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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Pride Month Preview: 'Every Day is Pride' in Berkshire County

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — This is the 10th season of Berkshire Pride celebrations, and the nonprofit has declared "Every Day is Pride."

Pride Month begins on June 1, and Berkshire Pride has lined up programming all month to celebrate and support the LGBTQ-plus community.  The flagship event, a parade and festival at The Common on June 20 beginning at 11 a.m., will be preceded by several events around the county for all ages. 

Officially established as a nonprofit in 2017, Berkshire Pride offers resources, programs, events, advocacy, and community building year-round for the queer community to feel supported in their identities. 

"During the month of June, a series of flagship events in Pittsfield, supported by North Adams, Lee
and Lenox will foster connection, visibility, and joy, reinforcing the region’s commitment to an inclusive future. As resilience becomes a bold declaration, Berkshire Pride commemorates its 10th anniversary affirming 'Every Day is Pride,'" President Michael Taylor wrote in a press release. 

"Building on a decade of representation and community support, the Berkshire Pride festival has become a regional highlight, recognized in 2025 as one of the standout community events of the year ensuring that LGBTQ-plus identity is celebrated from the northern peaks to the southern hills."

Nearing the start of Pride Month on Saturday, May 30, Mayor Peter Marchetti will lead a Pride flag-raising proclamation at City Hall, and the Community Partner of the Year Award will be presented.  School Street will then come alive for a Pride kick-off block party with music by DJ Pup Daddy, games, food by Brazzuca's, and beverages from Hot Plate Brewing Co.

Last year, the City Council voted unanimously to declare Pittsfield a sanctuary for transgender and gender diverse individuals in response to executive orders made by President Donald Trump declaring only two sexes and targeting gender-affirming care.

Berkshire Pride on Tuesday announced that the Elizabeth Freeman Center was selected as the 2026 Community Partner of the Year because of its "outstanding commitment" to supporting and uplifting LGBTQ-plus individuals and families throughout Berkshire County.

Greylock Federal Credit Union was given the award last year

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