Buds, Twigs, and Bark: How to Identify Trees and Shrubs in Winter

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Join Chelsey Simmons of Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) for the February Berkshire Green Drinks virtual event to explore the buds, twigs, and bark of common trees seen in the New England landscape. 
 
It may be surprising, but winter is actually an excellent time to learn how to identify woody plant species. The absence of leaves allows for the opportunity to take a closer look at the characteristics that are often overlooked, like the subtle features of a twig, the arrangement of buds, and the overall form and structure of a tree. Chelsey will go over the steps to tree identification, break down twig morphology, and give helpful hints on remembering one species from another — all of which will aid in tree and shrub identification year-round.
 
The presentation will be live-streamed via Zoom at 6 PM on Wednesday, February 14. Registration is required to receive the meeting link. Register at: http://tinyurl.com/Feb2024-Berks-Green-Drinks
 
Chelsey Simmons is the programs director for Berkshire Environmental Action Team, a nonprofit based in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. As part of her work for BEAT, she leads numerous naturalist walks throughout Berkshire County year-round. For the past few years, she's been working on an identification book of trees and shrubs found in western Massachusetts, meticulously drawing and painting each page by hand and sharing those pages with the public through BEAT's "Tree of the Month" series with the hope of getting people excited about trees and interested in the native species found in our region.
 
Berkshire Green Drinks (formerly Pittsfield Green Drinks) is an informal gathering that takes place once a month. A guest speaker talks for about 30 minutes beginning at 6 PM, and the presentation is followed by a discussion and Q&A. These nights are free and open to everyone with any environmental interest. 

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Weekend Outlook: Jazz in the Berkshires

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Check out the events happening in Berkshire County this weekend, including jazz, bands, and more.

Editors Pick

Williamstown Jazz Festival
Friday through Sunday

Enjoy Jazz legends all weekend or just for a day at the annual jazz festival. 

More information and tickets here.

Friday

Orleans
The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield
Time: 7:30 p.m.

Listen to melodies with classic rock hits like "Still The One," "Dance With Me," and "Love Takes Time". Spend your night dancing and listening to the show. 

More information and tickets here.

Circle of Stone
Stationary Factory, Dalton
Time: 8 p.m.

Enjoy a full length album from this early 90’s band that plays throughout New England.

Tickets range from $20 to $25.

More information and tickets here.

Common Craft Night
165 East Main St., North Adams
Time: 6 to 10 p.m.

Bring your own craft and work with others.

More information here.

Friday Karaoke
Dalton American Legion
Time: 6 p.m.

More information here.

Saturday

25th Annual Sheffield Fair
Sheffield Town Park
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bring your family for a free event with farm animals, music, food, and more. Kids can enjoy hay rides, games, and various activities.

More information here.

Midnite: 30
Stationary Factory, Dalton
Time: 8 p.m.

Enjoy a band with a wide range of genres; bring your friends and dance to the music. 

More information and tickets here.

Sunday

New Lebanon Flea Market in the Berkshires
435 Columbia Pike, New Lebanon, N.Y.

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