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In the future this website's mascot and spokes-raven, NeVar, will tell stories about the Mt. Tom Range, particularly the Mt. Tom Area.

Ravens have been followers of our kind longer than recorded history and are a rich part of our folklore. To Indigenous Americans ravens are revered noble spirits: intelligent, adaptable, sociable.

And so the common raven was chosen to tell the story of the Mt. Tom Range and why the ridge that makes up the spine of Holyoke, Massachusetts, should be preserved largely as undeveloped open space.

Ecology

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.