Pictured above: a snowy trail through the woods at Stonehouse Mountain.

[📸by UVLT VP of Stewardship, Jason Berard. ]

This week and next, many Upper Valley communities will gather to discuss and vote on municipal budgets, hold elections, and make other decisions, large and small. This will happen against a backdrop of uncertainty about the impact of federal actions that will affect local households, town services and budgets, and the network of nonprofits providing critical services. At UVLT, we anticipate that the food and fuel produced at our Conservation Areas will be more important than ever. The conserved places we love and share are respites from anxiety, harbors of calm and care. Neighborliness and cooperative problem-solving – the practical, personable work we see at Town Meetings each year – will be essential as we recommit to the health and resilience of people and nature. We’re in it with you!

A Trip Report from Bob Hedges:

UVLT and Orford Conservation Commission

Pictured above: participants at the Stonehouse Mountain Hike in February

[📸by UVLT Land Steward, Alexander van Engelen]

Under a splendid “bluebird” sky, we had 37 snowshoers out on Stonehouse Mountain in more than 2 feet of soft snow on Saturday [February 22] afternoon.

The view from the lookout point was fantastic! Beyond the larger mountains — like  Ascutney, Moose, Killington, and Pico — we could also pick out far away ones like Stratton on the distant horizon, or Storrs Hill in Lebanon, and Oak Hill in Hanover.  The sunshine was abundant.  It felt like you could almost see for forever. We were all up and down in under 3 hours.

And a good omen to all Orford hikers, just as we headed out from the trailhead yesterday afternoon for our climb, a young bald eagle circled over us.  What a sight in the bright winter sky.

Putnam Farms Conserves Prime Soil and River Frontage

Pictured above: Alan Putnam signs conservation documents.

UVLT’s purchase of a conservation easement on riverfront farmland in Charlestown protects some of the best land in our region for growing crops. Alan Putnam and his wife Sheila manage one of the largest dairy operations in Sullivan County, with a herd of about 500 milkers. The 53-acre parcel includes portions of floodplain forest and more than a half mile of riparian buffer. This is the second parcel conserved by Putnam Farms, Inc.

We're Hiring!

A new position at UVLT is at the nexus of science, education, and community engagement. The Naturalist, Outdoor Programs Leader will develop educational curricula and deliver workshops, field trainings, and public programs aimed at volunteers, citizen scientists, Conservation Commissioners, landowners, and the general public. The ideal candidate is a naturalist who is passionate about environmental education, possesses strong communication skills and experience managing land, and is adept at both curriculum design and field-based instruction. Please help us find this new member of our team!

A Duck Story

Pictured above: UVLT Land Steward Kevin Brooker checks the condition of a wood duck box.

[📸 by UVLT Land Steward, Alexander van Engelen.]

Kevin & Alexander's Excellent Adventure

With blistering winds and deep snow Land Stewards Kevin Brooker and Alexander van Engelen went out onto Smith Pond to check up on the condition of the wood duck boxes. This, of course is best done when there is thick ice in winter, since the boxes are above water. In order to safely and efficiently do their task Kevin and Alexander decided that skiing out would be the best idea, but one issue...  read the rest of the story by clicking below👇

A Call for Volunteers!

Join us March 12 & 15

Are you interested in helping the Upper Valley Land Trust monitor conserved properties, including farms and forests, throughout the region? Join us for this year’s volunteer easement training, where you’ll learn everything you need to know about monitoring conservation easements! Once trained, you’ll play a vital role in supporting our stewardship team with one of our most important tasks—the annual inspection of conserved lands.

The training will be conducted in two parts:

1. Zoom Session* on 3/12/25: We’ll cover the basics and key skills for monitoring conservation easements.
2. In-Person Training on 3/15/25: Gain hands-on experience by accompanying a staff member on an easement.

*Please note, you must attend the Zoom session before participating in the in-person training. We look forward to having you join us in protecting the lands we love! To register, please email cassie.bernyk@uvlt.org

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

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