Educational Exhibits
Two informational exhibits found on the "Transportation Trail" focus on links between energy and transportation. Using historical photographs of vehicles (i.e. stagecoaches, trolleys, trains, snow shoes, horse and buggy, etc.) interpretive text and charts, visitors can easily make connections between the amount of energy used to go one passenger mile using various forms of transportation. This is an excellent learning opportunity for students of all ages!

Of special note are the wooden structures housing these panels. They represent the key project of Jeremy Brown, S. Deerfield, Troop 66. Jeremy designed, constructed and installed these two displays to earn his Eagle Scout award. Exhibit funding provided by ISTEA, Community Foundation of Western MA, and Greenfield Savings Bank.

Arboretum
Tulip Tree

Come and see 26 varieties of native trees and shrubs, planted in 1999 to highlight species diversity and to restore the area to its more natural state. This arboretum introduces those who are considering planting native trees and shrubs to varieties to which they may not otherwise be exposed.  Sassafras trees, cranberry viburnum, clethra, sweet fern, sourwood, witch hazel, black tupelo, hawthorne, and other less commonly landscaped plants are already well-established.

Landscapers, teachers, students...additional tree resources:
Funded by the National Tree Trust and Business Fund for the Arts in Franklin County, NESEA offers a comprehensive on-site library of over 100 books about trees. We welcome visitors interested in browsing the library during office hours (Mon-Fri 9-5). Totally Treemendous Trees: an activity book for children written by Sarah Hollister provides activities for studnets grades 2-7. Contact NESEA at sthomas@nesea.org to order yours today. ($8.00 + $2.00 for s/h). Custom-made ceramic identification tiles that coordinate with the Guide Book mark all varieties.

Max & Sue Delozier, creators of Child's Play Train

Children's Play Train
The Kiwanis Club of Greenfield donated a charming wooden child's train in honor of their 75th anniversary. Built as a demonstration project, the train uses lumber treated with ACQ preservative. ACQ, manufactured by Chemical Specialties, Inc., does not use arsenic or chromium (harmful to children) found in standard pressure-treated lumber.

GARDENS: Sustainable Agricultural Demonstration, Perimeter & Butterly Gardens
Lilian R. Jackman, owner of Wilder Hill Gardens, Conway, MA, designed and coordinated plantings to create a magnificent public garden that showcases native and heirloom plants. The compact design is organic in nature, featuring nine themed beds in the shape of a flower. Each bed, contained by large pieces of native Ashfield Stone, has a distinct grouping of plants including the following themes: heirloom plants, seed-saving plants, medicinal and culinary herbs, native American vegetables & herbs. Two attractive compost bins are included to complete the educational cycle. Each bed boasts a custom-made ceramic tile and coordinates with a Guide Book. These two plant-based park attractions offer an attractive spot for school field trips, garden clubs and others; and were funded by Tom's of Maine, William P. Wharton Trust, Ashfield Stone Company, Wilder Hill Gardens, United Plant Savers, and many dedicated volunteers.

The Native Butterfly Garden, given to the Town of Greenfield by Magic Wings Butterfly Conservancy, S. Deerfield, in honor of the town's 250th anniversary, is thriving. Plantings are featured both in the garden and on an interpretive sign to educate visitors about host and nectar plants needed to attract native butterflies.

Tom Elmore and children enjoy a day at the Greenfield Energy Park

Re-Used and Sustainable Materials
Designers and volunteers made every effort to identify and install materials that could have another life. For example, re-used granite curbing forms a beautiful new amphitheater that seats 60 people. Re-used cobblestones from teh original train station form a circle around a gathering bell. Re-used brick forms the walkway under the Solar Sculpture. An 1804 re-used cemetery fence provides an attractive setting for vines to climb in the garden. Ashfield Stone, a local quarry specializing in unusual garden furnishings, such as benches and bridges, created all the park benches. Old cedar telephone poles were milled and then used as part of the exhibit structures.

Al Dray shares his 1835 view of the Park at a permanent exhibit. Interpretive brochures available

Local History
Al Dray, historian and artist, created an original view of what the park site would have looked like in 1835. He used maps, diaries, original town histories and archeological information to prepare this artwork. The goal is to have citizens consider town-wide issues of land use, transportation, historic preservation and environmental protection through public art.

Volunteers at Energy Park, April 2007. Over 20 people pitched in for Spring Cleaning!

Dave repaints Station .....................................Jess ............................. Nancy... ............Ken..............& Linda Rusell all clip away!

Eddie & Al smooth paths.... Sarah's family rolled up sleeves..... Jen cleaned up gardens

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