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 Sets Early Voting Dates

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The general election is on Tuesday, Nov. 3, and voters must register by Oct. 24 if they want to participate. 

Massachusetts voters will determine the offices of governor, lieutenant governor, U.S. senator, U.S. representative, attorney general, secretary of state, state treasurer, state auditor, governor's council, state senator, state representative, district attorney, and register of probate. 

Nine state election ballot questions will also be on the ballot, including questions on recreational cannabis and gun laws. 

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on election day.  A primary election in September narrowed the races. 

Residents can also vote by absentee ballot, which are currently available for those who will be away from Pittsfield during polling hours, have a physical disability preventing them from going to the polls, and for religious beliefs. Absentee ballots are due by noon on Nov. 2, and can be mailed in or cast in person.  

Saturday, Oct. 24, is the deadline to register to vote or to make changes to voter registration. City Hall, located at 70 Allen St., will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on this day. 

Vote by mail applications are also available and can be requested until Tuesday, Oct. 27, by 5 p.m. There is also early voting in the Registrar of Voters' Office. 

Democrats Maura Healey is running for re-election as governor and Kim Driscoll for re-election as lieutenant governor. Michael Minogue is the gubernatorial candidate for the Republican Party, and Shawn Oliver its lieutenant governor candidate. 

Andrea Campbell is running for re-election as attorney general, and is being challenged by Republican Michael Walsh. 

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