Staying grounded in tough times Land Trust page 2

Panorama2020 Views from the forest and field Spring Kyle Gray

Clara Ayer of Fairmont Farm has been working with VLT to protect water quality in the Winooski River. Part of the Solution Dairy Farmers Talk About Clean Water

By Gaen Murphree lara Ayer is back at work after being home with her now two-month-old Ctwins. As she walks through the barn, on the land where she grew up “We have seven kids under in East Montpelier, co-workers welcome her. The herdsman who works the barn’s “maternity ward” (himself a dad of twins) gives Clara a thumbs up. six in our extended family, She checks on the moms-to-be; they all look comfortable. and we want good futures As we walk into the calf barn, she says, “I did a lot of calf chores growing for them.” up, and I loved that.” When her three-year-old was a baby, Clara said, she’d – Clara Ayer, sometimes strap him into the carrier while she fed the calves. When he Fairmont Farm got to be a toddler, he’d zoom up and down the central aisle in his walker as she worked. (continued on p. 3) 2 ••• Spring 2020 Panorama Vermont Land Trust

From the President | Nick Richardson Staying Grounded

n times of crisis, Vermonters pull closer together. IThe coronavirus tests that—when the best thing we can do for ourselves and for one another is Vermont Land Trust to create physical distance. It’s a challenge we all share; let’s make it a source of connection. Conserving Land for the Future of Vermont At the Vermont Land Trust, we are grateful for The Vermont Land Trust is a private, the natural places that you have helped to protect, nonprofit, member-supported land as they ground us in difficult times. We are also conservation organization that has worked grateful for the outpouring of support for farmers that we have seen. with families, communities, farmers, Like many other organizations, we have cancelled our in-person and forestland owners since 1977 to events through August and our staff is working remotely. Because the conserve nearly 600,000 acres. situation facing Vermont changes by the week, we invite you to sign up We publish Panorama three times a year. for our e-newsletter or to follow us on social media, as we are posting For inquiries about our publications, news, ways to help, and educational content to help get us through please contact [email protected]. this time. (See page 23 for more on this.) We have offices around the state, listed We don’t know what the weeks below. Direct phone numbers for and months ahead will bring— It’s a time for all of us individual staff members can be found but we are stronger together than to recommit to what at vlt.org/contact or by calling our main we are apart. It’s a time for all of office at (802) 223-5234. Our Board matters most. of Trustees is listed at vlt.org/board. us to recommit and reconnect to what matters most. This could be deepened gratitude for local food, Headquarters wonder at the returning cedar waxwings and finches, curiosity among 8 Bailey Ave., Montpelier, VT 05602 (802) 223-5234 our children as they explore backyards and woods, or extending help [email protected] to those in need. Champlain Valley VLT’s purpose over the next several months is simple—to help PO Box 850, Richmond, VT 05477 (802) 434-3079 Vermonters take care of themselves, take care of our community, and

King Farm reconnect to this place we call home. 128 King Farm Rd., Woodstock, VT 05091 I wish all of you peace and good health over the weeks and months (802) 457-2369 to come. Your continued support matters a great deal during this time Mad River Valley PO Box 432, Waitsfield, VT 05673 of economic uncertainty. Providing access to land, and all that it has to (802) 496-3690 offer, is more important than ever. u Northeast Kingdom 171 Scott Farm Rd., Newport, VT 05885 (802) 748-6089

Southeast Vermont 54 Linden St., Brattleboro, VT 05301 (802) 251-6008 Notice: At the time of printing, all offices are closed for public health reasons Southwest Vermont and staff are working remotely from home offices. 10 Furnace Grove Rd., Bennington, VT 05201 (802) 442-4915 Vermont Land Trust Panorama Spring 2020 ••• 3

