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 Schedules Fireworks on July 8

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Fireworks are back on. 

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States, a fireworks display is scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, at 9:15 p.m. in the area of Wahconah Park. 

The Pittsfield Cooperative Bank and George Haddad made "significant" donations toward the display, according to a Thursday press release.  The city could not secure a vendor for the Fourth of July, but one was available a few days later due to a cancellation in another state. 

"I am grateful for the Pittsfield Cooperative Bank and George Haddad who have offered their support to allow this beloved community tradition to return," Mayor Peter Marchetti said. 

"This announcement is the perfect example of how this community comes together to create possibilities."
 
While there will be no city-sponsored fireworks show on the Fourth of July this year, the historic parade and race will still kick off on the morning of July 4, and other events will take place over the holiday weekend. 

Those attending the fireworks display on July 8 will not have access to Wahconah Park, as the site is a construction zone while the grandstand is being demolished.  Fireworks can be viewed from the surrounding neighborhood and other locations throughout Pittsfield. 

It is important to note that every firework show requires a licensed and certified professional, the press release states.  Pittsfield was able to hire a licensed vendor for this display because the company had a show cancellation in another state, opening its availability for Pittsfield on July 8.

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