Naturalists’ Corner: Nature in Winter by Dave Gallup

Newsletter: Winter 2026

February Meeting

Magnificence, Mysteries and Death:

Geostories From Western Massachusetts

Presented by Dr. Richard Little

Western Massachusetts is the best place in the world to study geology! Professor Little will discuss its many mysteries, including deep holes in the Connecticut riverbed, weird post-glacial river directions, how the Connecticut River cut through the Holyoke Range, and why the “glacial potholes” can’t be glacial. Our local geology can kill you, and Professor Little will tell you how to save your life (really!). This evenings presentation is based on his book, Exploring Franklin County; copies will be available.

A geologist and an educator, Professor Little is a long-time resident of Western Massachusetts. He has taught at Greenfield Community College and Holyoke Community College, as well as at Deerfield Academy. His talk will convince you that Western Massachusetts is the best place in the world to study geology. Professor Little has written several books and created geology videos. He leads excursions around our area and is championing an initiative to designate armored mud balls – which he describes as intriguing, amusing, and photogenic Mesozoic rarities – as the state sedimentary structure.

Wednesday, February 18, starting at 7 p.m.

Tolman Auditorium, Springfield Science Museum

Visit some of our partners’ websites: Springfield Stars Club Allen Bird Club Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary