Maple trees turn golden along the Hoosic River in Williamstown in November. Photo by Kate Abbott

Nature

Here are the Hill Country Observer’s articles about nature, listed from newest to oldest. In the country, the living world of our forests, mountains and lakes influence our communities and our daily lives. The Hull Country Observer explores stories of the environment and the landscape in a changing climate.

  • Issue:

    When a college taught homesteading skills

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    50 years ago, from 1975 to 1980, the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts ran the Center for Resourceful Living at a 52-acre farm in Clarksburg — By Kate Abbott read more

    When a college taught homesteading skills
  • Issue:

    Will wolves roam again?

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    David Gibson, managing partner of the environmental group Adirondack Wild, is participating in the Northeast Wolf Recovery Alliance to promote the recovery and protection of wolves across the Northeast and in eastern Canada. — By Maury Thompson read more

    Will wolves roam again?
  • Issue:

    The power of flowers

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    Moira Krum displays some of the dropper bottles of flower essences she uses in her therapy practice. Scott Langley photo   By STACEY MORRISContributing writer HILLSDALE, N.Y. Moira Krum smiles when asked to explain the philosophy of flower essence therapy. “Plants have been medicine for millennia,” she said. “They’re actually nothing new in terms of read more

    The power of flowers
  • Issue:

    Finding a place in the cosmos — Galileo’s Daughter maps new skies

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    ‘Galileo’s Daughter’ opens Oct. 18 in WAM Theatre co-production   The cast and creative team gathered last month for the first rehearsal of “Galileo’s Daughter,” a co-production of WAM Theatre of Lenox and Central Square Theater of Cambridge, Mass. Michael Nancollas photo, courtesy of WAM Theatre   By KATE ABBOTTContributing writer LENOX, Mass. When she read more

    Finding a place in the cosmos — Galileo’s Daughter maps new skies
  • Issue:

    Reimagining a river

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    Flood-control update offers chance to revive North Adams’ links to the Hoosic   Seen from the Brown Street bridge, the north and south branches of the Hoosic River converge just west of downtown North Adams, each contained within massive concrete chutes built in the 1950s. Joan K. Lentini photo.   By KATE ABBOTTContributing writer NORTH read more

    Reimagining a river
  • Issue:

    Endangered owls meet solar panels

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    Green goals collide as energy firm plans project in prime bird habitat   The vast expanse of open land known as the Washington County grasslands is home to 10 of the 11 grassland bird species that are considered in greatest need of conservation in New York. photo by Joan K. Lentini   By TRACY FRISCHContributing read more

    Endangered owls meet solar panels
  • Issue:

    Maker space grows with a green mission

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    In a 19th century mill, two artists create a center for ‘upcycling’   Dozens of cast-off bicycles are gathered in one room at the Old Stone Mill Center for Arts and Creative Engineering. After repairs and modifications, most will be shipped to countries in Africa to provide basic transportation. Susan Sabino photo   By KATE read more

    Maker space grows with a green mission
  • Issue:

    Fresh fruit of the fungi – Family farm makes the most of mushrooms

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      Jeff Killenberger of 518 Farms stands in an indoor growing room where he raises several varieties of mushrooms under controlled light and humidity. The farm in Hoosick Falls, N.Y., which also raises some varieties outdoors, grows mushrooms for gourmet cooking and medicinal preparations. Joan K. Lentini photo   By STACEY MORRISContributing writer HOOSICK FALLS, read more

    Fresh fruit of the fungi – Family farm makes the most of mushrooms
  • Issue:

    States upgrade trail along Vermont-N.Y. line

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    Scenic route draws more users, but legal obstacles leave overgrown gaps   The Vermont portions of the D&H Rail Trail, which extends nearly 22 miles along the New York state line, has been resurfaced with crushed stone, making for a smoother ride. This view is in Rupert, Vt. Don Lehman photo   By DON LEHMANContributing read more

    States upgrade trail along Vermont-N.Y. line
  • Issue:

    New Lebanon farmers market expands to year-round storefront

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    Farmers market expands through year-round retail storefront   Volunteers and staff of the New Lebanon Farmers Market — Phoebe Young, Josh Young, Lucas Cipkowski and Eleanor Young — stand behind some of the fresh produce at the market’s new year-round retail storefront. Susan Sabino photo   By JOHN TOWNESContributing writer NEW LEBANON, N.Y. The food read more

    New Lebanon farmers market expands to year-round storefront