April 2019
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Secretary Moore with a chain pickerel on Southern Lake Champlain, April 2019
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The Blue Marble is an image of planet Earth made in December 1972, by the crew of the Apollo 17 at a distance of about 18,000 miles from the earth’s surface. It is one of the most reproduced images in human history. It is also the image my dad gave me when he and my mom dropped me off for my first semester of college, saying “this is why you are here.” This charge felt a bit overwhelming.
In my current role as Secretary for the Agency of Natural Resources, I frequently think back to those six words my dad said. It was a tall order back then and it still is. Yet, in the years since, I’ve realized I’m not alone in this work. I’m surrounded by people who are figuring out tangible ways to make our world a bit better.
I have the privilege to work with an amazing group of people from engineers to scientists, who are engaged in efforts alongside thousands of Vermonters, likely including many of you, to steward Vermont’s natural resources.
My wish for all of you this Earth Day is that you will seek opportunities to learn more about the incredible bounty and wonder of the natural resources that fill Vermont’s landscape, and that your love of this place will help and inspire you to do the work needed to steward our land and water for future generations. As my dad would say: this is why we are all here.
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MONDAY
Take your recycling and composting skills to the next level with these
7 tips
.
TUESDAY
Tread lightly during mud season with these
5 tips
to stay off fragile trails but still enjoy the outdoors this spring.
WEDNESDAY
If you're one of the 50% of Vermonters with a septic system, here are
6 tips
you can put into practice today to keep it working properly.
THURSDAY
Is ghost power stealing your electricity? Ghost power (aka standby power coming from items plugged in, but not in use) is responsible for 5-10% of all power used in the US. Try these
3 simple tips
to reduce consumption.
FRIDAY
Most of us rely on a car or truck to get around in Vermont. If you drive,
reduce your personal pollution contribution with these
7 clean air tips
for the road.
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Although spring in Vermont can be a bit gloomy at times, there are true shining rays of light no matter how grey the weather. If you’re looking for proof, keep reading. The stories below highlight this year’s Earth Day Heroes. These stories are a clear reminder that the people working to protect Vermont’s natural resources are all around us, that hope is on the horizon and that spring is, believe it or not, in the air!
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Kasey Kathan
Solid Waste Management Program
What’s one thing Vermonters can start doing today to protect the environment?
Get outside. Even if it’s just your backyard for an hour, the longer you’re out, the more invested you'll be in protecting it. Find what you love about the environment by being in it, learning all you can ...
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Jessica Savage
Recreation Program Manager
What’s the most exciting thing you’re working on right now?
The Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC) Community Grant Program. We’re just getting started working with our pilot communities in Randolph and Newport. It is so amazing to see how outdoor recreation builds communities, connections, and economies ...
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continue reading
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David Wilcox
Watershed Forester
What's your favorite outdoor spot in Vermont?
Ricker Basin in Mt. Mansfield State Forest. I am fascinated by the history of this place. The ability to read about each homestead in the book, “That Beautiful Vail Above the Falls,” and then to see the changes over 80-100 years since it was abandoned by the residents ...
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Pete Emerson
F
ish Biologist
What’s one thing Vermonters can start doing today to protect the environment?
Plant trees! Seriously, changing our perspective about what a healthy stream looks like starts with your own backyard stream, wetland or pond. Keeping an undisturbed buffer between your lawn or home and the water ....
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continue reading
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Jim Deshler
Aquatic Biologist
In a sentence, how would you describe your job?
My job is a perfectly balanced mix of laboratory work and field work. I sample the chemical and biological health of wadable streams throughout the state and I have the opportunity to work with other departments on various projects ...
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continue reading
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You're Invited: Upcoming Events
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Tell Me More with Secretary Moore
Dewey Building, 1 National Life Drive, Montpelier VT
Tuesday, April 30 | 4-5pm
Join Agency of Natural Resources Secretary Julie Moore April 30 from 4:00-5:00 PM to talk about a variety of environmental topics, including the status of Vermont’s wetlands. Secretary Moore will discuss the role of wetlands, wetlands legislation, and the Agency’s role in regulatory and restoration work.
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Guided Wildlife Management Area Walks
Various locations and times
The Fish and Wildlife Department is hosting a series of free guided walks on select state wildlife management areas in northern, central, and southern Vermont. The walks are led by biologists and naturalists with decades of experience conserving Vermont’s wildlife and their habitats.
April 27 | Spring Steelhead Run up Willoughby Falls
April 28 | The Art in Birding: Presentation and Bird Walk
May 8 | Look for Boreal Birds at Moose Bog
May 9 | Spring Wildflower Walk
May 28 | An Evening Bird-Watching Paddle
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Vermont Arbor Day Conference
Vermont College of Fine Arts, 36 College Street, Montpelier VT
Thursday, May 2 |8:30-4:30 PM
This conference is designed for the stewards of Vermont's urban trees and community forests and will provide an opportunity to enhance technical skills, engage in urban forestry hot topics, and network.
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Vermont Lake Seminar
Lake Morey Resort, 82 Clubhouse Rd, Fairlee VT
Friday, June 7 |8:30 AM - 3:45 PM
Hosted by the Federation of Vermont Lakes and Ponds and the Department of Environmental Conservation's Lakes and Ponds Program, this seminar will feature discussions of shoreland management and protection, aquatic invasive species management, nutrient management through lake protection plans, and the effect of atmospheric pollution (carbon dioxide, acid rain, phosphorus, and mercury) on lakes.
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