Governor Declares Nov. 28 As 'Green Friday'

Print Story | Email Story

HATFIELD, Mass. — To kick off the holiday season in Massachusetts and to highlight the state's Christmas tree and nursery sectors, Governor Maura Healey is declaring Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, as "Green Friday."

Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner Ashley Randle joined state and local officials today to celebrate the declaration at Chestnut Mountain Christmas Tree Farm in Hatfield. The event included a presentation of a Governor's Proclamation, followed by a ceremonial Christmas tree cutting.

"There's no better way to usher in the holiday season than by purchasing a locally grown Christmas tree and other festive plants," said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. "Our growers take great care of the land which produces beautiful evergreens that provide a perfect centerpiece to your holiday celebrations. Start your holidays off at a local farm or nursery for a memorable experience."

Massachusetts is home to 459 Christmas tree farms, which operate on nearly 3,000 acres of land and contribute more than $4.5 million to the local economy every year. These farms provide hundreds of seasonal jobs, and many year-round positions as well, boosting local economies through commerce and tourism. Many farms offer family-friendly activities like sleighrides and treats like milk and cookies or hot chocolate.

Christmas tree farms provide a stunning backdrop to the agricultural landscape in Massachusetts and help preserve open space across the state, bringing tremendous environmental benefits to the surrounding land. Often sited on soil that cannot support other crops, these farms enhance soil health, which helps prevent erosion and protect water supplies. After the holiday season, trees and other plants can be used as a renewable source of energy to be burned as fuel, used as mulch, fed to certain livestock, or composted.

To find more information on Massachusetts Christmas tree farms and nurseries, please visit MDAR's MassGrown page.

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

BVNA Nurses Raise Funds for Berkshire Bounty

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Massachusetts Nursing Association members of the Berkshire Visiting Nurses Association raised $650 to help with food insecurity in Berkshire County.
 
The nurses and health-care professionals of BVNA have given back to the community every holiday season for the last three years. The first year, they adopted a large family, raised money, bought, wrapped and delivered the gifts for the family. Last year, they sold raffle tickets and the money raised went to the charitable cause of the winner. 
 
This year, with food insecurity as a rising issue, they chose to give to Berkshire Bounty in Great Barrington.
 
They sold raffle tickets for a drawing to win one of two items: A lottery ticket tree or a gift certificate tree, each worth $100. They will be giving the organization the donation this month.
 
Berkshire Bounty seeks to improve food security in the county through food donations from retailers and local farms; supplemental purchases of healthy foods; distribution to food sites and home deliveries; and collaborating with partners to address emergencies and improve the food system. 
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories