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A group of hooded mergansers float on Silver Lake in Athol, occasionally diving for fish, on Thursday. The males, with their distinct black and white crested head feathers, stand out from the females who have cinnamon-colored crests. They can be found...

By DOMENIC POLI

The southern yellowjacket wasp might not be as widespread in the state as some have reported, a local entomologist advises, but the eastern yellowjacket is native to the area and here to stay.Despite a few reports from media outlets in recent weeks,...

By Mike RocheHuman beings are generally not big fans of change.That trait plays itself out countless times in our personal lives and in the things that make up our society. Walk into a retail store and you are faced with a choice to follow the...

By EMILEE KLEIN

SOUTH HADLEY — On a woody hillside in a 100-plus-acre private parcel, Phoebe Weinberg, her face blocked by a shield attached to her hard helmet, begins dismantling an autumn olive growing over a red oak sapling. The roar of the chainsaw covers the...

By Mike RocheLast week, this space whined about some of the things that make life in May unpleasant. One of the most miserable was not mentioned and, needless to say, reared its ugly head.Everyone reading this has a poison ivy (or poison oak) story...

By Mike RocheThe Orange Gun Club is inviting everyone up to age 14 to participate in the club’s annual Kids Fishing Derby. Located off West River Street in Orange, this is the oldest gun club in Massachusetts and they hold an outstanding event for...

By DOMENIC POLI

It seems people from all over are anxious for spring to arrive as bookings at the three state camping locations in Franklin and Hampshire counties are filling up fast.The state Department of Conservation and Recreation reports that at least 756 total...

By DOMENIC POLI

ORANGE – It seems Billy Goat Boats isn’t going anywhere, as the town’s Selectboard opted this week to award a request for proposal to the family-run watercraft rental business following a public and contentious leasing fiasco.The company owned and...

By DOMENIC POLI

ORANGE – Billy Goat Boats might remain at the Orange Riverfront Park after the former town administrator took responsibility for a leasing issue that forced the recent eviction of the family-run watercraft rental business.The company, which is owned...

By MIKE ROCHE

The first Massachusetts hunting season of fall 2023 began Sept. 1 when the early goose season opened. This special season, designed to deal with the overabundance of resident Canada geese, closes Sept. 22. The first segment of the black bear season is...

By GREG VINE

PETERSHAM – A milestone anniversary for Earthlands and the University of the Wild will also mark an important occasion for its founder.On Sunday, Aug. 27, a 30th anniversary ceremony will be held for the Petersham-based environmental organization,...

By BELLA LEVAVI

This summer’s heavy rains have left many recreation companies looking to tread water by getting creative in the wake of fewer customers and fewer amenable locations for paddling during what is ordinarily their busy season.“This season has sucked, to...

By DOMENIC POLI

ORANGE—Donald Harty was hiking the Panorama Trail in Yosemite National Park last year when his cellphone rang despite spotty reception.The voice on the other end was that of Jeremy Bucci, then the chief trial counsel for the Northwestern District...

By DOMENIC POLI

WARWICK — Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat recently received the Massachusetts first-place prize from Hipcamp, a website and mobile app offering outdoor stays and camping experiences, along with being named a national finalist.The private, honeybee...

By GREG VINE

ATHOL – Athol’s Open Space and Recreation Commission voted to support an application submitted by the town’s Planning Department for a MassTrails grant to fund improvements to the Bearsden Conservation Area. A draft of the letter was provided by...