The Berkshire Hatchery Foundation   

Berkshire Hatchery Foundation Mission

"To promote and support the development of aquaculture and environmental education programs for the Berkshire Community."

Nourished by an aquifer that sends 200 gallons per minute of chilled water coursing through its fish pools, the hatchery dates to 1914. The 148-acre property was entrusted to the federal government by the family of trout fisherman John Sullivan Scully and served to cultivate trout, smallmouth bass and later Atlantic salmon until budget cuts led to the hatchery's 1994 closing.

The restoration of the facility as a center of aquaculture -- the cultivation of fish for food, educational and recreational purposes -- is testimony to the efforts of a former Hampshire College professor, the state and federal governments, and a coalition of willing volunteers starting in 1999.

Presently ten 3,500-gallon fish tanks have been refurbished and are operational; several of these tanks are currently stocked with Atlantic salmon, as well as rainbow, brown and brook trout brood stock. The kelt (egg hatch) house has been retrofitted with new equipment for hatching and currently houses 4,000 Atlantic salmon.

Two residences are on the grounds, but both are in need of work. The main dwelling used to house staff from neighboring Gould Farm and the second residence was used for staff and interns. Nature trails are groomed and maintained by volunteers year round. The focus for the upcoming year will be maintaining the outside of the buildings and re-establishing picnic areas and camping grounds.

The Hatchery is located on Hatchery Road in the village of Hartsville, New Marlborough, approximately 6 miles east of Great Barrington, Massachusetts.

Note that the road which runs between Route 23 to the north and Route 57 to the south is called River Road on its northern end and Hatchery Road on the southern end. The River Road portion is currently closed, however, just before the entrance to the Hatchery.

Mailing address: PO Box 84, Monterey, MA 01245

(413) 528-9761

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Foundation volunteer George Emmons has sketched several scenes depicting life and times at the Hatchery. On the left, a piece celebrating the arrival of 20,000 Atlantic salmon eggs, and on the right one depicting the Foundation's award and recognition in Washington, D.C.