The 19th Annual Housatonic Heritage Walks continues its series with its second of five consecutive weekends ( September 11-12) through five consecutive autumn weekends of events sponsored by the Upper Housatonic National Heritage Area (Housatonic Heritage).

Organizers have assembled an ambitious 86 events spread over the five weekends, involving more than 20 towns stretching from Hinsdale, MA in Berkshire County  to Salisbury, CT in Litchfield County.

There is a variety of adventures ranging from 1 mile hikes to bike and paddling tours. Many events are walks, and some are not walks at all, but more like visits to places of interest. Many of the events are guided by experts and some are self-guided. All events are free.

The second weekend, Sept. 11-12 offers 18 tours including:

ROYAL HEMLOCK TRAIL HIKE IN THE STEPS OF THE EARLY SETTLERS

GEOLOGY OF THE SOUTHERN BERKSHIRES: HIKE THROUGH A FOREST OF GIANT GLACIAL-BOULDERS TO PANORAMIC SUMMIT VISTA AT FLAG ROCK

EXPLORE THE FAUNA AND FLORA OF “THE BOULDERS” PRESERVE

GREAT BARRINGTON’S ARCHITECTURE & HISTORY – THE STORY OF GREAT BUILDINGS IN A GREAT TOWN

All of the events are meant to showcase the many natural, historic and cultural treasures to be found in the Berkshire and Litchfield County areas. They range from a tour of the historic Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield to the “Boulder Train” in Richmond to the Sharon (CT) Art Walk to the Stockbridge Community Bike Ride; farm tours, iron works, Housatonic River paddling trip and much, much more.

No pre- registration is necessary for most of the events, but there are a few that require it, so check before you go. Also check for weather-related cancellations.

The Housatonic Heritage website gives very comprehensive descriptions of all of the events. For details visit : https://housatonicheritage.org/events/heritage-walks/

The mission of the Housatonic Heritage, through Congressional act, is to  “heighten appreciation of the region, preserve its natural and historical resources and improve the quality of life and economy of the area” and this ambitious series of events certainly delivers on that.

All of the events are free, so the Heritage Walk series is not a fundraiser. Rather the 86 events are offered to make us aware of the rich cultural, historical and natural places and spaces that bless our part of the world.

To learn more about the Upper Housatonic Heritage Area visit housatonicheritage.org.