Naomi

A super group of people like you helped make it possible for outdoor adventurers like me to ride the Accessibility Trail here in Mt. Tom State Reservation, Holyoke, MA. Thanks to people like you a smooth and fun-to-ride trail now extends along Lake Bray to the new 55 foot bridge behind me that they built. I’d love to be able to chair-ride with friends all the way around Lake Bray. With help from you and your friends, me and mine, we can make it happen. Want to know more? E-mail me at treble13@comcast.net.

Ecology

Trumpet Lilly, left
Neutral soils, rock outcrops and high ledges, open meadows and dense tree and ground cover, numerous wetlands and vernal pools, makes Mount Tom prime habitat for a diversity of plants and animals. The Trout Lily shown here, is an example of perennials that blossom in early spring. In contrast are old growth trees, one if which was the largest Hemlock in New England until high winds and interior decay led to its fall.  A four-plus foot wide slice taken from forty feet up is on exhibit in the Nature Center.  Animals include:  Bear, beaver, deer, coyote, fox, fisher, porcupine, mink, otter. Turtles, fish, snakes and an extensive list of birds including hawks, falcons, vultures, and the very intelligent Common Raven.  Photo courtesy of a friend of the Mt. Tom Range.