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Shelburne-Falls
Eden Index
Climate
6.6
•
Recreation
3.2
•
Community
1.7
•
Safeguard
4.2/10
Shelburne Falls is a small town located in the western part of Massachusetts, known for its picturesque landscapes and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. The town experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by warm summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from around 20°F (-6°C) in winter to 80°F (27°C) in summer, with moderate rainfall throughout the year.
The area is surrounded by natural beauty, with several rivers and streams flowing through it. The Deerfield River is the main hydrological feature, offering opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. The river also boasts scenic waterfalls, including the famous Bridge of Flowers, a former trolley bridge transformed into a garden of colorful blooms.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy various recreational activities, such as hiking in the nearby Mohawk Trail State Forest or exploring the Appalachian Trail. The area is also a popular destination for cycling, with scenic routes offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
In conclusion, Shelburne Falls offers a charming small-town experience with a pleasant climate, abundant hydrological features, and a diverse range of outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors and residents 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): 6.6
Shelburne-Falls receives approximately
1245mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 82%
and air temperatures averaging around
8°C.
Shelburne-Falls 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): 3.2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Dummer State Park | None | 562 ft | |||
| Jamaica State Park | None | 873 ft | |||
| Barton Cove | 30 | 206 ft | |||
| Westover ARB Military | None | 237 ft | |||
| Winhall Brook | 110 | 1,071 ft | |||
| Townshend State Park | 35 | 586 ft | |||
| Mohawk Trail State Forest | 56 | 762 ft | |||
| Molly Stark State Park | 35 | 1,968 ft | |||
| DAR State Forest | 50 | 1,456 ft | |||
| Chester - Blanford State Forest | 12 | 516 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): 1.7
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.