BNRC Shields 109 Wild Acres Against Strong Real Estate Market in Tyringham
The biodiverse property is contiguous with other protected land.
In response to the escalating real estate activity in Berkshire County, the Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) has proactively purchased 109 acres along Webster Road in Tyringham. According to the nonprofit, this strategic acquisition aimed to preserve the land's ecological integrity and prevent potential residential development that could disrupt the area's natural landscape and ecology.
The decision comes at a time when the Berkshire real estate market is experiencing significant growth. In the first quarter of 2025, residential sales increased by 9 percent, with home costs rising by 16 percent compared to the previous year according to Berkshire County Board of Realtors data. This surge reflects a high since the peak in 2022, when the market reached a record-breaking total sales volume of $891 million. Additionally, the median listing home price in Berkshire County reached $495,000 in February 2025, marking a 15.3 percent year-over-year increase.
"This land features a remarkable mix of hardwood forest species, hemlock stands, and wetlands, including the headwaters of Merry Brook, a designated cold-water fishery important to native brook trout," says Nick Pitel, BNRC’s director of conservation. "We are thrilled to continue to advance conservation in this ecologically rich area, protecting it from development and preserving habitat for rare species."
The newly acquired property lies within a significant block of conserved land, including Beartown State Forest and privately owned lands with conservation restrictions held by BNRC and the New England Forestry Foundation. The organizations say the property’s proximity—within half a mile—to the Appalachian Trail enhances the connectivity of existing protected areas in Tyringham, Otis, and Becket, crucial for biodiversity, wildlife movement, and climate resilience.
David O’Neill, president of Mass Audubon, emphasizes this broader impact: "This property sits at the heart of a significant conservation landscape, and exemplifies the goals of the Catalyst Fund, which prioritizes biodiversity and climate resiliency. We are very pleased to be able to support BNRC’s land conservation work in the Southern Berkshires."
While no formal trails are currently planned, the land will be accessible to the community for passive recreation in alignment with the management strategy of the adjacent Beartown State Forest.
"This conservation effort not only protects nature but also ensures that future generations can experience the Berkshire landscape.” Jenny Hansell, President of BNRC says. “It’s a win for wildlife, climate resilience, and the people who cherish this land."
