NPR's Living on Earth recently conducted an
interview on Mt. Watatic (in northern MA). I know some NEOC-area folks who also enjoy the Midstate Trail and I thought you might be interested in a discussion of how climate change is affecting the hardwood stand in this specific area.
Of course, the story is not a happy one but there are conservation groups (e.g.,
Ashburnham Conservation Trust) working to protect the area.