Whether you’re tapping sugar maples or waiting for the first wildflowers, with today’s warm weather, the anticipation of spring is everywhere. We’re excited to share some great conservation news and announce new online events.
Stay grounded, stay safe,
and thank you for your support,
All of us at VLT
What you helped us accomplish
Good news from Bridport and Danville
For eight years, Jessie and Gregory Witscher of Understory Farm have been growing 75 types of flowers, offering CSAs, and selling at farmers’ markets — all from leased farmland. With support from our Farmland Access Program, they were able to buy their first farm in Bridport. Jessie and Gregory plan to add beef and vegetables to their operation!
Roy Patterson worked with us to conserve 134 acres of farmland, woods, and wetland in North Danville. Roy’s grandson Jake Boudreau operates Four Town Lowlines on the land, a beef operation with a focus on soil health. The Boudreau and Patterson families also operate the Great Vermont Corn Maze nearby!
Land Stewardship In Action
Testing a deer enclosure in Woodstock
Gardeners have long used fences to prevent deer from devouring their hard work. However, woodland fences can also show how too many deer stop new trees from growing. This “overbrowsing” inhibits forests’ ability to regenerate. Read about our experiment in Woodstock and how we hope it can help.
Online Events: Register Now
Traditional Abenaki Sugaring and Stories
March 25, 7–8 pm, online
The Abenaki people, who have lived on the land we now call Vermont for thousands of years, are an essential part of Vermont’s sugaring story. In a conversation between Chief Don and VLT forester and sugarmaker Caitlin Cusack, we’ll explore the Abenaki relationship to the land and how the maple story is alive today in Abenaki-owned sugaring operations.
New!
Coyotes, and Foxes, and Fishers — Oh My! Wildlife in the City of Burlington
April 8, 1–2 pm, online
Even in the city we can celebrate and protect wildlife! Join a panel discussion with field naturalists to learn about the animals moving through the City of Burlington and protecting their habitats. In partnership with Burlington Wildways, Intervale Center, Tracking Connection, and Burlington Parks & Recreation.
For Farmers
Funding available for soil health study
Farmers have an essential role to play in reducing climate change. We’re working with partners to explore soil-friendly farming practices. The five-year research project will provide direct payments to farmers for implementing farming practices that improve soil health. There are info sessions on March 24 and 26.
Farmer award for service to community, land stewardship, and innovation
The Eric Rozendaal Memorial Award honors the legacy of a creative and thoughtful farmer. Now in its third year, the $5,000 award will celebrate a farmer who exemplifies Eric’s values of land stewardship, giving back, and entrepreneurial farming. Applications are now open.
Last year the award went to two amazing farmers: here’s a great article about Tom Gilbert of Black Dirt Farm and, if you’re in Central Vermont, check out the year-round CSAs offered by Amanda Andrews and Tamarack Hollow Farm.
Before you go…
What animal is it?
Did you know river otters almost always slide downhill, whether on snow, mud, grass, or leaf litter? Look at these winter tracks, with large comma-shaped tail drags in the snow alongside their paw prints.
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Vermont Land Trust | 8 Bailey Ave, Montpelier, VT 05602