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 Extinguishes 4th of July Firework Display

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— There will be no city-sponsored fireworks show on the Fourth of July this year. 

Pittsfield announced this on Friday, June 26, explaining it was unable to secure a vendor with availability for the display.  The historic parade and race will still kick off on the morning of July 4, and other events are happening over the holiday weekend. 

The 2026 parade theme, "America 250 — Pittsfield Celebrates the Generations,"  will celebrate 250 years of the nation and Pittsfield.  People, floats, cars, balloons, and more will proceed down South, North, and Wahconah streets to thousands of spectators.

On Wednesday, the Pittsfield Parade Committee announced Vincent "Vin" Marinaro as the 2026 Grand Marshal.  The lifelong Pittsfield resident has been a mentor, educator, coach, advocate, and leader, said to have left a lasting impact on generations of Pittsfield families. 

He began his career teaching in Pittsfield's Catholic schools, coaching youth sports, and managing the Catholic Youth Center, later bringing that same passion for service to the Ralph J. Froio Senior Center, serving as Executive Director from 2010 until his retirement in 2018.

"Under his leadership, the center expanded programs, strengthened community connections, and became an even more vibrant gathering place for older adults. His commitment to service did not stop there," the parade committee wrote. 

"A devoted member of the Rotary Club of Pittsfield since 1995, Vin has exemplified Rotary's motto of Service Above Self. In 2024, he was installed as District Governor for Rotary District 7890, representing clubs throughout Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut. Along the way, he has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Gerard D. Downing Service to Children Award and a designation as a Paul Harris Fellow." 

The parade dates back to 1801, and the parade committee was formed in the late 1970s.  Today, it brings residents, families, organizations, and visitors together on the Fourth of July, historically kicking off at 10 a.m. on the dot. 

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