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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Mother Plans Memorial Bench at Clapp Park

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Parks Commission has OK'd a memorial bench for a young man who had many happy memories at Clapp Park. 

"I hate this. I lost my son in December to a fatal overdose, and so I am looking to have a memorial bench installed for him at Clapp Park. He was 23 when he passed," said Sarah DeJesus, through tears. 

"The first half of his life, we lived in that neighborhood … and so we have so many great memories at Clapp Park." 

DeJesus has worked to mitigate health complications from substance use for years as the program manager of Berkshire Harm Reduction. The bench will be placed above the park's splash pad overlooking the area in honor of Premier Ashton DeJesus.

As for cost, DeJesus said she will fund the bench, installation, and associated expenses. 

"I've always thought that the top of the hill could use some seating opportunities, and I think this is a perfect opportunity to sort of honor a young person who Clapp Park was very meaningful to him and to the family," Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Manager James McGrath said. 

She and McGrath have selected a durable bench that can be fixed to the concrete, with a plaque on the back. 

DeJesus said her son went to summer camp at the park, movie nights, sledding, played sports there, met friends, and gained independence as a child. 

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