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Monson
Eden Index
Climate
8.8
•
Recreation
2.8
•
Community
4.3
•
Safeguard
5.6/10
Monson, Massachusetts is a charming town located in Hampden County, with a population of approximately 8,500 residents. The town experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by warm summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from the mid-20s°F (-4°C) in winter to the mid-80s°F (29°C) in summer. Monson receives an average annual precipitation of around 47 inches, evenly distributed throughout the year.
Hydrologically, Monson is home to several streams and rivers, including the Chicopee River, Quaboag River, and Stony Brook. These waterways offer scenic beauty and recreational opportunities such as fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. The town also boasts several ponds, such as Paradise Pond and Cranberry Pond, which are popular for boating and swimming in the summer months.
In terms of outdoor recreation, Monson offers a plethora of options. Residents and visitors can explore the extensive trail network of the Monson Trail Committee, which includes the picturesque Peaked Mountain and the Monson Rail Trail. The Peaked Mountain Trail offers stunning views, while the Rail Trail provides a scenic route for walking, biking, and horseback riding. Monson State Forest is another popular outdoor destination, offering opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and nature photography.
Overall, Monson, Massachusetts, with its favorable climate, abundant hydrology, and diverse outdoor recreation opportunities, is an ideal place for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.
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): 8.8
Monson receives approximately
1244mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 75%
and air temperatures averaging around
9°C.
Monson has a plant hardyness factor of
6, 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): 2.8
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tully Lake | None | 654 ft | |||
| Barton Cove | 30 | 206 ft | |||
| Erving State Forest | 29 | 610 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): 4.3
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.