Greening the Gateway Cities Springfield

Young trees are particularly vulnerable to cold weather because their roots, bark, and branches are not yet fully hardened. Freezing temperatures can damage or kill tender buds, cause bark splitting, and stress the tree, making it more susceptible to disease. Frost and ice accumulation can break weak branches, while exposed roots may suffer from freeze damage. Protecting young trees with mulch, tree wraps, or temporary barriers helps insulate them and increases their chances of surviving harsh winter conditions.

As winter weather settles in around the holidays, it’s a good time to plan ahead and stay safe. Here are a few tips to consider before you head out.

Travel smart: Watch for icy roads, slow down, and give extra space between vehicles.
Bundle up: Cold temperatures and wind can lead to frostbite—wear warm layers, hats, and gloves.
Be wind-aware: Secure outdoor decorations and be cautious of falling branches.
Be prepared: Short daylight hours mean reduced visibility—carry a flashlight and check weather updates before heading out.

A little preparation goes a long way toward a safe and joyful holiday!

Bright Nights at Forest Park is celebrating 30 magical years! This beloved holiday tradition in Springfield features over 750,000 twinkling lights along a three-mile drive, whimsical scenes like Seuss Land and Toy Land, and fun stops like Santa’s Magical Forest that bring joy to families from across the region. More than 7 million visitors have enjoyed this festive event over the decades, and it continues to be a special way to celebrate the season together. Bright Nights continues until January 4th, so don't wait to go.

Big shout-out to the Bear Hole Trail Race! The annual event in West Springfield brought out dozens of runners and raised funds to support environmental education and trail stewardship in our community — helping local students learn about nature and supporting ongoing conservation efforts on the Bear Hole trails.

Great news for river restoration and climate resilience in Massachusetts! The state has just awarded $350,000 to support dam removal feasibility studies in seven communities — including key sites like the Bear Hole Reservoir in West Springfield and the Manhan River in Easthampton. These studies are a big step toward reconnecting rivers, improving habitat for fish and wildlife, and strengthening our watersheds against climate impacts like flooding. Click the link to learn more: https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/massachusetts-awarded-350k-for-dam-removal-studies-in-these-seven-towns/