Bear Hole: A Living Classroom for Local Students in Springfield

Recently, Bear Hole Reservoir served as a unique outdoor learning space for over 380 students in Springfield and West Springfield. Thanks to the protection of local greenspaces like Bear Hole, students can experience science and nature lessons firsthand, surrounded by real-world examples.   

Bear Hole Showcases the Benefits of Land Protection

Bear Hole, a 1,400 acre ecologically diverse green space of intact forest and diverse habitat, was permanently protected from development on June 29, 2021, thanks to a conservation restriction jointly held by Mass Audubon and the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Located in West Springfield and Holyoke, this beautiful area sits at the southern end of the Connecticut River Valley and provides a gorgeous outlet for connection.

Landscapes like Bear Hole offers students hands-on experiences into New England habitats, native species, and natural history without having to travel far from home. By using a locally owned and beloved area to connect students to nature, we are creating long-lasting relationships between the land and its future stewards.

Connecting Classrooms to Nature

Before heading outdoors, the students started preparing at school, laying the educational groundwork for what they would see and experience at Bear Hole. Classes explored topics like the water cycle, watersheds, decomposition, life cycles of flora and fauna, and local natural history. At the reservoir, they honed their observation skills and studied what they interacted with through nature journaling, which provides a creative and hands-on approach to learning. One fan-favorite activity was the “critter search”. Students excitedly rolled logs and scoured the forest floor, uncovering organisms to compare, draw, and document in their journals.

Another highlight of the day was meeting Chris Cressotti from the West Springfield Department of Public Works. Chris demonstrated how the retired sand pits at Bear Hole Reservoir once filtered drinking water for the town.

How the 30x30 Catalyst Fund will Protect More Places Like Bear Hole

The success of land protection and educational initiatives at places like Bear Hole motivates us to further safeguard Massachusetts' natural spaces for both people and wildlife.

In 2022, leaders from 190 countries united around a shared goal to combat climate change and reverse the Earth’s loss of nature. Under this agreement, known as '30x30,' countries aim to conserve 30% of their lands and waters by 2030. Mass Audubon will help meet these goals by protecting more critical land, made possible by the 30x30 Catalyst Fund. This $75 million fund is our most ambitious land conservation initiative to date. With these funds, we can quickly identify and permanently protect the most biodiverse and carbon-rich land in the state.

Some of these protected properties will become a part of the network of Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuaries while others, like Bear Hole, will remain a partnership with local landowners and conservation organizations.

Learn more about the 30x30 goals, what land Mass Audubon hopes to protect, and how you can support this critical work.

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