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West-Chesterfield
Eden Index
Climate
7.9
•
Recreation
3.5
•
Community
2.7
•
Safeguard
5.0/10
West Chesterfield is a small town located in Hampshire County, Massachusetts. The town enjoys a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Average temperatures in the summer range from 60°F to 80°F, while winter temperatures can drop to as low as 20°F. The region experiences moderate rainfall throughout the year, with slightly higher precipitation levels during the summer months.
Hydrologically, West Chesterfield is situated near the East Branch of the Westfield River, which provides a picturesque backdrop to the town. The river is known for its clear waters and offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Additionally, there are several small streams and ponds in the area that add to the natural beauty and hydrological diversity of the town.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of recreation opportunities in West Chesterfield. The town is surrounded by scenic hiking trails, including the Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area, which features a stunning gorge formed by the Westfield River. The area offers trails for all skill levels, with beautiful views of waterfalls and lush vegetation. Furthermore, the nearby Chesterfield Gorge State Reservation provides a peaceful environment for picnicking, birdwatching, and nature photography.
Overall, West Chesterfield, Massachusetts, offers a pleasant climate, diverse hydrological features, and 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): 7.9
West-Chesterfield receives approximately
1338mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 72%
and air temperatures averaging around
8°C.
West-Chesterfield 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): 3.5
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Historic Valley | 114 | 952 ft | |||
| Granville State Forest | 22 | 1,135 ft | |||
| DAR State Forest | 50 | 1,456 ft | |||
| Mohawk Trail State Forest | 56 | 762 ft | |||
| Chester - Blanford State Forest | 12 | 516 ft | |||
| Windsor State Forest | 24 | 1,845 ft | |||
| Tolland State Forest | 93 | 1,473 ft | |||
| Haws Memorial - American Legion State Forest | 30 | 534 ft | |||
| Savoy Mountain State Forest | 45 | 1,989 ft | |||
| Black Rock State Park | 100 | 399 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): 2.7
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.