BEAT Welcomes Volunteers to Housatonic River Cleanups

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) and the Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) are inviting volunteers to take part in this year's Housatonic River West Branch Cleanups.

Over the years, volunteers have helped make a visible difference. The piles of trash collected each year have steadily shrunk, reflecting cleaner riverbanks and the ongoing commitment of community members who care about the river.

The West Branch of the Housatonic River flows south from Pontoosuc and Onota Lakes before joining the East Branch in Pittsfield. This stretch of the river supports wildlife and offers opportunities for fishing, paddling, and enjoying the outdoors. Removing litter from the river and its banks helps keep this important community resource healthy, clean, and safer. 

BEAT will host river cleanups on Saturday, June 27 and Saturday, July 25, with a rain date of August 22. Volunteers will meet at Westside Riverway Park, 181 Dewey Ave., Pittsfield, MA, at 9:00 AM before heading to cleanup sites along the river. Participants will return to Riverway Park at 12:00 PM, where lunch will be provided for all volunteers. Cleanup supplies will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to wear sturdy footwear and clothing appropriate for outdoor conditions.

Volunteers are required to register for one or both cleanup days at:

https://tinyurl.com/Housatonic-River-Cleanups-2026

Summer Wrapping Up for Pittsfield, Berkshire Students

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:19PM / Sunday, August 23, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Students in Pittsfield and beyond are enjoying their last days of summer before classes begin. 

Most Berkshire County teachers return to work this month, and students follow in late August and early September. 

For Pittsfield Public Schools, staff returns on Aug. 26 and students' first day is Aug. 31; pre-kindergarten and kindergarten begin school on Sept. 2. 

Labor Day is on Monday, Sept. 7. 

"The summer is pretty much done, and we will be ready and excited to open the doors in about two and a half weeks,” Superintendent Latifah Phillips told the School Committee on Wednesday. 

Phillips is returning this year as the permanent superintendent.  She was appointed the interim superintendent last spring, and the School Committee voted to hire her permanently in June. 

This year also brings the middle school restructuring, moving fifth grade to the middle school level, and the retirement of Morningside Community School. 

Welcome night for Reid Middle School students new to the building is on Aug. 18 at 6 p.m.; Herberg will have a sixth-grade welcome night at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 25, and at the same time on Aug. 26 for fifth grade.