BEAT will lead a tree identification walk in Lower Bowker’s Woods at 9:30 AM on Sunday, August 20.

The 1-mile trail meanders along the Housatonic River and through a charming upland forest. Participants will learn key characteristics of common trees in western Massachusetts and get tips to help identify them. The walk duration will be 90 minutes to 2 hours. It’s free and open to the public. Anybody is welcome to come along, but there is a limit of 8 participants. Click here to reserve a spot.

We’ll meet at the trailhead of Lower Bowker’s Woods, a Laurel Hill Association property located near Stockbridge, MA. The trail is typically considered an easy route, but it has uneven terrain in some areas with many roots. It also intersects railroad tracks. Some areas of the trail can be very wet at times with mud. Most sections like this have a boardwalk but not all.

BE PREPARED: Wear sturdy shoes that can handle getting muddy and possibly a little wet. Long pants and long socks are recommended, as ticks can be abundant during this time of year. If you want to treat your clothing with repellent, please do so before getting to the trail.

DIRECTIONS

From the Main Street of Stockbridge, going west: continue through Main St and then past the Stockbridge golf course. After crossing the golf course bridge, Main Street turns into Glendale Middle Rd. Continue down Glendale Middle for approximately half a mile, and the trailhead will be on the right. A small green sign reads “Lower Bowker’s Woods”.

From Route 102, going southwest: after passing the Berkshire Botanical Garden, you’ll come to an intersection of Rt 102 and Highway 183 (also known as Glendale Rd). Take a right onto 183, continue down this road for about 1.3 miles, and then take a left on Glendale Middle Rd and continue for about 0.3 miles. The trailhead will be on the left.

Something to note: There is minimal parking — only a tiny lot at the trailhead and additional parking off the side of the road.