Beakuency welcomes Bill Mangiardi, Director of Farm and Facilities at Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield, MA. Bill's connection to the Shaker philosophy and their farmland goes back to his childhood. He tells us about the Shaker farming practices, the birds and wildlife that find habitat on the farm, and how they connect people. He also shares highlights of the farm's collaboration with the Berkshire Bird Observatory on the Kestrel Nest Box Project to increase the local American Kestrel population, which has also enhanced the experience and education of community members.

It's easy to feel powerless in the face of global challenges. But the practical, principled Shaker approach that is at the heart of Bill's work on the farm and his powerful words, backed by his experience as a lifelong farmer, encourage you that there is always something you can do, and that the change you want to see can start in your local community.

Hancock Shaker Village https://hancockshakervillage.org/

Berkshire Bird Observatory’s Kestrel Nest Box Project https://www.berkshirebirds.org/research/kestrel-nest-box-project

Hosted by Mayuko Fujino, "Beakuency" invites the local community to be inspired by the joy, beauty, and wisdom bird enthusiasts find in the nature of our neighborhoods. Every episode features an interview with local bird people, plus a freeform mix of sound made by birds and humans inspired by birds.

Read the interview transcripts and see more photos at beakuency.substack.com.

mayukofujino.com