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 Council Adds Funding for Council Education in FY27 Budget

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On the third day of budget hearings, the City Council preliminarily passed all but its own budget, requesting that Mayor Peter Marchetti restore some funds to the education and training line. 

The proposed operating budget for Pittsfield in fiscal year 2027 is $232,782,090, a 2.9 percent increase from this year. Marchetti compared that to hikes in fixed costs: a 9 percent increase in health insurance, a 7 percent increase in debt service, and more than a 5 percent increase in retirement contributions. 

See the first two days of budget review here.

Councilor at Large Kathy Amuso's motion to reduce the $3,190 training line by $1,500 failed. Councilors instead asked that the $1,430 cut from reimbursements for the Massachusetts Municipal Association conference be restored. 

This would bring the proposed FY27 budget of $107,832 to $109,262, level with FY26. Marchetti has agreed to the addition. 

"I can remember having to basically sleep in a windowsill the first year I was councilor because I didn't have enough money in my campaign account, and the job I had at the time, I could not afford nights in Boston," Councilor at Large Pete White remembered. 

He and other councilors said the knowledge and networking from the annual weekend-long event in turn allows them to serve Pittsfield residents better. 

"I don't think any of us are up here asking for more pay. But I think it's important that we have a council that is educated and has the opportunity to learn more," Ward 6 Councilor Dina Lampiasi said. 

"And as somebody that has been to the conference multiple times, I've seen myself learn and bring it back to the constituents, and I've also seen colleagues learn new information and bring it back. It's a great resource for veteran councilors. It's a really great resource for new councilors, and I just wouldn't want to take that opportunity away from anybody, and most importantly, from our constituents."

Ward 7 Councilor Katherine Moody said the conference cost her nearly $500, but the knowledge she brought home could be put to immediate use. 

Councilor at Large Alisa Costa and Ward 2 Councilor Cameron Cunningham said it is important to ensure that city government is accessible to people of all income levels and from all backgrounds. 

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