Founded in 1967, Berkshire Natural Resource Council (BNRC) is a nationally accredited, regional land trust working to conserve, protect and preserve the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Berkshire region of New England for public benefit and enjoyment. BNRC currently cares for over 26,000 acres of conserved land in Berkshire County and regularly partners with state, municipal, local, indigenous, and nonprofit entities to conserve and steward many times that land area throughout the region.    BNRC places special emphasis on safeguarding forests, fields, and farms critical to the Berkshires’ rural character, scenic beauty, and climate resilience. BNRC also prioritizes landscape connectivity: the Berkshire and Taconic Highlands of Western Massachusetts link the Green Mountains of Vermont to the Hudson Highlands of New York, creating an extensive landscape corridor that provides habitat for wildlife and plants, supports climate mitigation, and protects critical water resources in Southern New England.  BNRC values and promotes public access, recreation, education and connection. The organization offers some of the finest hiking trails in the Berkshires, designed for ecological sensitivity, sustainability, and access for a wide range of users. BNRC’s Community Conservation program provides a year-round slate of free public programs and invites all community members to visit BNRC reserves; enjoy the trails and beautiful natural places; join a guided hike, family, educational or wellness program; become an accomplished community scientist; or take advantage of one of BNRC’s many volunteer opportunities. BNRC is the only land trust serving the entire Berkshires and only the Berkshires. BNRC is financially stable, with the capacity to be forward thinking in its land conservation, trail planning, and public programs. These initiatives have a positive impact on the health and well-being of residents, the region’s natural resources, and its economic vitality.