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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Pittsfield Duplex Fire Displaces Six, Kills 2 Cats

Staff Reports

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Six people were displaced, and two cats died in a duplex fire Monday night. 

Just before 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 9, the Pittsfield Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 54-56 Worthington Place. 

Firefighters quickly arrived on the scene and saw smoke showing from the first and second floors of the three-story wood-frame home. 

The main body of fire on the first floor was knocked down within a few minutes, allowing companies to quickly check the remainder of the apartment and complete searches. The remaining fire and hot spots were deemed under control within 30 minutes. 

All occupants were accounted for by Pittsfield Police upon PFD's arrival. Three cats were found in the apartment with the fire, one alive and two deceased. Two dogs made it out of the blaze. 

Four engine companies, a ladder company, and the deputy chief responded. 

"Thanks to quick decisions of the fire apartment occupants to call 911 right away certainly aided in a rapid PFD response from our two closest stations on Columbus Ave and West Housatonic St and saving the structure from severe damage," PFD wrote in a press release. 

"The occupants were upstairs when this fire started and were able to quickly make their way downstairs, past the fire and out the front door safely with no injuries. Three adults, three children, two dogs and a cat were displaced from the two apartments. Red Cross responded and assisted with housing and

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