Term: Winter 2026
Student Team: Natalie Wilk and Zaviere Drumm
Client: Berkshire Natural Resources Council
Berkshire County is a largely rural, forested region with extensive conserved lands; yet, access to these landscapes is uneven. Initiated by the Berkshire Natural Resources Council, this Transit to Trails project uses GIS analysis to identify gaps between population centers and accessible trail systems, highlighting barriers related to mobility and infrastructure. It also establishes a flexible analytical tool to support ongoing assessment of open space access as new data emerges and conservation efforts expand.
Three strategies—optimizing existing transit routes, enhancing local recreation areas, and expanding connections to key destinations—provide a framework for improving access. By aligning conservation, transportation, and public health goals, this project offers a replicable model for creating more equitable and connected communities.
