Sunset over Kettle Pond State Park in Groton State Forest - Emily Stephens | |
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As we reflect on this remarkable 100th anniversary of Vermont State Parks, we are filled with gratitude for everyone who joined us to celebrate this milestone. We hope that your experiences were as special and memorable as the centennial itself.
At 100 years old, the magic of Vermont’s park system continues to grow. From the shores of Lake Champlain to the peaks of the Green Mountains, the unique beauty and charm of Vermont can be found in each of the 55 parks across the state. We’re so thankful to each of you for sharing your stories, your love for your favorite parks, and the moments spent with those closest to you. The beauty of Vermont State Parks isn't just in the landscapes—it’s in the connections made. Whether it’s a chance encounter on the trail or a shared campfire, these shared experiences form a community that is unlike any other.
It's a privilege to witness these bonds every day, even as the seasons change. Strangers become friends, friends build communities, and memories are made together. This is the true spirit of Vermont’s parks, and it’s what drives our dedicated staff to work so hard to make the park system even better.
We hope you enjoy this newsletter, and we encourage you to keep sharing your stories with us. Here's to another 100 years of exploring, connecting, and celebrating the natural beauty of Vermont!
With deep appreciation,
Nate McKeen, Director of Vermont State Parks
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Wish you were outside instead of trying to find holiday gifts for your loved ones? Easy! Whether you're looking for a stylish shirt, a passport to adventure, or you are looking to upgrade your backpack with an amazing patch, we have something for everyone! | |
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Looking for stocking stuffers or want to build your own gift set? You're in luck!
We have:
Mix and match park swag, or give the gift of adventure with a Vermont State Parks gift card! Gift cards can be purchased for any amount over $20.The last guaranteed order day for all items is Sunday, December 15th.
Not sure your order will make it in time? Gift certificates are electronic documents that are automatically generated at the time of sale. Print it and you'll come in just under the buzzer!
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Outdoor Observer: Squirrels in Winter | |
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It is that time of year in Vermont where most of the trees are bare, just the tamaracks are hanging on to yellow needles and soon those will be gone, and we eagerly await the first snowflakes of fall. Just as the leaves descend to the forest floor, fall is a time of many changes across Vermont forests and fields. During the summer I hope you stored up memories enjoying visits at your favorite state parks, and perhaps some of your memories are of chipmunks flitting about your campsite or picnic spot—looking for morsels.
Chipmunks are common in state parks. They are curious little ground squirrels and during the spring, summer, and early fall they are busy gathering food to store for the winter months. Chipmunks live in underground tunnels called burrows. Maybe you saw one pop out of a hole near your picnic table this summer, each burrow has multiple entrances which are frequently masked purposely with leaves and other forest debris.
Besides peanuts scavenged from people, chipmunks store many seeds and nuts they find in the deciduous forests where they live. Deciduous forests are forests where most of the trees lose their leaves in the fall, where you see lots of sugar maple, beech, and white ash trees for example. They love areas with oak trees because acorns provide lots of rich protein and calories, chipmunks gather as many as 160 acorns each day, which they store in their burrow for winter feeding.
Now that the weather is colder and snow will fall soon, chipmunks are nestled down in their burrows underneath your favorite campsite where they enter a state or torpor—this means their body temperature is reduced and their heart rate slows down significantly. They do periodically wake up in the winter and feed on the seeds and nuts stored in their burrow, so they are not true hibernators.
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There are two other squirrels you likely saw on your last state park visit, red and gray squirrels which are in the tree squirrel group. These two squirrels will use tree cavities when available for their nests, but they also build messy nests up in trees with leaves and twigs. Red squirrels are smaller and full of attitude, they aggressively chase larger gray squirrels away when habitats overlap. Red squirrels live in conifer forests primarily because they prefer eating seeds in red spruce cones, as well as other cones.
Gray squirrels are larger and tend to live in deciduous forests, they also really enjoy acorns. Gray squirrels gather and bury acorns, and they are well known to forget some of the acorns hidden which brings the growth of new oak trees. This time of year both red and gray squirrels have been busy increasing their body mass by feeding on fall tree nuts and seeds to help them prepare for the long, cold Vermont winter.
While you are warm in front of the woodstove sharing stories you gathered from your summer state park adventures, squirrels are still out there finding ways to cope with the harsh fall and winter weather. You can add to your cache of state park memories by bundling up and visiting your favorite parks in the quieter season. Although park operations are closed for the fall and winter months, you are welcome to visit state parks and enjoy your favorite activities in the brisk, cool fall air.
On your next visit, keep an eye out for red and gray squirrels—you can still see them on the forest floor looking for seeds and nuts before the snow flies, and they are fun to watch running through tree branches high up in the forest canopy like high flying acrobats. Some great parks to visit in late fall to walk in the woods and watch squirrels are Molly Stark, Bomoseen, Niquette Bay, and Little River State Parks.
Rebecca Roy, Parks Interpretive Program Manager
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Off Season 101: Know Before You Go | |
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“Can I still go into a park that’s closed for the season?”
This is the most common question we get during the fall and winter months. The short answer is “yes!” Staff have gone home, and parks are officially closed for the year, but late fall has a stark beauty all its' own, and the off season is a great time to visit - for hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, or even a late season picnic.
Please park only in a manner that allows access by others and please drive only on established roadways or parking areas.
- When a gate is closed, park outside without blocking, and walk in. In winter, plowed parking is available in certain locations.
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Review the list of winter access areas.
Water supply, restroom or refuse removal services or facilities are closed for the season.
- May sure to plan ahead and prepare for your visit. Carry in and carry out everything you bring.
Park staff are only present sporadically during the off-season.
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We invite you to be our "eyes and ears" by please reporting anything you notice amiss or discover out of the ordinary to parks@vermont.gov.
Off-season camping is free and available from November 1st through March 31st, and has an additional set of rules.
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Explore the rich history and personal experiences in our parks through stories shared by visitors just like you! Check out:
Discover more inspiring adventures and cherished memories on our 100th Anniversary site. Each story offers a unique glimpse into the beauty and magic of Vermont State Parks. Dive in and maybe even share your own story with us!
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Thankful for 1,000,000 visitors
Thank you everyone for your support! We had over 1,000,000 visitors this year, making it the tenth time in parks history for us to reach this milestone.
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Want to support the parks you love all year round?
Honor your memories from seasons past and celebrate the good times you’ll have in 2025 with a gift to Vermont Parks Forever, the non-profit foundation for Vermont’s state parks.
Your gift will help make the state parks even better!
Make your gift in honor of your favorite hiking partner, paddling pal, or camping buddies. We'll send them a sticker and thank you card to let them know about your generosity.
Make a gift today to Vermont Parks Forever!
Vermont Parks Forever, the Foundation for Vermont State Parks
info@vermontparksforever.org | 802.917.1719 | www.vermontparksforever.org
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