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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Friday Front Porch Feature: A Colonial in South Pittsfield

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Are you looking for a classic New England Colonial in the city? Then this is the home for you.

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 66 Emerson Ave.

This three-bedroom, one-bathroom home was built in 1924 and has 1,540 square feet with 0.15 acres.

The house features the original hardwood floors with a tiled kitchen that has granite countertops, and a heated sunroom.

The house also has a detached one-car garage and was recently updated with electrical, windows, and kitchen, leaving less worry for the new owners. 

It is currently on the market for $315,000 but is pending.

We spoke with Carrie Lobovits Wright with William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty.

What do you think makes this house stand out in the current market?

It offers an incredibly spacious, open yet cozy layout with a perfect blend of functional living and charm. Having a four-season sunroom is such a wonderful feature; combined with the updated kitchen, which includes an absolutely adorable pantry with glass cabinets and a separate dining area, this home offers incredible value at this price point. It's truly a standout!

What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?

Imagine hosting delightful dinners in the charming dining room, preparing meals in the roomy kitchen, and unwinding at the end of the day in the lovely sunroom or the warm, inviting living room. Thoughtfully crafted to make everyday living a joy, it's also perfect for entertaining friends and family.

Do you know any unique stories about the home or its history?

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