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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Dave's Hot Chicken Coming to Pittsfield

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A chicken shop soon will open on Merrill Road. 

Representatives from Dave's Hot Chicken confirmed that the restaurant plans to open a location late next week at 685 Merrill Road. The space now has a bright, new sign for the business, located in the The Shops at Unkamet Brook.

The fast-casual chain specializes in Nashville-style hot chicken and also serves sliders, appetizers, vegetarian options, shakes, and drinks. 

According to the company's website, Dave's Hot Chicken was launched in 2017 by four friends in East Hollywood and now has hundreds of locations across the United States. This will be the first in Berkshire County; there is also a Dave's Hot Chicken in Hadley. 

The Shops at Unkamet Brook storefront formerly housed El Habanero Mexican Grill, which opened and closed within the last five years. Papa Gino's occupied the space prior to that for nearly 50 years before closing in 2021.

Dave's Hot Chicken is one of several eateries to recently open in Pittsfield. 

Three restaurants opened on North Street over the summer: Aura Coffee and Cocktails at 41 North St., The Grand, across the street at 156 North St., and Sanctum Gallery Cafe at 146 North St.

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