A Complex Problem As Vermont struggles to address phosphorus overload in Lake Champlain, there’s been a lot of wrangling over who’s to blame when a hot stretch in July paints the waters with yet another bloom of toxic cyanobacteria. Ben Gabos Phosphorus, found in manure and other fertilizers, is also a naturally occurring element that binds to soil. Each particle of soil that reaches Lake Champlain—from a plowed Above: Fairmont Farm field, an eroding streambank, a is working with VLT construction site, a road, your lawn— to conserve this stretch brings phosphorus. According to of the Winooski River. the EPA, 41% of the phosphorus Right: Blue Spruce Farm going into the lake comes from in Bridport uses dragline farming, and 37% from forests and manure aeration, which streams. Roads and development Courtesy Blue Spruce Farm injects manure directly add 18%, and wastewater treatment into soil rather than on plants contribute 4%. the surface—meaning The EPA gave Vermont until 2038 less fuel use and less soil to reduce phosphorus entering the lake compaction because by 213 metric tons a year. In 2019, manure tankers are not the best year yet, we reduced it by driven on fields. 16.4 metric tons. Almost all of that reduction came from farms, according to a Vermont Clean Water Initiative Dairy Farmers Talk About Clean Water report. However, making changes (continued from p. 1) for clean water on farms, such as improving manure storage or making Clara is part of the extended family We want them to grow up in a time barnyard upgrades, can cost farmers tens that owns Fairmont Farm. They milk when the land and water and resources to hundreds of thousands of dollars. 1,450 cows and crop around 4,000 are good quality and there’s going to The current economic climate in the acres, including 1,600 conserved acres be a bright future for everybody.” dairy industry adds to the challenge. in five towns. Some of that clean water effort has In the past decade, the price paid to Not far from the barn, the Winooski involved VLT. “We’re now working farmers for their milk has declined and River winds its way towards Lake with Fairmont Farm to protect half the state’s lost one-third of its dairies. Champlain. Clara and her family, a mile along the Winooski River in Organic milk is now subject to some like other farmers interviewed for this Marshfield,” said VLT’s Britt Haselton. of the same volatilities as conventional story, have been working to support “The river will be allowed to meander milk. There is more supply than cleaner water in the river and the lake. and will be surrounded by newly planted demand, so distributors aren’t taking “We have seven kids under six in our trees and shrubs. We’re also helping on any new farms and are cutting extended family, and we want good them conserve land in East Montpelier back how much milk they will buy futures for them,” explained Clara. where we’ll work with volunteers to from existing organic farms. “And, it’s way beyond the farm… plant 200 trees along a tributary.” (continued on p. 8) 4 ••• Spring 2020 Panorama Vermont Land Trust The Tranquility and Beauty of Really Old Forests

By Liz Thompson, VLT’s Director of Conservation Science

s a teenager, I loved being in the woods. I felt A at peace there, far from the noisy crowds at school. The woods were quiet, but there were also signs of a once busy place, of fields and plows and grazing animals. I saw stone walls, abandoned roads, and old cellar holes wherever I went. And the trees were small. This was a new forest, grown up on former farmland. My home in eastern Massachusetts was only a few miles from Henry David Thoreau’s cabin on Walden Pond. The woods he walked in the early 1800s were even younger than the ones I knew in the 1970s. Thoreau wondered what he wasn’t seeing. He wrote: “…no one has yet described for me the difference between that wild forest which once occupied our oldest townships, and the tame one which I find there to-day. It is a difference which would be worth attending to…” On returning from the wilds of Maine, where he saw some very old forests, he wrote about that difference: “[The Massachusetts forest] has lost its wild, damp, and shaggy look; the countless fallen and decaying trees are gone, and consequently that thick coat of moss which lived on them is gone too. The earth is comparatively bare and smooth and dry.” Bare and smooth and dry. That’s how I remem- ber the forest floor near my childhood home. • When I started working as an ecologist in Vermont, I sought out old forest. I wanted to know: what was “that wild forest”? What might it have looked like before Europeans settled and “tamed” the land? VLT’s Pieter van Loon and Jack Minich admire an old sugar maple in in Killington was among the places I explored Andover. Old forests, with their large trees, fallen logs, and massive root that first summer, and when I saw it, I was systems, hold more carbon than young ones. absolutely awestruck. Vermont Land Trust Panorama Spring 2020 ••• 5

