Sheffield Land Trust Winter Lecture at Dewey Hall

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SHEFFIELD, Mass. — On Sunday March 12 at 2:30pm the Sheffield Land Trust is hosting its 25th Annual Winter Lecture which this year is a slide show and presentation on "Our Changing New England Forests" by Tom Zetterstrom, illustrated by some of his prize-winning photographs. 
 
This will be a hybrid event, with options to attend in person at Dewey Hall in Sheffield or by Zoom through registering ahead of time.
 
According to a press release: 
 
New England was once covered with trees. Little of that virgin forest remains—cleared by settlers for farming, sheep, and making charcoal for lime kilns. Chestnuts and elms succumbed to disease. Oaks and maples, pines and hemlocks now make up much of the forest around us.
 
Fine art photographer and environmental activist Tom Zetterstrom has been watching—and photographing—trees and forests for 50 years. He'll present selections from his "Portraits of American Trees." He will then discuss methods to protect and sustain forests for future generations.
 
Everyone is welcome. Admission is free. If you are coming in person, come early, as seating in Dewey Hall is limited.
 
Masks will be required (we will provide masks for those who don't bring their own).
 
In place of the Land Trust's famous Afternoon Tea and Refreshments, the Food Committee will give out bags of homemade cookies to take home after the lecture.
 
For more information visit the Land Trust's website at www.sheffieldland.org, or our Facebook page or email shefland@bcn.net
 
People who want to view the lecture on Zoom must register in advance to be sent a link, registration is available on the website, Facebook or by email.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Berkshire Aggie Launches Market Match Drive

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire Agriculture Ventures has started its 2025 Market Match campaign to aid federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program users.
 
"It's a program that's sole existence is to support SNAP matching programs in our area farmers markets," communications and development manager Audrey Hackett said.
 
This financial assistance plays a role in bolstering food equity and ensuring that all community members have access to fresh, local, and nutrient-dense food.
 
Through the economic development and food access program, funding is provided to farmers markets to enhance the effectiveness of SNAP benefits throughout the Berkshire-Taconic region. The grants enable a $1-for-$1 SNAP match program, doubling the purchasing power of SNAP at participating farmers markets.
 
"When people who are SNAP users go to farmers markets they have a certain amount that they can spend on fresh local food. The national program called Market Match doubles that amount which is wonderful," Hackett said. "So if you go to the market with $30, now you, through your SNAP benefits, have $60 to spend and you can probably access more expensive products like dairy, meat, and cheese."
 
BAV launched the Market Match fund in 2022 to support and grow SNAP benefits and raise money year round. The donation drive started in April and this year's goal is $30,000.
 
This year is more important than ever because of federal cuts made to local programs and farmers.
 
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