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:

    Sharing the solitude Mount Equinox drive offers revelatory vistas near monks’ retreat

    Scenic drive and solitude atop Equinox Funds raised from the 5.2-mile toll road up Mount Equinox, seen here just below the summit, help to support the monks cloistered in a nearby monastery, the Charterhouse of the Transfiguration. Telly Halkias photo   By TELLY HALKIASContributing writer MANCHESTER, Vt. They stand there, proudly, like soldiers on parade, read more

    Sharing the solitude Mount Equinox drive offers revelatory vistas near monks’ retreat
  • Issue:

    An escape route from dairy farming’s crisis?

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    Some see hope in shift to organic production, but economic pressures remain Samantha and Chris Kemnah walk among the cows at Clover Bliss Farm, their 2-year-old organic, grass-fed dairy operation in Argyle, N.Y. Joan Lentini photos   By TRACY FRISCHContributing writer ARGYLE, N.Y. The name of Clover Bliss Farm refers to the contentment its abundant read more

    An escape route from dairy farming’s crisis?
  • Issue:

    A soothing crop for stressful times

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    Lavender becomes focus of couple’s back-to-the-land enterprise David and Diane Allen opened Lavenlair Farm to the public two years ago. The farm in the Washington County town of Fort Ann grows lavender and produces an array of lavender products that the Allens sell at an on-site gift shop, at farmers markets and online. Joan K. read more

    A soothing crop for stressful times
  • Issue:

    Pushing back against plastic

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    Citizen activists pursue local, state curbs on bags, bottles, straws By EVAN LAWRENCEContributing writer MANCHESTER, Vt. Environmental advocates around the region are increasing their efforts to reduce plastic waste by calling for bans on certain single-use plastics – shopping bags and water bottles – and some are asking restaurants and their patrons to cut back read more

    Pushing back against plastic
  • Issue:

    Finding humor even in dark subjects

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    Two exhibits in Bennington gather the works of New Yorker cartoonists Curious skeletal creatures figure prominently in an exhibit of prints and drawings by Edward Koren that’s now on view at the Bennington Museum. Koren’s work is also included a separate show at the Laumeister Art Center that brings together works by 20 cartoonists for read more

    Finding humor even in dark subjects
  • Issue:

    Pianos take to the streets — and parks

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    Outdoor art project invites music making, raises funds for school Enrique Paredes stops to plunk out a tune on a piano as he walks his dog through The Common in Pittsfield. The brightly painted piano is one of 16 that have been positioned throughout Berkshire County this month in an outdoor art project that will read more

    Pianos take to the streets — and parks
  • Issue:

    Restoring an American giant

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    Pittsfield project advances efforts to develop blight-free chestnut trees Local arborist Robert Presutti shows off the chestnut tree orchard at Springside Park in Pittsfield. The orchard, which Presutti was instrumental in starting, contains 3,000 tree seedlings and is part of a much broader effort to develop a blight-resistant variety of the once common American chestnut. read more

    Restoring an American giant
  • Issue:

    In green gesture, town bans plastic water bottles

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    Great Barrington voters pass new law easily; critics push for new vote Retailers in Great Barrington would be prohibited from selling plastic water bottles like these starting in May 2019 under a local law approved by voters at last month’s annual town meeting. Susan Sabino photo   By JOHN TOWNESContributing writer GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. Supporters read more

    In green gesture, town bans plastic water bottles
  • Issue:

    Solar siting law faces first test in Bennington

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    Developer challenges Vermont’s effort to give towns more sway A large solar-power installation along Route 30 in Sudbury, Vt., is the first in a series planned or proposed around the state by Allco Renewable Energy Ltd. The company has gone to court to challenge a new state law intended to give towns more voice in read more

    Solar siting law faces first test in Bennington
  • Issue:

    State, watchdogs urge more work on PCBs

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    Reports suggest high levels of contamination remain in Hudson River New studies show the upper Hudson River, seen from North River Road in Fort Edward, remains burdened by PCB pollution despite completion of a seven-year, $1.7 billion cleanup. Joan K. Lentini photo   By EVAN LAWRENCEContributing writer FORT EDWARD, N.Y. A series of new federal read more

    State, watchdogs urge more work on PCBs