It was like nothing from my teenage rambles. I saw huge trees, but also small and medium-sized trees—trees of many different ages. I saw openings in the woods where trees had died and fallen over, and those spaces were filled with young new growth. The ground was uneven, with high mounds and deep pits resulting from centuries of trees falling over. I saw mossy rotting logs on the ground, with new seedlings growing from them. This forest had a “wild, damp, and shaggy look.” Stimulated by Thoreau’s questions about the original New England forest, many scientists are researching what A fallen log in the forest, covered in moss, creates a seedbed for new, young trees. we now call old-growth forest—woods that have been shaped only by natural can den in hollow logs, whether standing for landowners to help them reap the processes for centuries. or on the ground.” benefits of both old and new forest in David Foster sees old-growth forests There’s also the incredible resilience of their woods. as “messy, chaotic, in seeming disarray.” these forests. “Old forests are a testament Old-growth forests are part of He is Director of the Harvard Forest to nature’s ability to self-organize, sustain, our landscape heritage. David Foster in Massachusetts and owner of VLT- and rejuvenate in the face of a constant explains that they made up the New conserved land. Tony D’Amato, of the battery of disturbances such as wind, ice, England landscape for ten to fifteen University of Vermont, likens them to fire, insects, disease, and drought,” says thousand years, until European arrival. an unkempt garden late in the growing They are now “one of the rarest kinds season. Like other conservation leaders, of forests found here,” he says. They’re they feel that we need this disarray, I stood in the cold woods biologically important for their structure that we need wild forests, alongside the for a long while, very still, and habitat, but these forests are “also younger forests that give us lumber, awestruck… by their majesty emotionally and spiritually important firewood, and other forest products. and complexity. to us,” he adds. As author Barbara “We are missing many features from Kingsolver said, “People need wild places. our landscapes that only come with …We need to be able to taste grace and very long periods of forest growth,” said forest scientist and conservationist Ed know once again that we desire it.” David. “These include the big live and Faison. For instance, the death of a tree • dead trees, the immense windthrow with a large canopy promotes the growth On a recent snowy winter day, I returned mounds and downed trees, and the of young trees in the new patch of light, to Gifford Woods to enjoy once again the uneven ground that develops over three and the fallen trunk becomes a nutrient- beauty of that very old forest. I stood in or four centuries.” rich site for future seedlings. the cold woods for a long while, very still, Old forests, even those that have not Old forests provide clean water, clean awestruck once again by their majesty achieved the truly old-growth character air, and carbon storage. We’re learning and complexity. Mosses and lichens that takes centuries to develop, offer that old forests, with their large trees, graced the huge trees, little tracks showed unique habitats for wildlife. “A big fallen huge fallen logs on the forest floor, and where a mouse had skittered across tree can have tip-up roots where winter massive underground root systems, hold fresh snow, and skeletons of blue cohosh wrens can nest,” explains Vermont Fish more carbon than young ones. For all reminded me that this is not only an old and Wildlife’s Bob Zaino. “Black bears these reasons, VLT will develop resources forest, but a rich one. u 6 ••• Spring 2020 Panorama Vermont Land Trust A Place to Play, Explore, and Learn Newport’s Bluffside Farm

hen VLT bought a 129-acre Newport farm Win 2015, we didn’t have a specific plan for the land because we wanted to first listen to what the community wanted. What we did know was that Bluffside Farm is stunning, located in the City of Newport, and right on Lake Memphremagog. Through many public meetings, three priorities emerged: recreation, farming, and protecting nature. We quickly opened the land to the public for walking, skiing, hunting, and education. This year, VLT has several exciting plans, from trail building to educational programs, habitat improvement, and maintenance projects, though the schedule may be affected by the current public health crisis. A Trail to Canada: Creating a Final Link

We have begun work on a trail connector to link Bluffside Farm and Prouty Beach, resulting in the final connection needed for a seven-mile, car-free recreation trail between downtown Newport and trails to Canada. This includes a gravel, multi-use path through the farm and a 10-foot-wide board- walk and bridge across the mouth of Scott’s Cove. Based on public feedback, our team of engineers updated the plan to add a small parking area and new sidewalk, improve fishing and boating access around Scott’s Cove, and use higher-quality materials to lower future maintenance costs. Even though we raised $1.2 million for the project, these improvements have increased the budget. We now need to raise an additional $250,000. To donate, please visit vlt.org/donate. Caleb Kenna Last fall, the city started work on a trail around Prouty Beach that’s scheduled for completion this year. The trail will connect to the planned Scott’s Cove bridge on Bluffside Farm and be handicap accessible. “I’m really excited about the city’s trail improvements at Prouty Beach that Vermont Land Trust Panorama Spring 2020 ••• 7

