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Berkshire Environmental Research Center
The Berkshire Environmental Research Center was started in 1985 at Bard College at
Simon’s Rock (then Simon’s Rock College) as an independent consulting firm and environmental
education center. Since its inception BERC has helped to educate and support XX #
of undergraduate and graduate students pursuing interests in the ecological and environmental
sciences, conducted numerous ecological research projects, and helped citizens of
Berkshire County, Massachusetts, and neighboring New York, Connecticut, and Vermont
manage their ponds, streams, fields, and forests.
At BERC we understand that there are multiple stakeholders in relation to nature and our environment. We are committed to providing balanced and socially rational environmental and ecological education, sound science and research, and environmental management services for the greater Berkshire community.
Simon’s Rock Environmental Research Scholarship
This program supports students enrolled at Bard College at Simon’s Rock who have matriculated in the environmental studies or environmental sciences divisions. Scholarships are based on both academic achievement and financial need. To date, BERC has supported XX students through this program. “support me button”
Summer Student Research Program
Each year two or three students are selected to work on ecological research projects directed by one of the BERC researchers. These are intensive 12-week research programs focusing on field work ranging from fisheries research in local lakes, streams, and the Hudson River, to work on endangered species, to wetland delineations and habitat assessments. These students are supported by the college by providing housing and are paid a small stipend by BERC. “support me button”
Advances in Ecology Program
While research programs funded by outside organizations are an important source of support for BERC, the research program is typically dictated by the sponsoring agency. The Advances in Ecology Program is an important component of the work the scientists at BERC contribute to our understanding of local ecologies, allowing the research scientists and the BERC board to develop research programs that best serve BERC and the local community. “support me”
Environmental Management Services
BERC provides a wide variety of environmental management services to help both individuals and organizations better understand and manage their local ecological resources. We provide a sliding scale fee structure, enabling everyone the opportunity to access our services. For a free consult please contact Thomas Coote, Director at tcoote@simons-rock.edu
Lake and Pond Management
BERC provides full management of aquatic systems, including fisheries health assessment and stockings, aquatic vegetation assessment and control, habitat creation and impact mitigation, and coordination with local and state conservation agencies.
Wetland Delineation
BERC provides full wetland delineation services for real estate transactions and property management. In addition to delineation, we advise clients on best ways to incorporate and utilize these rich natural resources while mitigating negative impacts. Whne appropriate, we also will assist clients in certification of vernal pools under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act.
Property Habitat Assessment and Bio-blitz
For many landowners there is a natural curiosity about what lives in their backyard.
BERC will do a complete survey of plant and animal wildlife to determine the ecological
status of a client’s property, and consult on how best to manage and improve the natural
habitat.
When appropriate, BERC can coordinate a Bio-blitz, also a full scale ecological analysis of a parcel of land, but one which is open to the public, coordinated with multiple environmental research agencies, and done on a pro-bono basis.
Support
The Berkshire Environmental Research Center is funded through two main activities, research grants and philanthropy. Funds received for research projects typically come from private research foundations or government agencies and are line specific, which means most of those funds can only be used to support the particular project funded. As a result, most of our administrative and educational funding is dependent on tax deductible private donations. To make a donation, please contact Thomas Coote, Director at tcoote@simons-rock.edu or 413-644-4509. We appreciate your support of our work.
Contact BERC
Mailing Address:
BERC
c/o Bard College at Simon’s Rock
84 Alford Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Thomas W. Coote, Director and Associate Researcher
413-644-4509
Dr. Donald Roeder, Botanist and Senior Researcher
413-528-7437
Dr. Robert Schmidt, Ichthyologist and Senior Researcher
413-528-7438
Suzanne Fowle, Wildlife Biologist
413-274-6328