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By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

TURNERS FALLS — The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has issued a draft decision approving a water quality certification for FirstLight Hydro Generating Co., marking the latest required step in FirstLight’s relicensing process through the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

GREENFIELD — Officials at the Greenfield-based Connecticut River Conservancy are left waiting with $13 million in federal funding frozen that had been awarded to the environmental advocacy nonprofit, including $11.5 million for river restoration in New Hampshire.

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

BOSTON — The state Department of Environmental Protection is fining Falls Farm, which has property in Montague and Sunderland, for violating the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and Massachusetts Clean Water Act.

By TED WATT

It was January, with two feet of cold crisp powder on the ground. The day was bright and sunny. The 5th and 6th grades at our small rural, hill-town school had been studying life sciences. Educators and students were focusing on animals and the many varied ways they are adapted, both physically and behaviorally, to living in their environment. We decided to take advantage of the perfect winter day and headed out to see what we could learn about how animals live in winter from the signs and tracks they left behind.

By CHRIS LARABEE

WHATELY — Residents with thoughts on where they would like to see pollinator-centered landscape projects are encouraged to join town officials for a community forum on Thursday.

By ANNE DIETRICH

As we step into a new political era with Monday’s inauguration of Donald Trump, many wonder how his administration’s environmental policies will shape our future. With proposed rollbacks on climate agreements and renewable energy projects, those of us in the Pioneer Valley who cherish nature may feel uncertain and anxious. But beyond just affecting nature, the new president’s policies also impact leisure activities, recreation, and sport. As a sports lover, I am concerned about President Trump’s (lack of) environmental agenda. If you care about sports — from community games to professional leagues — there are things we all can do to protect this favorite pastime.

By JOSHUA ROSE

Once upon a time, it was called Bri-Mar Stables and described as “a quaint equestrian facility nestled in the heart of Hadley … providing a welcoming environment for those passionate about all things equine.” The property had a barn at the top of a hill on Moody Bridge Road and a track for riding out back near the Fort River.

By EMILEE KLEIN

NORTHAMPTON — Small Victories, a retail shop that has taken root downtown, began in the same way the business’s seed paper stationary does: start with dirt, add water and soon something will sprout.

By SAMUEL GELINAS

EASTHAMPTON — Several mysteries surround American eels, a species that spends a portion of its life in Massachusetts. For example, no one has ever observed the species spawn, and only one has ever been tracked in the wild.Students at Easthampton’s...

By SCOTT MERZBACH

SHUTESBURY — Residents, town officials and the legislative delegation are raising concerns about a proposed forest management plan for land at the edge of the Quabbin Reservoir that could involve removing many tall white pines using large equipment...

By MONYA RELLES

I got on a train headed from Albany, New York to Charlottesville, Virginia, on July 14. Then I endeavored to walk home.I followed the Appalachian Trail for two months and approximately 650 miles. I carried around 45 pounds of stuff, ate about a pound...

By BILL DANIELSON

Stress. Anxiety. Panic. Sound familiar? Well, don’t worry because it’s not just you. Everyone is feeling it. You are not alone. That being said, the feelings of stress, anxiety and even the occasional rush of panic is no less real just because others...

By BILL DANIELSON

September and October are months of farewell and I spend a lot of time trying to squeeze in a last visit with each species of bird before the they finally decide to pack it in and head south. Great friends that have spent the entire summer with me...

By HANNAH SCHOENBAUM

During her nearly three decades roaming the snowy wilderness of the Teton Range, Grizzly No. 399 became a beloved mama bear with millions of parkgoers following her yearly adventures and her ever-growing family tree.Nature lovers are mourning the...

By MADISON SCHOFIELD

A new conservation agent has been hired to serve the towns of Williamsburg, Whately, Ashfield, Buckland and Hawley.Greenfield resident Kelly Kowal was chosen out of 27 applicants. A hiring committee consisting of representatives from each town...

By DOMENIC POLI

The Source to Sea Cleanup has provided a valuable service to the Connecticut River Valley since its 1997 inception. And it can provide receipts.Nearly 40,000 volunteers have removed 1,100 tons of trash, almost 14,000 tires and 144,000 beverage...

By CHRIS LARABEE

DEERFIELD — With a scope of work laid out, the Select Board has approved a remediation plan for wetlands violations that occurred in the wake of emergency work done in July 2023.Speaking at a recent Select Board meeting, Police Chief and Emergency...

By CHRIS LARABEE

DEERFIELD — Deerfield is working with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to address a Wetlands Protection Act violation stemming from emergency work done in the aftermath of the July 2023 flooding.MassDEP issued a notice of...

By BILL DANIELSON

One of the most remarkable things about birding in September is the number of strangers that you see. Having spent so much time observing the birds during the summer months, I have a very clear roster in my head of who the “regulars” are. Not only...

By BILLY SPITZER

We are all experiencing the impacts of climate change more each day, in our own communities and around the world. Recent data from the Yale Project on Climate Change Communication shows that 72% of Americans understand that climate change is real,...

By DOMENIC POLI

For Shutesbury resident Bert Fernandez, climate change “may be the most important issue of our time.”“We’re seeing all these disasters happening all around the country,” Fernandez said. “Storms are different than they used to be. The ocean waters are...