complement what we’re doing at December as education and outreach ticks and Lyme Disease,” he says. Ticks Bluffside,” says VLT’s Tracy Zschau. coordinator. She will create learning thrive in the humid conditions created “We’re on track to begin building opportunities on the farm and other by barberry leaves. Barberry also creates the trail connector this year, once the conserved land in the Northeast Kingdom. habitat for small mammals like mice and external environment is conducive.” Part of Katherine’s educational work other rodents, which host the bacteria will focus on invasive species. These causing Lyme. “[Ticks] become infected Learning on the Land and non-native plants—including barberry, and pass it on to humans,” says Dan. Tackling Invasive Species buckthorn, honeysuckle, and phragmites The good news is we recently received (also known as common reed)—thrive a USDA grant—up to $24,000 over the Bluffside Farm has fields, woodland, at Bluffside Farm because they have next five years—to tackle the invasives. and a natural sand beach. Locals said no natural predators here. This means It will allow us to hire contractors to they want the farm used for the benefit they outcompete native species and can remove them; we’ll also use the project of the community while also protecting change the habitat entirely. as an opportunity for public education. the farm’s natural features. VLT forester Dan Kilborn explains The invasive species removal is expected With that in mind, we brought on that there’s also a link between invasive to start later this year. u Katherine Hancock, a LEAP AmeriCorps plants and public health. “There’s an Volunteer. Katherine joined the team in interesting link between barberry and Learn more at vlt.org/bluffsidefarm.

From kayaking on Lake Memphremagog (left) to a youth story walk during Newport’s February winter festival (above), the farm is growing into a community resource. 8 ••• Spring 2020 Panorama Vermont Land Trust

said dairy farmer and VLT trustee, John Laggis of Laggis Brothers Farm in East Hardwick. Some of John’s cow manure is used by a neighboring organic farm. The farmers explained that manure is part of the life cycle that builds good soil, which grows good crops, which feeds good cows and makes good milk. What’s more: to waste manure is to waste time and money.

“I don’t know a farmer out there who doesn’t want

Dawn Greenwood to be a good steward of the land.” – Ben Moulton, dairy farmer in Troy

“You can directly tie how well you’re going to do financially to how well you Ben Moulton and Amanda Taylor, pictured above with their children, Kierstin and manage your soil,” said Amanda. “It’s Preston, run an organic dairy on the Missisquoi River. They are expanding wooded completely a cycle. If you don’t take care areas along the river and protecting the river’s natural floodplain. of your soils and your soils don’t grow you good crops and if you do not feed your Dairy Farmers Talk About Clean Water cows well, they will not milk for you, they will not breed, they will not be healthy.” (continued from p. 3) At Blue Spruce, manure powers the methane digester (the state’s first to tie Let’s Talk Manure The roots of trees and shrubs along into the grid) and the solids are then a river reduce erosion and take up excess used as cow bedding. Blue Spruce is Ben Moulton and his wife, Amanda nutrients before they reach the water. looking into packaging those peat moss– Taylor, have an organic dairy farm in Without these natural buffers, more like solids to sell as a soil supplement. Troy, where they milk 65 Holsteins. phosphorus will reach the lake and They’re also working on a way to extract The Missisquoi crosses their land, on its contribute to unsafe water. phosphorus from the manure and sell it way north to Canada before it re-enters When talking with farmers about what as a separate product. Kyle Gray Vermont and empties into Missisquoi they most wanted people to understand At each farm, farmers explained the Bay. This river is a special focus of VLT’s about farming and clean water, they all water quality work they’ve been doing: clean water work (see story on page 22). focused on one thing: manure. new manure pits, new drainage systems The Moultons have joined with “Manure is not some useless byproduct and retaining walls, innovative ways to VLT and the Vermont Department of we all want to flush,” said Amanda. stack and store manure, different ways Environmental Conservation to protect “Manure is gold,” said Marie Audet of to inject it into the soil rather than the natural floodplain of the Missisquoi, Blue Spruce Farm in Bridport. spreading it on top, letting more trees while also expanding wooded areas along “Manure is the second most valuable and shrubs grow along rivers and the water and working with conservation commodity we produce on our farm streams, new ways of planting crops, groups to plant more trees. along with any other farm product,” and graveled paths for cows. Vermont Land Trust Panorama Spring 2020 ••• 9

