Worthington, Colrain Awarded Landscape Partnership Grants

Staff Reports 12:07PM / Saturday, July 18, 2026Print Story | Email Story

Wildlife Cam Photos from Jackson Brook Conservation Project in Worthington Photo Credit: Hilltown Land Trust

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced over $2.2 million to protect forests, drinking water supplies, and critical natural landscapes across Massachusetts.

Through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs' Landscape Partnership Grant Program, three projects in Franklin, Hampshire and Plymouth counties will conserve more than 1,600 acres of land, improve access to outdoor recreation, strengthen climate resilience and protect wildlife habitat.

Hilltown Land Trust, Department of Fish and Game (DFG) – Jackson Brook Conservation Project was awarded $314,430 to protect 483 acres within the Jackson Brook watershed in Worthington. This largely intact forest and wetland system provides critical habitat for species including moose, bobcat, and sandhill crane, as well as water filtration and flood storage in extreme rain events. The project will enhance regional habitat connectivity, expand public recreation, and promote climate resilience by supporting healthy forests that sequester and store carbon. The project delivers lasting ecological, community, and economic benefits and facilitates coordinated long-term land stewardship.

Franklin Land Trust, DFG, The Trustees of Reservations, Department of Conservation & Recreation, Massachusetts Audubon Society and Kestrel Land Trust – Stone Mountain Conservation Project was awarded $730,815 to conserve 800 acres of natural and working landscapes integral to Massachusetts' rural economy, including unfragmented forest on Stone Mountain in Colrain, and along the West Branch of the North River and tributaries in Heath. This project will leverage over $1,500,000 in private funding to achieve a 6,000+ acre conservation corridor in Franklin County.

"The projects in Worthington, Colrain and Heath are a great investment in the communities and natural resources that make Western Massachusetts such a special place to live," said State Senator Paul Mark. "By protecting forests, clean water, and public open space today, we're ensuring future generations can enjoy them while strengthening our environment and local economy."

The program also supports the Healey-Driscoll Administration's "Forests as Climate Solutions Initiative", which aims to protect critically important forests. These initiatives are key components of the administration's Mass Ready Act, demonstrating the Healey-Driscoll Administration's commitment to promoting a clean environment that benefits residents. Land conservation is one of several strategies the state is advancing to reduce pollution, help cool communities, and prevent the loss of plant and animal species across Massachusetts.

"Conserving our natural lands and forests promotes clean air and healthier communities for generations to come," said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "These thriving ecosystems are also beautiful places to get outside and enjoy all our state has to offer. This funding will ensure that counties in Western and Southeastern Massachusetts have the resources they need to continue to protect waterways and forests into the future."

Established in 2011, the Landscape Partnership Grant Program supports large-scale, multi-partner projects that sustain ecological integrity, promote local economies that depend upon natural resources, and expand public outdoor recreational opportunities. This year's awards will conserve over 1,631 acres and are part of the administration's efforts to build climate change resilience and protect critical natural landscapes.

West Branch of the North River and tributaries in Heath. This project will leverage over $1,500,000 in private funding to achieve a 6,000+ acre conservation corridor in Franklin County.

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Four Pets Lost in North Adams Fire

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
11:03PM / Saturday, September 26, 2026

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A cat may be the cause of a fire that forced a woman to flee her home on Saturday night and lose four of her five pets.

The occupant of the small home at 1561 Massachusetts Ave. called 911 to report a fire on her kitchen stove at about 9:10 p.m.

"Looked like the fire started in the kitchen area. Best guess at this point is that it an animal turned the stove on," said Fire Chief Brent Lefebvre, repeating what the woman had reported.

"Basically, the occupant was alerted to the sound of the stove igniting, the electronic ignition. She came downstairs and witnessed the cat on the stove. Unfortunately, there was a box on top of the stove, and that lit, and that got the cabinets going."

One cat was saved but firefighters were unable to rescue two other cats and two dogs.

The chief said he hadn't completed his investigation but was going by what the resident had reported at this point.

Firefighters were able to swiftly douse the blaze on arrival and were rolling up hose about an hour later. Mass Ave was closed at Ashton Avenue on the city side.

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