The Mass Audubon Society and the Housatonic Valley Association are offering free guided educational canoe trips down the Housatonic River.  The route begins at the Mary Decker boat launch in Lenox MA and goes to Woods Pond.  The three hour trip will be a good way for novice paddler to be introduced to the beauty and nature of the area.  You may encounter many types of birds, deer, moose, muskrats, and an occasional black bear.  Canoes, paddles and life vests are provided.  For more information call 413 637 0320.  Dates and times of the trips are:

9 am to noon       July 12,13,19, and 26

                            Aug. 4,11,17,23,25 and 30

2 to 5 pm            July 14 and 28

Noon to 3 pm      Aug. 3 and 9

When guests ask where they should hike, our favorite suggestion is Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, a Mass Audubon property. It’s minutes from Brook Farm Inn, and you can choose from 7 miles of well-marked trails.  Some trails are more challenging than others, but all offer the opportunity to enjoy the  natural beauty and wildlife of the Berkshires.  You can hike to the summit of Lenox Mountain (a young couple staying at Brook Farm Inn recently got engaged there!) or stroll around the ponds and see the beaver lodges.  This is a destination for any season.