In this installment of our “Learning with the Land” video series, UMass Amherst geologist Brian Yellen takes you to Amethyst Brook in Amherst to explore how the river was formed, and how the water changes the landscape over time. You’ll also learn how human activity has impacted the shape and health of this area, both in the past and today.

Brian is a volunteer with the Fort River Watershed Association, which is committed to restoring and protecting the ecology of the Fort River, its tributaries, and watershed lands for the benefit of present and future generations, and has collaborated in the production of this video.