by Lee Halasz and Kari Blood
Two centuries ago, the rhythmic creak of wooden waterwheels was likely a familiar sound along rivers and streams in the Connecticut River Valley. Mills powered by the energy of flowing water were hubs of early European colonial communities that provided the necessities of everyday life. There were sawmills for cutting wood, gristmills for grinding grain, and textile mills for making cloth, among other types of goods. These mills also had a significant influence on the environment because they required damming of the streams that provided their power.
By Kari Blood
One of the reasons many of us love living in the Valley is being able to see wildlife around us. But those sightings will become increasingly rare if humans don’t take bold steps to slow the loss of species around the world. Scientists are sounding the alarm not only about the climate crisis but also about the inextricably linked biodiversity crisis.
By Joel Russell
Rich valley farmlands, lush hilltown forests and dramatic mountains: These open spaces in western Massachusetts are so familiar that we easily take them for granted. Yet, it’s only through the concerted efforts of many individuals and organizations that so many of these natural areas have been protected from development. In fact, Massachusetts is the birthplace of the modern land conservation movement. For more than 130 years, the Commonwealth has been a leader in conserving its lands and waters.
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Hitchcock Center for the Environment
at Hampshire College
845 West Street | Amherst MA 01002 | 413.256.6006 | 413.253.2809 fax