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Russell
Eden Index
Climate
8.1
•
Recreation
4.8
•
Community
•
Safeguard
4.9/10
Russell, Massachusetts is a small town located in Hampden County, in the western part of the state. The town experiences a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from around 20°F (-6°C) in winter to 80°F (27°C) in summer. Russell receives about 47 inches (119 cm) of annual rainfall, which is evenly distributed throughout the year.
The hydrology constituents in Russell are primarily influenced by the Westfield River, which flows through the town. The river provides various recreational opportunities, such as fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Additionally, there are several nearby ponds and lakes where visitors can enjoy boating and swimming. The town also boasts picturesque hiking trails, including the Tolland State Forest, where outdoor enthusiasts can explore nature and spot wildlife.
With its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, Russell is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views, engage in water-based activities, or simply unwind in the peaceful surroundings. Whether it's enjoying the vibrant colors of fall foliage or indulging in water adventures during summer, Russell offers a variety of outdoor experiences for all to enjoy.
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): 8.1
Russell receives approximately
1334mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 75%
and air temperatures averaging around
8°C.
Russell 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): 4.8
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windsor State Forest | 24 | 1,845 ft | |||
| Red Mill Brook | 31 | 2,178 ft | |||
| DAR State Forest | 50 | 1,456 ft | |||
| Molly Stark State Park | 35 | 1,968 ft | |||
| Chester - Blanford State Forest | 12 | 516 ft | |||
| Tolland State Forest | 93 | 1,473 ft | |||
| Haws Memorial - American Legion State Forest | 30 | 534 ft | |||
| Mohawk Trail State Forest | 56 | 762 ft | |||
| Savoy Mountain State Forest | 45 | 1,989 ft | |||
| Granville State Forest | 22 | 1,135 ft |
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.