We believe Nature is essential to our quality of Life
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit conservation organization, Berks Nature has been serving the Berks County community since 1974. Land preservation, water protection, trail management, community gardens, education programs, State of the Environment, Eco-Camp and our valued partnerships are at the center of Berks Nature’s work every day.
We hope you join us by becoming a Champion of Nature. You’ll enjoy exclusive benefits, while supporting programs that help connect people to nature and maintain the natural beauty of Berks County.
THE NATURE PLACE PUBLIC HOURS
FREE TO VISIT!
Open Tuesday through Saturday 10am to 3pm, CLOSED Sunday and Monday
News in Nature
Current events and updates from Berks Nature
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY: Berks Nature Fall Internship for the 2023-2024 School Year
(May 18, 2023)
We strive to offer our interns a well-rounded learning experience. An interest in the environment and stewardship is a must, and there is often work to do outdoors. Berks Nature also manages a nature preschool and hosts numerous field trips and events. Working with children and the public is a priority.
Good writing skills, communication skills, interpersonal skills, and a genuine appreciation for working with diverse audiences are all necessary.
As a charitable organization we are unable to provide compensation for an intern’s time. In some cases, students can receive school credits.
Click here to read the full position description.
Application Instructions:
To apply, please click here and send your resume and letter of interest to Beckey Seel at Beckey.seel@berksnature.org.
Now Hiring: Easement Monitoring and Land Stewardship Specialist
(March 27, 2023)
Berks Nature is seeking an Easement Monitoring and Land Stewardship Specialist! The Easement Monitoring and Land Stewardship Specialist will be responsible for coordination, monitoring, and maintenance of Berks Nature’s conservation easements which includes conducting baseline surveys, communicating with landowners, and preparing reports.
Click here to read the full position description.
Compensation: This is a paid, exempt, full-time position. Salary range is ($42,200- 55,000) commensurate with experience. This position qualifies for paid time off, participation in health insurance, and a 401K plan.
Application Instructions:
To apply, please send the following documents to Kim Murphy (kim.murphy@berksnature.org) by 12:00 pm on April 21, 2023:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Full contact information for 3 professional references
- Salary/wage requirements
Now Complete: MetEd Utility Tower Maintenance on Neversink Mountain
(March 17, 2023)
We are pleased to share that the MetEd utility tower maintenance on Neversink Mountain has been completed. You can now resume enjoying the full expanse of Neversink Mountain’s trail system!
Restoration of the Former Van Reed Paper Mill Dam Site on the Cacoosing Creek Continues
Since the dam was removed earlier this summer, remediation plans have been adjusted to better address the state of the creek and the legacy sediment trapped behind the former impoundment.
To this end, the PA Department of Environmental Protection has approved two new permits: one to ensure that the road near the mill is stabilized against the creek and another to haul the sediment from the impoundment off site, in order to reduce the amount of sediment being washed downstream.
Work to implement these new remediation strategies have already begun. American Rivers, Berks Nature, and the PA Fish and Boat Commission all agreed that it was to the greatest benefit of the fish and the river to continue this work through the fall instead of waiting until 2023.
However, the site of the former Van Reed Paper Mill Dam will be dynamic and in flux for some time yet, as this restoration work aims to heal over 100 years of manipulation, which will not be resolved in short order. Berks Nature and American Rivers will continue to monitor and adapt as needed to ensure the long-term health of the creek.
“In 2011 I walked about 200 miles and lost about 70lbs on trails throughout PA and MD. I drove all over finding trails new to me. Yesterday a friend and I hiked the Gravity Trail (right in my own back yard.) What a gem of greater Reading! Beautiful job. There were times I could hardly believe I was so close to the city.”
~ Greater Reading Trail hiker
”Thank you so much for having the 7th grade students of Kutztown visit the Burkholder farm. This opportunity was an incredibly eye opening experience for all involved. Teaching about farming practices, sustainability, clean water and buying locally is one thing, but actually seeing it in action is what changes the mind frame.
Kutztown Middle School teacher about their farm tour with Berks Nature