Old Maid’s Park: Community-Centered Climate Planning
BEAT is partnering with the Town of Great Barrington to reimagine Old Maid’s Park in Housatonic as a more accessible, climate-resilient riverside space. The project brings residents together to shape improvements related to stewardship, water access, and ecological health, while addressing ongoing challenges like erosion and stormwater impacts.
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Support BEAT’s Work with a Wildlife T-Shirt
The Yellow-Spotted Salamander has been BEAT’s mascot for many years and is a critical species for both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. It’s an obligate vernal pool species, meaning they will only breed and lay their eggs in vernal pools. It’s also an indicator species, so they reflect the overall health of an environment. Indicator species are usually the first in their ecosystem to be affected by environmental change. With warming climates and human development, spotted salamanders and other obligate vernal pool species (like the wood frog!) are certainly feeling the effects.
With BEAT’s efforts to conserve and certify vernal pools and educate the public on their importance, you’ll be helping to support these essential critters when you buy a t-shirt! The designs were hand-painted by a BEAT staff member and are printed using the direct-to-garment (DTG) and direct-to-film (DTF) methods, which will keep the design from peeling as it ages and goes through washes. There are lots of colors, types of shirts, and several designs to choose from — all in our online Bonfire store – take a look!
