Extension in Western Massachusetts

About Western Massachusetts

The western region of Massachusetts is composed of Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin Counties. The largest city in the region is Springfield, located in Hampden County, along the Interstate 91 corridor on the Connecticut River.

Governor Baker Visits Make-it Springfield

December 13, 2018

Governor Charlie Baker visited Make-It Springfield on Tuesday December 11, 2018 to learn about future plans for expanding the busy CAFE supported downtown makerspace. Make-It Springfield was started as a one-month “pop-up” community maker space by UMass Extension Assistant Professor Michael DiPasquale in collaboration with MassDevelopment, a state affiliated economic development agency. The “one-month” experiment to provide creative arts and maker activities to the community has now been open for over two years! 

UMass Amherst’s Stockbridge School Launches Student-Run Vineyard on Campus

November 8, 2018

AMHERST, Mass. – Fall may not seem like a good time for planting, but cool temperatures and ample soil moisture can help plants settle in, says viticulture expert Elsa Petit at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where her students in the Stockbridge School of Agriculture have been busy this fall planting dozens of cold-tolerant grapes at the campus’s first student-run vineyard.

Reestablishing the Majestic Elm With Help From UMass Amherst Students

November 6, 2018

Rick Harper says American elm trees are tough, which make them a great choice for urban locations. The heartiness of this tree is demonstrated by the success found at a one-acre elm orchard at the Agricultural Learning Center at the north edge of the UMass Amherst campus. These saplings have survived severe drought, abnormally wet conditions, deer munching, and feeding injury from gypsy moth and Japanese beetle. Still, about 80% of the 220 seedlings are thriving.

Fermented Foods and Colds: UMass Food Science Works With Real Pickles

October 16, 2018

A study to explore the role of fermeneted foods in boosting the immune system was conducted by UMass Food Science at Real Pickles (food producer) over a year and a half. Reserchers examined microbiome communities in the Greenfield facility which could lead to future studies and a better understanding of how to enhance nutrition in fermented foods. (Gazette 10/11/18; Recorder 10/15/18)

 

 

Pages