What's got views and trails and birds and meadows and LOTS OF FRIENDS?The new Timotheus Pohl Conservation Area in Hartland! We're throwing an "open house" party to celebrate with the people who helped conserve it! We invite you to explore, learn, and welcome summer with informal outdoor activities for people of all ages. Join a nature walk, find Vermont's largest black birch tree, learn about hay-making, walk the core of the Hartland Winter Trails network or join in a treasure hunt and enjoy maple creamees. See you there!

UVLT Summer Celebration

Pohl Conservation Area, Hartland June 22, 2-5 p.m.

A Word from the Birds

A pair of kestrels are keeping house in the birdhouse atop a ten-foot pole at Brookmead Conservation Area! Alexander van Engelen and Cassie Bernyk have been checking on them, and our partners from VINS have banded and measured the male, and will return in June to band the female. Look for more of Alexander’s photos on Instagram and Facebook as this family grows up! 

More Conservation on the Way at Signal Hill

After hosting a public hearing last month, the Lebanon Commission enthusiastically voted to approve funding for a plan to conserve 23 acres of highly scenic land and significant wildlife habitat on Stevens Road. The land, located across from the city-owned Signal Hill (conserved in 2007), will be donated by Jeremy and Sally Rutter. UVLT Project Manager Craig Privett has been working with the Rutters and the Conservation Commission to advance this long-standing conservation priority in the City.

Hubbard Island Paddle:

May 27 Trip Report from Cassie Bernyk

On a rare sunny and calm morning, I met Michael Wilson in Claremont, NH, and we paddled across glass-smooth water to the Hubbard Island campsite. Michael has volunteered to be UVLT’s Hubbard Island campsite adopter. Our goal for the morning was to ensure the tent site was open and ready for the season, and to scout options for a possible relocation of the landing site. We noted that the official landing spot was overgrown with dense honeysuckle, and it was clear that visitors had tried alternative routes. The steep banks are difficult, and someone had tied a rope that paddlers could grab. Paddlers should be prepared for challenging access. But the campsite on this island is beautiful! This summer, we hope to improve or relocate the landing so it can be more easily enjoyed. If you are a paddler and would like to join Michael and help us with this project, please email cassie.bernyk@uvlt.org.

Welcome, Holly!

We're excited to share that Holly Henderson has joined UVLT’s staff team as Naturalist and Outdoor Programs Leader! In her new role, Holly will develop educational programs and deliver workshops that build naturalist and field skills for volunteers, citizen scientists, Conservation Commissioners, and landowners, using UVLT-owned properties as learning sites. Holly holds a MS in Ecosystem Science and Management from TX A&M and a BS in Ecology from UVM. Holly’s conservation and natural resource protection experience with non-profits and public agencies includes stints in Vermont, Montana, and Texas. She currently serves on the Hartford Conservation Commission.

Forest Plots and Deer Data

UVM student Justin Robinson, a Strafford resident, is interning for us this summer, collecting data for our longitudinal Deer Browse Study at the Brookmead Conservation Area. Justin will monitor a total of 15 sample plots across three forest types (hardwood, mixed wood, and softwood) by recording the ten tallest saplings under five feet tall and noting the presence of browse on each sapling. His work marks the fifth round of data collection since we began to study the impact of deer browse (also referred to as “herbivory”) on forest health and biodiversity in 2017.

History Hike at Smith Pond Shaker Forest

June 7, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Join UVLT and Enfield Shaker Museum for a hike to Smith Pond! Located in Enfield, Smith Pond Shaker Forest spans 995 acres of forest and wetlands and is part of a crucial wildlife habitat. Please wear appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes/boots, and bring a bag lunch and beverage for a picnic along the way. This hike offers fantastic photography opportunities. Space is limited, so register now!

Bird Walk at Up on the Hill

June 21, 7-9 a.m.

Join the Upper Valley Land Trust and the Ascutney Mountain Audubon Society for an early morning bird walk at the Up on the Hill Conservation Area! Please bring your binoculars (if you have them), clothing and footwear appropriate for a moderate hike along the forested trails throughout the property. Limited spaces remain, so register now!

We Know You Love the Upper Valley. We Do Too.

Become a part of the conservation solution and DONATE and/or VOLUNTEER today!