South Hadley Farmers' Market

08/02/2024

There have been reports that there is an eastern coyote raising a litter of pups in Black Stevens Conservation Area. This is a reminder to all that you should not interact with wildlife. Ever. It can put you and the wildlife in danger.

In accordance with Conservation Area Regulations, this is also a reminder that all dogs must be on a leash. Please keep your dog, yourself, and others safe by following this rule.

In February of this year, a coyote was captured on a trail camera in Black Stevens on the unmarked southern trails. It is likely that it (or the mate) gave birth in a den to 4–8 pups in April or May. Coyotes maintain seasonal social units that consist of the adult pair and the pups until the pups disperse on their own in late autumn. Please maintain awareness of your surroundings while hiking.

The eastern coyote resembles a medium-sized dog in body size and shape, but has longer, denser fur and pointed, erect ears. The tail is long, black-tipped, and bushy. Typical coatcolor is a grizzled gray but can vary from creamy blonde to red or nearly solid black. Typical weights for females are 33–40 pounds, while males typically weigh 34–47 pounds. A very large male may weigh in the neighborhood of 60 pounds, but such an animal is exceptional. Coyotes often look heavier than they are because of their thick fur. MassWildlife is a great resource to learn more information about the Eastern Coyote.

The chance of being attacked by a coyote is extremely low. You have a far greater chance of being seriously bitten by a domestic dog or hit by a car than being attacked by a coyote. The mere presence of a coyote in an area is not cause for concern. However, if you encounter a coyote on the trail it is reccomended you quietly and calmly turn around and walk away. If you feel threatened, you can make loud noises by yelling or blowing a whistle. Keep your dog on leash to avoid unwanted attacks. A coyote may see a dog as a threat to it's young and attack. Please be aware and mindful of your surroundings on the trails!

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Rebekah Cornell, Conservation Adminstrator. 413-538-5030 x6129

07/07/2020

ANNOUNCEMENT:

We have made the difficult decision to disband Healthy Community South Hadley, the non-profit group that exists to run the farmers' market.

Please note, this does NOT prevent people from holding a market in the future: the market will just not be continuing in its current form via the South Hadley Farmers' Market Board.

We will be keeping this page and our email open for at least six months in order to answer questions and share information with anyone who might want to spearhead a future market.

Thank you all for your support of the market!

06/28/2020

Unfortunately, we will not be holding a 2020 summer market.

Please support other local markets if you can!
(link in comments)

05/05/2019

Some broader context about the challenges markets have been facing:

Farmers aren't producing enough to keep up with the number of smaller markets that keep popping up, often in close proximity to others. This results in fewer customers, unsold food and maybe closure.

05/05/2019

Dear community,

We have made the difficult decision not to run the South Hadley Farmers’ Market this year. Running a small market in an area with many options for local food from farms, markets, and CSAs has been a mounting challenge. While we recognize this may be disappointing, we hope that you will stick with us as we work to identify a path forward to a market that can meet the needs of the community.

Thank you for your support.

Healthy Community South Hadley

08/09/2018

Today will be the final Market Day for 2018.

A number of factors went into the decision to close the Market early this season; the primary reason being to give the Market some time and space to grow into a better and more solid Market next summer. Stop by the manager's table today and stay in touch for more information about future plans.

Please visit us today to share your support and love for our Market. We hope to see you today and in 2019!