A team at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Clean Energy Extension recently was awarded a 15-month grant to lead development of community-focused solar siting and financing procedures in three rural western Massachusetts communities, Blandford, Wendell and Westhampton. (News Office 4/24/20)
News from the Media
Grant to UMass Amherst Clean Energy Extension Will Bring Solar Planning to Western Massachusetts Towns
April 29, 2020
UMass Tick Testing on the RIse
April 28, 2020
The number of ticks being submitted for testing at the UMass Amherst Laboratory of Medical Zoology is on the rise, says Stephen Rich, microbiology. This is because people are enjoying the outdoors more since many are working and schooling from home. (WWLP – Mass Appeal, 4/27/20; News Office assistance)
MassINC Awards First Prize for Springfield Transit Design to UMass Team
April 28, 2020
UMass Springfield urban design studio (LARP) won first prize in the state's "MassInc Transformational TOD" competition. The winning plan called "In the Loop" proposes a new bike park and bike path network that is accessible to all. (MassInc 4/27/20)
Most Worrisome Invasive Plants That May Arrive Soon in the Northeast
April 22, 2020
University of Massachusetts Amherst ecologists are concerned about a new climate change challenge. Lead by Bethany Bradley, they are offering a new analysis that narrows a large list down to five priority species with the greatest potential impacts of more than 100 new invasive plant species that could expand into the area. (News Office release 4/17/20)
Is it Safe to Spin-dry Leafy Greens in a Washing Machine? UMass Food Scientists Research This Practice
April 22, 2020
It probably comes as a surprise to consumers, but many New England small farms dry their tasty fresh vegetables in your average, ordinary washing machine. But is it safe? Food science researchers at the University of Massachusetts plan to find out. (MassLive 4/22/20; phys.org 4/21/20, News Release)
Waltham City Council: Vote Approves Purchase and Sale of UMass Field Station and Farmland
April 15, 2020
The Waltham city council has agreed to the purchase and sale of the formerly active UMass Field Station and Farm. UMass will use some of the sales proceeds to establish a permanent endowment for scholarships for Waltham students attending UMass Amherst. (Wicked Local Waltham, 4/14/20)
Soundscape for Birdsong During COVID19, UMass Professor Comments
April 14, 2020
One thing the coronavirus can’t stop is the arrival of spring — early signs like the calls of frogs, or spring peepers. Another is the chorus of songbirds. But this year, even longtime listeners are hearing something different. (NEPR 3/31/20)
Barnstable County Entomologist Reminds Residents About Ticks in the Midst of COVID19
April 13, 2020
During the coronavirus outbreak, people are looking at outdoor activities as a way to manage stress. That’s prompting Barnstable County Entomologist Larry Dapsis to remind the public to be mindful of ticks. “Ticks have not read the book on social distancing,” Dapsis said. (capecod.com 4/13/20)
Nursing Home Toll From COVID19 Rises in Massachusetts, UMass Virologist Comments
April 8, 2020
Matthew D. Moore, assistant professor, food science and virologist, says testing for the coronavirus has not caught up to the reality that the disease can be spread before people are aware of the symptoms. (Bennington Banner 4/7/20)
Good News, Good Riddance to Gypsy Moth Caterpillars This Year
April 8, 2020
We can expect to see little or no evidence of gypsy moth caterpillars this year. According to Tawny Simisky, an extension entomologist, the decline in the gypsy moth population is mostly due to the recent surge in Entomophaga maimaiga, an airborne fungus that kills gypsy moth caterpillars. (Hampshire Gazette 4/5/20)
