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Shaftsbury
Eden Index
Climate
5.6
•
Recreation
4.1
•
Community
1.2
•
Safeguard
4.0/10
Shaftsbury is a picturesque town located in southwestern Vermont, known for its beautiful natural surroundings and outdoor recreational opportunities. The town experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by warm summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from highs of around 80°F (27°C) in summer to lows of approximately 20°F (-7°C) in winter. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with snowfall occurring from November to April.
Hydrologically, Shaftsbury is home to several small rivers and streams, including the Walloomsac River and Paran Creek. These water bodies provide opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing, offering a serene and tranquil experience in the town's natural beauty.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of recreational activities in Shaftsbury. The area boasts extensive hiking trails, such as the popular Shaftsbury Hollow Loop Trail and the Appalachian Trail, where visitors can explore the lush forests and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Additionally, there are opportunities for camping, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting in the area.
In summary, Shaftsbury, Vermont offers a diverse climate, with four distinct seasons, and is blessed with abundant hydrological resources that provide a range of outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
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): 5.6
Shaftsbury receives approximately
1420mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 82%
and air temperatures averaging around
7°C.
Shaftsbury 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
Upper Hudson
Area Rivers
Upper Hudson
Snowpack Depths
Upper Hudson
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Upper Hudson
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windsor State Forest | 24 | 1,845 ft | |||
| Mt. Greylock State Reservation | 35 | 2,411 ft | |||
| Clarksburg State Park | 45 | 1,111 ft | |||
| October Mountain State Forest | 47 | 1,021 ft | |||
| Historic Valley | 114 | 952 ft | |||
| Grout Pond | None | 2,303 ft | |||
| Woodford State Park | 100 | 2,367 ft | |||
| Savoy Mountain State Forest | 45 | 1,989 ft | |||
| Pittsfield State Forest | 30 | 2,120 ft | |||
| Red Mill Brook | 31 | 2,178 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): 1.2
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.