Published: 04/20/2023 09:13:56
Tree planting in Northampton Saturday, stick gift Friday
NORTHAMPTON – Volunteers from a range of organizations will plant 17 trees at Leeds Elementary School on Saturday as part of an Earth Day program which is in its second year running. The planting will shade parts of the playground and other parts of the school grounds.
In addition, the Department of Public Works and Tree Northampton will plant 16 trees on Village Hill. These new trees are intended to replace declining ash trees affected by the invasive and deadly emerald ash borer responsible for destroying tens of millions of ash trees in 30 states, including Massachusetts.
The city will also be giving away 600 free tree whips for residents to plant on private lots. Whips can be picked up at City Hall on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tree Northampton volunteers will oversee the 20th Annual Arbor Day Tree Whip Giveaway, providing illustrated tree factsheets for each species on offer along with tree planting and care information.
Contestants can choose from six species of trees, including white oak, service tree, American paw, northern hackberry, and Fraser fir. Each species has been selected to promote the diversity of tree species and the environmental sustainability of Northampton’s urban treetops.
For more information, contact Rich Parasiliti Jr., Arborist, at 413-587-1570 ext. 4317.
Youth Climate Fest for Sundayat Arcadia
EASTHAMPTON/NORTHAMPTON — Youth-led climate groups in western Massachusetts have organized a climate festival to be held Sunday at Mass Audubon’s Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary.
The event from 1:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. will include climate-related workshops, poetry readings, a dance performance and live music, among other things. The festival is free.
Special guest will be Massachusetts climate chief Melissa Hoffer. Other expected civil society representatives are State Representatives Dan Carey and Mindy Domb.
Brittany Gutermuth, education manager for the Mass Audubon Climate Change Program, noted that meeting the challenges of a warming planet is a common thread running through all of the nationwide conservation organization’s work.
Holyoke receives grant to meet wastewater reporting requirements
BOSTON — Holyoke is one of 10 communities receiving grants from the state to meet new requirements to educate the public about wastewater discharges and untreated stormwater and wastewater, known as combined sewage overflows, into surface water.
The $64,000 grant to Holyoke is among the $600,000 awarded to regional or municipal wastewater utilities and systems across Massachusetts for projects selected by the state Department of Environmental Protection.
Regulatory requirements that wastewater treatment plants and communities must meet include notifying the public of discharges of sewage and flooding, posting signs at public access points, and making relevant information available online. Holyoke will use the money to implement an electronic CSO notification system and translation services to translate notifications into Spanish and signage with a remote alarm system at three public access points on the Connecticut River.
Make room for fiber optic enthusiasts in Belchertown
BELCHERTOWN – Making Space for the Fiber-Curious is a free art space for self-proclaimed LGBTQ+ people. This room is for people who want to learn the basics of weaving using a floor loom, knitting, crocheting and other fiber crafts; and want to work in the community. Participants are encouraged to share skills and knowledge with each other.
The room will be open throughout the spring from 2pm to 4pm on the following dates: April 30th, May 6th, 14th, 20th, May 28th and June 3rd. Visit tinyurl.com/fiber2023 for more information.
The program is supported in part by a grant from the Belchertown, South Hadley and Amherst Cultural Councils, local agencies supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
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