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Sunderland
Eden Index
Climate
8.9
•
Recreation
3.8
•
Community
4.5
•
Safeguard
6.0/10
Sunderland is a small town located in Franklin County, Massachusetts. It experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by warm summers and cold winters. The average temperature in summer ranges from 70°F to 80°F, while in winter, temperatures often drop below freezing with average lows of 15°F to 20°F. Precipitation is evenly distributed throughout the year, with an average annual rainfall of around 45 inches.
The town is blessed with abundant hydrological resources, including several rivers, streams, and wetlands. The Connecticut River runs along the eastern border of Sunderland, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water activities. The nearby Sunderland Brook and Mill River also provide scenic spots for outdoor enthusiasts to explore.
Sunderland boasts various outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking and biking through the picturesque Sunderland State Forest, which offers miles of scenic trails. The area is also home to the Mount Toby State Forest, providing additional opportunities for outdoor activities such as camping, birdwatching, and nature photography. With its beautiful natural surroundings and diverse ecosystems, Sunderland is an ideal destination for those seeking outdoor adventures and a connection with nature.
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): 8.9
Sunderland receives approximately
1197mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 72%
and air temperatures averaging around
9°C.
Sunderland 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): 3.8
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westover ARB Military | None | 237 ft | |||
| Erving State Forest | 29 | 610 ft | |||
| Townshend State Park | 35 | 586 ft | |||
| Barton Cove | 30 | 206 ft | |||
| Jamaica State Park | None | 873 ft | |||
| Fort Dummer State Park | None | 562 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): 4.5
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.