It Takes a Village streams and rivers on farms in the don’t think I’m the only one that believes Lake Champlain watershed alone. Vermont and the Northeast is going to VLT has increasingly been part of “We can’t forget protecting these be a region that is counted on for food, Vermont’s clean water efforts— [agricultural] lands…,” said Marie. because we will continue to have water.” supporting projects like replanting “Because once they’re gone and developed, The connection between the land, streambanks with native trees and they’re really gone. And in the future, I the water, and the people who steward shrubs, widening the area of these it is purpose and a love of place. “I natural buffers beyond the state’s think that in our work here at VLT, requirements, and letting a river retake With the help of partners, we get to see firsthand, time and again, its natural course to protect floodplains. VLT has instituted clean- how much the passion farmers have With the help of many partners, for farming arises out of a stewardship including the Department of Envi- water protection measures ethic, and their love for the land and ronmental Conservation, the Vermont along 87 miles of streams nature,” said Nick Richardson, VLT’s Housing & Conservation Board, and and rivers in the Lake President & CEO. “It’s important to the Natural Resources Conservation Champlain watershed. me that we tell that story and support Service, VLT has instituted clean-water our farm community in taking action protection measures along 87 miles of to clean up the waters of our state.” That passion is so clear when speaking with farmers. Walking to the barn at 3:30 in the morning and enjoying the solitude and quiet—that is John’s favorite part of the day as a farmer. “But I enjoy all aspects,” he says. “I enjoy the animals and I enjoy the crop work and probably one of my later but favorite loves is working in the woods.” Marie is on her farm because, she says, “this is my community, and this is my family.” Care for the land is grounded in family and passed down through generations. For Ben, farming is all he ever wanted. “From the time I was a little kid, riding on the tractor with my dad, following him around,” he remembers. “Are we independent, stubborn people? Kyle Gray Sure,” he adds. “But I don’t know a farmer out there who doesn’t want to be a good steward of the land.” u

Manure is a key part of the life cycle that builds good soil, which in turn creates good crops. “[It] is the second most valuable commodity we produce on our farm,” said John Laggis (left), dairy farmer and VLT trustee. 10 ••• Spring 2020 Panorama Vermont Land Trust

Our Recent Work | Around the State

Deer Run Nature Preserve: A new place Brothers Protect Family Farm 1 2 to explore in southeastern Vermont in Londonderry

The new Deer Run Nature Preserve in Dummerston and Brothers Jim and Bob Twitchell were born and raised on Brookline is open for hiking, hunting, snowshoeing, bird- a farm that has been in their family for 160 years. With watching, and more. Visitors can enjoy over two miles of sweeping views of the Bromley and Stratton Mountains, trails that meander up a steep hill and take in views of the the Londonderry land could be desirable for houses. But West River Valley. that’s not what Jim and Bob wanted. Instead, they donated The Green Mountain Conservancy, a nonprofit, a conservation easement on 186 acres of open and forested bought 287 acres on the Putney Mountain ridgeline, then land to VLT. “This farm and land have been the center of worked for over a year to raise funds to cover the purchase. our entire lives,” said Bob. “It is our hope that by removing The land was conserved with VLT, ensuring that it will the development options… the land can stay intact for remain protected, undeveloped, and open to the public. the enjoyment and use of future generations, for as long Important natural features will also be cared for. “This as water flows and green grass grows.” preserve is in a section of forest that is important for animals In years past, the brothers have sugared, harvested that need large territories to survive,” explained VLT’s Joan timber and firewood, and maintained pasture for beef Weir. “This would include bear, moose, and bobcat.” More cattle. They keep wildlife in mind, too. They have promoted than 60 species of birds have been identified there as well. apple trees, which provide food for animals, and they This is the first step in what is hoped to be a 1,000+ practice delayed mowing in a field used by bobolinks— acre conservation effort to protect surrounding land that grassland birds that have lost much of their habitat. is critical for wildlife and biodiversity, especially in the face Supported by the Town of Londonderry Conservation of climate change. Commission. (November 2019) This project was made possible by many generous individual donors, VHCB, Davis Conservation Fund, Above: The scent of pine and a stone bench await visitors Fields Pond Trust, Lintilhac Foundation, and Windham to a new nature preserve in Dummerston and Brookline. Foundation. (December 2019) Vermont Land Trust Panorama Spring 2020 ••• 11

