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South-Hadley
Eden Index
Climate
9.2
•
Recreation
3.5
•
Community
3.1
•
Safeguard
5.7/10
South Hadley is a charming town located in Hampshire County, Massachusetts. It experiences a temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters. The average temperature in summer ranges from 65°F to 85°F, while winter temperatures can drop to around 20°F. The area receives an average of 48 inches of rainfall annually, which is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, while snowfall is common in winter.
South Hadley benefits from its geographical positioning near the Connecticut River, resulting in diverse hydrological constituents. The river not only provides scenic views and recreational opportunities but also supports various aquatic life forms. Additionally, the town has several ponds, such as Watson Pond and Stony Brook Reservoir, which offer fishing and boating activities.
Outdoor recreation enthusiasts will find South Hadley to be a haven for adventure. The town boasts numerous parks and conservation areas, including Mount Holyoke Range State Park, where visitors can enjoy hiking, nature walks, and birdwatching. The Orchards Golf Course provides golfing opportunities, while Mount Holyoke College's equestrian center offers horseback riding lessons and trails. South Hadley truly offers a wide range of outdoor activities to engage in and explore.
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): 9.2
South-Hadley receives approximately
1172mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 75%
and air temperatures averaging around
10°C.
South-Hadley 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): 3.5
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAR State Forest | 50 | 1,456 ft | |||
| Fort Dummer State Park | None | 562 ft | |||
| Westover ARB Military | None | 237 ft | |||
| Barton Cove | 30 | 206 ft | |||
| Erving State Forest | 29 | 610 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): 3.1
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.