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Heath
Eden Index
Climate
5.9
•
Recreation
4.1
•
Community
•
Safeguard
3.8/10
Heath, Massachusetts is a small town located in Franklin County. The climate of Heath is classified as humid continental, with warm summers and cold winters. The town is home to several rivers and streams, including the North River and the West Branch of the Deerfield River. These bodies of water offer opportunities for fishing, swimming, and kayaking. Additionally, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking and camping in the nearby Mohawk Trail State Forest. The area is also known for its fall foliage, attracting visitors from all over New England. Despite its small size, Heath has a strong community and a rich history, making it a charming destination for those seeking a quiet retreat in nature.
What is the Eden Index?
The Snoflo Eden Index serves as a comprehensive rating system for regions, evaluating their desirability through a holistic assessment of climate health, outdoor recreation opportunities, and natural disaster risk, acknowledging the profound impact of these factors on livability and well-being.
Climate Health Indicator (CHI): 5.9
Heath receives approximately
1318mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 82%
and air temperatures averaging around
7°C.
Heath has a plant hardyness factor of
5, meaning
plants and agriculture in this region thrive during a short period during spring and early summer. Most
plants will die off during the colder winter months.
By considering the ideal temperature range, reliable water supplies, clean air, and stable seasonal rain or snowpacks, the Climate Health Indicator (CHI) underscores the significance of a healthy climate as the foundation for quality living.
A healthy climate is paramount for ensuring a high quality of life and livability in a region, fostering both physical well-being and environmental harmony. This can be characterized by ideal temperatures, reliable access to water supplies, clean air, and consistent seasonal rain or snowpacks.
Weather Forecast
Streamflow Conditions
Lower Connecticut
Area Rivers
Lower Connecticut
Snowpack Depths
Lower Connecticut
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Lower Connecticut
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 4.1
The Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI) recognizes the value of outdoor recreational options, such as parks, hiking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots, while acknowledging that climate plays a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and consistency of these experiences.
Access to outdoor recreational opportunities, encompassing activities such as parks, hiking, camping, and fishing, is crucial for overall well-being, and the climate plays a pivotal role in enabling and enhancing these experiences, ensuring that individuals can engage in nature-based activities comfortably and consistently.
Camping Areas
| Campground | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Molly Stark State Park | 35 | 1,968 ft | |||
| Windsor State Forest | 24 | 1,845 ft | |||
| Red Mill Brook | 31 | 2,178 ft | |||
| Chester - Blanford State Forest | 12 | 516 ft | |||
| Winhall Brook | 110 | 1,071 ft | |||
| Mohawk Trail State Forest | 56 | 762 ft | |||
| Haws Memorial - American Legion State Forest | 30 | 534 ft | |||
| DAR State Forest | 50 | 1,456 ft | |||
| Townshend State Park | 35 | 586 ft | |||
| Granville State Forest | 22 | 1,135 ft |
Nearby Ski Areas
Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI):
The Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI) recognizes that natural disaster risk, encompassing floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, can drastically affect safety and the overall appeal of an area.
The level of natural disaster risk in a region significantly affects safety and the overall livability, with climate change amplifying these risks by potentially increasing the frequency and intensity of events like floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, thereby posing substantial challenges to community resilience and well-being.
Community Resilience Indicator (CRI):
The Community Resilience Indicator (CRI) recognizes that education, healthcare, and socioeconomics are crucial to the well-being of a region. The CRI acknowledges the profound impact of these elements on residents' overall quality of life. By evaluating educational resources, healthcare accessibility, and economic inclusivity, the index captures the essential aspects that contribute to a thriving community, fostering resident satisfaction, equity, and social cohesion.