My Nonprofit Reviews
Review for Berkshire Environmental Action Team, Pittsfield, MA, USA
I have worked w/ BEAT for at least 7 year, most of that doing mammal surveys. BEAT sponsors training through another nonprofit (Keeping Track) so that citizen scientists (me for one) have the expertise to monitor areas for different mammals based on tracks and signs the animals leave. This work fits in nicely with BEATS environmental work. Different teams set up transects and walk them 4 times a year. The tracks/signs are documented and the paper documentation filed at BEAT. This info helps support conservation of land. Recently we have worked in conjunction w/ Berkshire Natural Resources which purchases land and conservation easement. Being able to present landowners with a more detailed picture of what is happening on their property can help to tip the balance toward land conservation. Jane Winn/BEAT also teaches vernal pool monitoring which is another important way to identify areas to conserve. Salamander and frog reproduction is critical to chain of nature. Finally, I have also helped w/ Steam crossing documentation- movement of animals, amphibians in particular can be disrupted by road culverts which block movement Jane and Bruce are tireless in their work for the environment. My one constructive message which I have given to Jane on other occasions is to ask for money- not as much as the national environmental organizations but more than once a year.
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For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Did the organization use your time wisely?
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When was your last experience with this nonprofit?