Welcome to the West Springfield, Massachusetts
Environmental Committee website
Visit the EVENTS link for more info regarding this upcoming event: Saturday, June 1st ~ Mittineague Park spring nature walk |
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 are becoming increasingly active with Mittineague Park, especially with trail maintenance issues and working collaboratively with the town regarding park law enforcement, as well as general upkeep.
In addition to conservation efforts, the committee hosts an array of events such as nature walks, birding walks and recreational
hikes within Bear Hole and Mittineague Park as an effort to promote appreciation and awareness of the town's open spaces.
We also monitor town recycling issues as 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.
Please take notice for Bear Hole: Black Bear are now out of hibernation and quite active.
Bear Hole does get black bear activity. Observing mother bears and their cubs is not unusual in Bear Hole.
Be aware of your surroundings when on trails. Mother bears are quite protective of their cubs.
If you encounter a black bear, do not panic and do not run.
Raise your arms and slowly back away. Do not let your dog pursue a bear!
Wild animals attacking humans is rare, but it can happen.
Realistically, wild animals are more afraid of us than we are of them.
March 16th ~ ticks are out! Check yourself, check your dog after venturing into the woods.
April 25, 2013: Pileated Woodpecker in Bear Hole April 25, 2013: Trillium in Bear Hole
April 24, 2013: Suffield Academy visits Bear Hole Watershed
Two hour introductory hike led by Todd Steglinski of the Environmental Committee
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. |
We have lots of hopes and ideas to pursue in 2012.
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.