About NeVar and NeVara

NeVar and NeVara are Common Ravens, known for being one of the most intelligent of birds.  Yes, these images are cartoon characters but be sure to take their purpose seriously. They, like all the plants and animals of the Range, inspired the creation of this website. Their participation in telling the Mount Tom Range Story helps promote awareness of the entire range. They urge you and your family and friends to view all this website's pages. Visit the range as often as you can. Get to know its trails, flora and fauna. Spread the word that preserving the Mount Tom Range largely as undeveloped open space is in everyone's economic and ecological best interests.

For more about the Common Raven, log on to Cornell School of Ornithology at:

allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Raven/.

Got animal, bird, reptile, plant, objects of note, etc. to share? E-mail with a short description to nevar13@comcast.net.

How might the former quarry be utilized

There was a proposal to fill the quarry with clean fill over a 10 or more year period, allowing it to revegetate and become a part of the surrounding landscape.  The motive to fill was both one of profit and safety.  The downside of an ongoing filling operation would likely delay for many years opportunities for the Department of Conservation and Recreation to develop the former ski area property for recreational use compatible to Mt. Tom.020quarry

The battle to stop expansion and close of the nine acre basalt quarry  –that could have resulted in 91 acres being carved out of the face of Mt. Tom– took many determined people from Holyoke and beyond. Their efforts said much about who we are and what we value.  The above photograph dates from the height of blasting and crushing operations.

Falcon chicks1Now that the quarry is closed, Peregrine Falcons have built nesting sites on ledges of the 125 foot high west wall.
Seasonal wetland areas have emerged that show signs of supporting aquatic life.
Images courtesy of friends of the Mt. Tom Range.