Free Tree Pruning Workshop, February 20 or 21, 2021

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You are invited to an informational workshop that introduces the basics of tree biology, structure and pruning, which also includes instruction on how to prune newly established trees.  There will be an opportunity to participate virtually or in-person, depending on your preference.  This workshop is sponsored by ReGreen Springfield, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and the City of Springfield Forestry Division, and will include field exercises along Springfield streets, where you can actually practice pruning techniques that will be introduced in the classroom portion of the workshop.

There is no charge to participate in this practical program, and you don’t need a green thumb to be part of the fun.  You will learn new skills and practical techniques that you can use on your own property, or as part of a community volunteer tree pruning effort, that will kick off during the Fall, 2021 in Springfield.

To learn more, visit http://regreenspringfield.org/pruningworkshop/

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Heritage Tree Tours of Springfield

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pictureTake a tour of Springfield’s neighborhoods to see some of the largest and most beautiful trees in the city.

Regreen Springfield and the City of Springfield, in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, the Greening the Gateway Cities Program and the Massachusetts Dept of Conservation and Recreation invite you to take some time to look around Springfield and experience a whole new world… just by looking up and around you… as you travel through the city’s neighborhoods.

A heritage tree, as defined by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), is a tree that:

  • Measures more than 32 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) or 100.45 inches in circumference
    or
  • Has a documented cultural and/or historical significance.

Heritage Tree Tours for the following neighborhoods are now available online.  Click on the neighborhood below to take a look. The following neighborhood tours are available:

Museum District –  Click Here
McKnight, Upper Hill, and Old Hill – Click Here
Court Square District – Click Here

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Off the Great Outdoors: Scavenger Hunts for Environmental Learning

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huntCelebrate the Summer Season by Heading Out On a Great Outdoor Adventure Scavenger Hunt…
Social Distancing as You Learn Along the Way!

CLICK HERE for a Video Introduction

ReGreen Springfield, the Springfield Department of Health and Human Services, the Greening the Gateway Cities Program and the US Forest Service have created (4) environmentally based ‘scavenger hunts’ in the city, for folks of all ages. These ‘scavenger hunts’ are located in natural spaces across Springfield. The idea is to go out, explore the great outdoors and learn a bit about the natural world at the same time. For more information, call 413-523-0014.

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GET STARTED ON THE ADVENTURES

Why not get out and take part in the outdoor adventures that we have available in the Abbey Brook Watershed, Van Horn Park, and Forest Park. Just follow these simple steps on your smartphone…

  1. In order to get started, just click one of the links below to find the starting location for any of the individual hunts, on Google Maps.  
  2. Navigate to the starting location, and then just navigate to the START, using the Google Maps app, and begin your adventure.
  3. Visit each location on the map, and read a bit about the natural element that you find at each location on Google Maps
  4. Visit each location, and when you are done, visit http://regreenspringfield.org/contests/ and submit your information to receive a Certificate of Completion!

VISIT THESE ADVENTURES SOON…

Van Horn Park West Expedition -Visit https://bit.ly/2CzhKiT

Forest Park Expedition – Visit https://bit.ly/3eq7BCg

Abbey Brook Watershed Expedition – Visit https://tinyurl.com/y65n3mwl

Van Horn Park East Expedition -Visit https://tinyurl.com/y6zn5dc3

TIPS FOR KEEPING SAFE OUTDOORS

  1. Due to COVID-19, wear a safety mask at all times.
  2. Maintain a safe social distance of at least 6 feet from all other people.
  3. Check the weather forecast before you leave the house, to make sure it will be safe for you to be outside.
  4. Apply insect repellent and sunscreen before you leave the house, and bring some along with you.
  5. Bring along a bottle, canteen, or ‘camelback’ of water, and make sure you drink plenty, especially on hot summer days.
  6. Be on the lookout for poison ivy (here is a video to learn more), and be careful to avoid it.
  7. Watch for ticks and other insect pests, and make sure to check your body regularly (for more information, check out this video)
  8. Make sure that you can see the trail at all times.
  9. Tell others where you are going and when you expect to be back in case you lose your way in the woods.
  10. Bring at least one friend along, and stay with your outdoor companion.
  11. Wear proper footwear (a pair of sneakers and a high pair of socks), and loose fitting clothing.
  12. For more information on staying safe outdoors during the COVID-19 crisis, visit this link from the CDC.

 

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