West Springfield

Environmental Committee
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Welcome to the West Springfield, Massachusetts
Environmental Committee website

Visit the EVENTS link for more info regarding this upcoming event:

 

 Mittineague Park spring nature walk, Saturday - April 7th 

 

 
The West Springfield Environmental Committee is an ad-hoc, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization focused on
environmental issues in the Town of West Springfield. 
We have been serving West Springfield since the fall of 2005.  When the committee was in its infancy,
we were instrumental with assisting the town in establishing a town wide recycling and waste management program. 
Today, our main focus is promoting responsible management and the protection of the 1,700 acre
Bear Hole Watershed.  We also focus on Mittineague Park and recycling issues as is needed.
The committee is not associated with, nor does it receive any funding from town government. 
We are heavily dependent upon volunteers to help accomplish our projects.
Please enjoy the many photos and bits of information provided throughout our website. 
We welcome your comments, questions, interests and concerns.
Use this link to view the MA Environmental Notification Form for the West Springfield Water Transmission Main Project.
This memo is readily available for public viewing via the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) website.
Page 5 addresses the issue of Bear Hole:  Southwick Water Main Project

 

January 14, 2012:  Winter scene of a Bear Hole beaver pond. 

Pond area was explored during an Environmental Committee guided nature walk.

Photo courtesy of Madeline Duval Davidson.  Photography by Duval - Award winning portrait photography 

 

January 14, 2012:  Morning view of a Bear Hole beaver pond.

Photo courtesy of Madeline Duval Davidson.  Photography by Duval - Award winning portrait photography

 

Please recreate responsibly within Bear Hole and Mittineague Park. 

By respecting these lands you will help ensure what we have today, will be here to enjoy tomorrow.  If you abuse, you may lose it.

 
Check out what we did in 2009:   Bear Hole Accomplishments.pdf

We have lots of hopes and ideas to pursue in 2011. 

Please consider getting involved, even if it's just once or twice.

 

Please remember - leave only footprints -

The watershed area is part of an active public water supply

 

Passive recreation within Bear Hole and Mittineague Park is strongly encouraged.

The Town of West Springfield is very fortunate to have these two open areas encompassing

over 1,900 acres.  Most communities aren't so fortunate.

 

None of Nature's landscapes are ugly so long as they are wild. - 

Our National Parks, (1901). 

     

    Photo taken August 10, 2009

    One of the many scenic trails in Bear Hole

     

     

    Photo taken August 10, 2009

    Paucatuck Brook flowing to the reservoir

     

     

    Photo taken August 10, 2009

    Picturesque photo of Bear Hole's forest

     

    This forest supports an array of wildlife and fauna.  Passive recreation in the watershed is

    encouraged.  Suggested activities include, but aren't limited to hiking, biking, running,

    environmental exploration, nature watching and dog walking.  Hunting is not permitted.