Buds, Twigs, and Bark: How to Identify Trees and Shrubs in Winter

08:01AM / Friday, February 09, 2024Print Story | Email Story

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 Invited to 'Senior Study' with MSBA

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:49AM / Friday, August 14, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Pittsfield Public Schools has been invited to engage in a study with the Massachusetts School Building Authority as it requests funds to repair Pittsfield High.

Superintendent Latifah Phillips delivered the news to the School Building Needs Commission last week. Pittsfield has been invited to engage in a senior study where enrollment, program, and facility issues are reviewed.

While this is a good sign, it doesn't mean that PPS's proposal was accepted.

"We're still not invited into the grant program, but this is still a positive step," Phillips said.

The city is pursuing a statement of interest to the MSBA, a quasi-independent government agency, to cover up to 80 percent of the cost for renovations.

In July, the School Committee received a report card on the 1931 building's physical condition, which was described as "poor" and in need of restoration to its original character.

The senior study team will have consultants and senior architects with extensive knowledge of building systems and educational programs, Phillips said. They will visit PHS and Taconic for a few hours at the end of September.

A summation of the 284,301-square-foot building at 300 East St. describes it as being "in poor condition overall," but the condition of the finishes and overall quality of the school is said to reflect the age at which it was constructed.

"The site has issues with its asphalt paving, causing accessibility and safety concerns. The fields are in good condition. The sidewalks around the building appear to be in poor condition, with accessibility updates necessary. ADA ramps are in poor condition," it reads.

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