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Sterling
Eden Index
Climate
8.5
•
Recreation
3.2
•
Community
4.1
•
Safeguard
5.5/10
Sterling, Massachusetts is a picturesque town located in Worcester County, about 40 miles west of Boston. It experiences a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from the low 20s°F (-6°C) in winter to the mid-80s°F (29°C) in summer. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with an annual average of around 45 inches.
The town is blessed with several water bodies, including the Quinapoxet River and the Wachusett Reservoir, which is a major source of drinking water for the Boston metropolitan area. Hydrology constituents in Sterling include lakes, streams, and wetlands, contributing to the region's natural beauty and ecological diversity.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find numerous recreational opportunities in Sterling. The Wachusett Mountain State Reservation offers hiking trails for all levels, with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming in the Wachusett Reservoir. Sterling is home to several parks and conservation areas, providing ample space for picnicking, bird-watching, and nature exploration. With its scenic surroundings and diverse outdoor activities, Sterling, Massachusetts is an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
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): 8.5
Sterling receives approximately
1298mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 72%
and air temperatures averaging around
9°C.
Sterling 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
Merrimack
Area Rivers
Merrimack
Snowpack Depths
Merrimack
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Merrimack
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.
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): 4.1
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.