http://www.gazettenet.com/taxonomy/term/11465/%2A The taxonomy view with a depth of 0. en http://www.gazettenet.com/2012/02/04/the-future-of-pioneer-valley-farmland-is-in-our-hands <p>If you're a Pioneer Valley native, you may not realize what a unique region surrounds you. As a recent transplant from upstate New York, I have observed how nature, culture, education and agriculture come together here in a rich, productive tapestry that few other areas in the northeast can claim. Because of this tapestry, locally grown foods are plentiful and accessible today. But what will happen in the future? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gazettenet.com/2012/02/04/the-future-of-pioneer-valley-farmland-is-in-our-hands">read more</a></p> http://www.gazettenet.com/2012/02/04/the-future-of-pioneer-valley-farmland-is-in-our-hands#comments amherst earth matters environment hitchcock center for the environment living local outdoors _bulk _dhg _earthmatters _free _frontpage Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:00:00 -0500 Daily Hampshire Gazette 355962 at http://www.gazettenet.com http://www.gazettenet.com/2012/02/04/ways-to-help <p>-- Buy local products at farmers markets, CSA farms, or at individual farm stands.</p> <p>-- Encourage your grocery store to carry local foods.</p> <p>-- Support your town's Community Preservation Act (CPA) Fund. It provides a critical source of funding for land protection.</p> <p>-- Support your town's efforts to permanently preserve farmland.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gazettenet.com/2012/02/04/ways-to-help">read more</a></p> http://www.gazettenet.com/2012/02/04/ways-to-help#comments amherst earth matters environment hitchcock center for the environment living local outdoors _bulk _dhg _earthmatters _free Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:00:00 -0500 Daily Hampshire Gazette 355961 at http://www.gazettenet.com http://www.gazettenet.com/2012/01/21/educator-learns-valuable-lessons-from-a-hawk <p>On a bird trip I once led for the Hitchcock Center for the Environment I noticed a northern harrier (also known as marsh hawk) hunting over a field in Hadley. This lovely raptor, found over the fields and marshes of the northern hemisphere, rarely breeds in western Massachusetts but occurs here regularly as a migrant and in small numbers as a winter resident.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gazettenet.com/2012/01/21/educator-learns-valuable-lessons-from-a-hawk">read more</a></p> http://www.gazettenet.com/2012/01/21/educator-learns-valuable-lessons-from-a-hawk#comments _nonlocal amherst earth matters environment hitchcock center for the environment living outdoors _bulk _dhg _earthmatters _free _frontpage Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:00:00 -0500 Daily Hampshire Gazette 353923 at http://www.gazettenet.com http://www.gazettenet.com/2012/01/07/brush-piles-a-backyard-bonanza-for-wildlife <p>By Joshua Rose Gazette Contributing Writer</p> <p><a href="http://www.gazettenet.com/2012/01/07/brush-piles-a-backyard-bonanza-for-wildlife">read more</a></p> http://www.gazettenet.com/2012/01/07/brush-piles-a-backyard-bonanza-for-wildlife#comments _nonlocal amherst earth matters environment hitchcock center for the environment living outdoors _bulk _dhg _earthmatters _free _frontpage Sat, 07 Jan 2012 05:00:00 -0500 Daily Hampshire Gazette 351826 at http://www.gazettenet.com http://www.gazettenet.com/2011/12/24/bears-bees-and-others-settle-in-for-a-long-winter039s-nap <p>As far as I can tell, there are three ways to survive a New England winter. One, you take up winter sports and learn to love the slippery ground and nose-biting cold. (This one's not for me - I am too clumsy for skates or snowboards.) Two, you escape to warmer climes. (As a tropical biologist early in my career, I opted for this, and spent many winter months knee-deep in mangrove mud in Belize; not glamorous, perhaps, but warm!) Or three, sleep through it. Many animals and plants choose option three: it's cheaper than airfare or new skis. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gazettenet.com/2011/12/24/bears-bees-and-others-settle-in-for-a-long-winter039s-nap">read more</a></p> http://www.gazettenet.com/2011/12/24/bears-bees-and-others-settle-in-for-a-long-winter039s-nap#comments earth matters environment living local outdoors _dhg _earthmatters _free _frontpage Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:00:00 -0500 Daily Hampshire Gazette 349812 at http://www.gazettenet.com