corey Fortin posted a video on social media demonstrating that door alarms in some of the buildings were not functioning.

Shortly after the video was posted, the tenants association's office was locked. Members alleged Hohn locked the space in retaliation, while Hohn maintained it was a matter of tenant safety. Hohn also stated that NAHA does not officially recognize the association because it has yet to go through official channels for certification—a claim the tenants association disputes.

The dispute culminated in plans for a formal grievance hearing between Hohn and the association. Both sides agreed to hold a meeting on Oct. 3, but the hearing had not yet been scheduled at the time of her resignation.
During her tenure as director, Hohn oversaw significant changes at NAHA, including expansion and the dissolution of Housing Opportunities Incorporated, a program founded over 30 years ago to assist first-time homebuyers. Most recently, she led efforts to transition NAHA properties from traditional public housing models to the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. She also directed the rebuilding of a Greylock Valley Apartments building after it was severely damaged by a fire.

The NAHA Board of Commissioners meets monthly, typically on Mondays.

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