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

Print 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. 

Tags: BEAT,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

North Adams Man Pleade Not Guilty to Father's Murder

Staff Reports

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — David Louis Boucher, who is accused of killing his father, pleaded not guilty Monday in Berkshire Superior Court.

Boucher, 48, was indicted on one count of murder and two counts of larceny.

In May 2026, Boucher allegedly stabbed his father, 67-year-old David Allen Boucher, and left him for dead in his home at 256 Walnut St. The younger Boucher lived downstairs and his father upstairs in the multi-family home.

Boucher admitted to killing his father a week later, shortly before police located the body.

At the time of the arrest, a clear motive was not established, though the Berkshire District Attorney's office suggested it may have involved a gambling debt. Authorities noted there may have also been a mental health component.

Boucher is set to appear in court again in April.

Boucher is currently being held without bail at the Berkshire County House of Correction.

 

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories