Welcome to the Central Watershed!

Oak-chestnut forests once covered much of southern New England. Passenger pigeons once fed on the plentiful nuts. Decimated by market hunting, they went extinct in 1914.

In the early 1900's, a fungal disease from China was accidentally introduced, and the chestnuts were wiped out. Oak-hickory forests now cover much of southern New England.

Make a stop during your field trip here in Holyoke, Massachusetts!

This area is home to millions of people. A significant amount of forest habitat has been developed into cities and suburbs. Habitats are impaired as development and roads carve woodlands into small isolated patches that cannot support a full spectrum of wildlife. Exotic plants and recreation impacts also degrade woodland habitats. Come and explore this rich area!

Take a peek beneath the river. (700k quicktime movie)