Pictured above: a Junco, also known as a "snowbird". 📸 Credit: UVLT Land Steward, Alexander van Engelen 

Learning from the Land in All Seasons

As winter’s chill settles in, we enjoy the presence of the Junco, or "snowbird," a bird that commonly appears at winter feeders and is more rarely seen in summer months. Much like the Junco, our connections to the land - our outdoor activities and appreciations -- evolve through the seasons.

Whether through the new trail updates we’ve been working on or the community events that bring us together, we are continually finding ways to listen to and interact with the places we steward. Every season reveals the rhythms and unique character of the land, bringing new opportunities to deepen our understanding of conservation. As we move through the seasons, our relationship with the land grows, enriching not only our environment but the community we are building around it.



By reading this newsletter, you too are joining this shared journey and learning from the seasons alongside us! We welcome you to celebrate winter with UVLT.

What's Happening at UVLT

Pictured above: A friendly snowman at Hartland Winter Trails. 📸credit: Jan Fisher

Trail Updates: New Hikes and Views Await!

Orford, NH

The Stonehouse Mountain Trail in Orford has been expanded with a new half-mile loop, offering stunning views of Smarts Mountain, Ascutney, Killington, and Pico. Volunteers have worked hard to enhance this trail, adding viewpoints and clearing paths through beautiful forested areas. Don’t miss out on these great outdoor opportunities!

Hartland, VT

This winter UVLT will conserve the hub of a nordic ski trail network that's been providing fun and fitness for 50 years at Hartland Winter Trails (HWT). HWT is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to developing and maintaining a trail system in Hartland, Vermont for the purpose of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Henry Merritt created the first ski trail on his property in the early 1970s. The group’s growth initially spread through word of mouth, then expanded with the establishment of a website around 20 years ago and more recently through Facebook and Trailforks, which offers interactive trail information for recreational users HWT has grown to over 25 kilometers of groomed trails winding through a variety of terrains on about 30 private properties. HWT remains self-governing and financially self-sufficient. From its humble beginnings to its current status, Hartland Winter Trails stands as a testament to community collaboration, volunteerism, and the enduring spirit of cross-country skiing in Hartland.

Strafford, VT

The Manning Farm Trail in Strafford is now open for hikers and snowshoers! This 3.3-mile loop, winding through an old hill farm conserved in 2018, offers scenic views of northern hardwood forests, wetlands, and rocky outcrops. Please stay on the trail and respect the working farm.

Pictured above: UVLT Interns Cora and Ella planting tomato seedlings at Brookmead Food Pantry Garden

We Dig Dirt 💚

As we reflect on 2024 and prepare for the 2025 growing season, we're excited to share how our food pantry gardens have become a powerful tool for building community, creating partnerships, and demonstrating the wide-reaching benefits of land conservation. In our latest blog, we dive into how spending time in the soil, working with volunteers, and nurturing the land has helped us learn, grow, and strengthen the connections within our community.

Upper Valley Wildlife Tracking

**Second Event Just Added - February 8, 2025**

UVLT is excited to co-sponsor an upcoming wildlife tracking event with the Upper Valley Food Coop at Brookmead Conservation Area. The event will be led by the nationally acclaimed Fox Paw School's certified tracking specialist and instructor, Jonathan Shapiro!

**While the initial event featured above on January 25th is at capacity (waitlist available), we’re thrilled to offer a second chance to participate on February 8th. Register now by emailing info@uppervalleyfood.coop or calling (802) 295-5804-— space is limited, and spots are filling up fast!

Pictured above: 2024 Annual Bear Pond Snowshoe

Engage with the Land in All Seasons!

Join us for one of UVLT's upcoming winter events and connect with nature, build community, and experience conservation in action. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or a conservation supporter, there's something for everyone!

Upcoming opportunities include:

• January 12 - Mountain View Snowshoe
• February 8 - Partner Event: The Fox Paw Tracking Club Workshop
• February 8 - Partner Event: Hartland Winter Trails Tiki Trek
• February 22 - Stonehouse Mountain Winter Hike with the Orford Conservation Commission
• February 23 - Bear Pond Snowshoe
• March 12 & 15 - UVLT Volunteer Easement Training

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

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