Our Recent Work | Around the State

3 A Generous Gift: Andover 25 woodland donated to VLT 23 22 GRAND ISLE 20 24 In the late 1930s, Charlotte and ORLEANS 21 FRANKLIN Joseph Taylor bought land in 17 15 Londonderry and established the 19 16 Taylor Farm. In 1960 their daughter, 18 ESSEX Margaret Taylor Kohler, bought land LAMOILLE in nearby Andover. This winter, her CHITTENDEN children, Victoria, Gillian, and CALEDONIA Robert Kohler, generously donated those 470 wooded acres to VLT. 14 Speaking on behalf of the family, 13 Robert explained that Margaret was 12 WASHINGTON a dedicated conservationist who 11 wanted to preserve the land for its 10 natural beauty and wildlife. “Our 8 donation of the Andover woodland ADDISON 9 to VLT may be seen as a continuation ORANGE of [our mother’s] commitment to caring ownership,” said Robert. The Kohler family has a long history of supporting VLT’s work. 5 7 Taylor Farm was conserved by the 6 family back in 2001 and remains in use today. In their decision to donate the Andover forest, the family RUTLAND “wanted to support the institution that had enabled us to preserve the Taylor Farm as a working farm,” WINDSOR Numbers correspond Robert explained, “… and that we to stories found on knew from personal experience was 4 pages 10–22. a model of experienced, wise, and caring stewardship.” We at VLT are 3 very grateful for this gift. 2 With elevations of 2,500 feet, the land has two tributaries of Lyman Brook and beaver wetlands. VLT BENNINGTON WINDHAM plans to conserve and sell the property and use the proceeds for additional 1 conservation work. (December 2019) 12 ••• Summer 2019 Vermont Land Trust Panorama

Our Recent Work | Around the State

Left: Extremely fine clay makes this tributary of the Mettowee River run cloudy gray. Right, L to R: Brian Reed and his father-in-law, Bill Orr, with VLT’s Al Karnatz and Caitlin Cusack on the Orr farm. Theirs is the twentieth farm to be conserved in Orwell.

Land near Haystack Mountain in Next Generation Taking on 4 5 Pawlet Protected Orwell Farm

Nancy Pierson donated a conservation easement on Bill and Liz Orr have farmed for decades and hope to 111 acres of forest and farmland at the foot of Haystack pass the farm to their daughter and son-in-law, Rachel Mountain. Nancy and her husband, James, along with their and Brian Reed. Their 279-acre property became the five daughters, have spent nearly three decades caring for 20th conserved farm in Orwell when they conserved the and improving this picturesque corner of Pawlet. American land with VLT, which will protect it from development. Milking Devon cattle from an adjacent farm can be seen “Growing alfalfa is much better than growing houses,” grazing their pastures, while a tributary of the Mettowee remarked Rachel. The Orrs recently sold their dairy River flows through the woods. There is also valuable herd and now raise beef cattle. Brian has begun tapping wetland habitat and other delicate natural communities. the farm’s sugarbush and plans to expand the sugaring The property is near the North Pawlet Hills Natural Area, operation. a large stretch of forest owned by The Nature Conservancy. Royce Brook, a tributary to East Creek that drains Located within this ecologically and geologically interesting into Lake Champlain, flows through the farm. Land along area, Nancy’s land has its own natural intrigue: A deposit the brook will be stewarded for clean water and aquatic of extremely fine clay, too sticky to wash away all at once, habitat, and some sections will be allowed to naturally changes the water in the Mettowee tributary from crystal re-grow bushes and trees to support those goals. clear to cloudy gray. Clay like this isn’t common in the Funded by VHCB (with matching funds from USDA- area—it’s possible the valley may have held a small glacial NRCS). (December 2019) lake, but further exploration is needed to be sure. (July 2019) Vermont Land Trust Spring 2020 ••• 13 Panorama Sugaring Woodland

Maverick Farm’s sugarbush was certified organic nearly 30 years ago, thanks to pioneering sugarmakers Arthur Berndt (below) and his late wife, Anne.

6 Blazing their Own Trail: Maverick Farm in Sharon

When Arthur Berndt and his late wife, Anne, bought nearly in the woods—actually their lack of sound in the winter 575 acres in Sharon in 1988, they named the property —the endorphins you get from running around all day, Maverick Farm after Arthur’s great-great-grandfather, the ability to eat like a pig when you’re sugaring,” laughs Samuel Augustus Maverick. The elder Maverick, a Texas Arthur. Sugaring allows you to get “really fit” in a few surveyor in the 19th century, became famous for refusing weeks, he explains. to brand his cattle, which came to be called “mavericks,” Arthur recently conserved 564 acres with VLT. He the origin of the word we use today. Like Arthur’s ancestor, and Anne had long discussed conserving it; it was Anne’s the Berndts blazed their own trail while managing the dream to do so, he says. “It gave us both a lot of solace.” 215-acre sugarbush on the property. Anne was an activist, especially for environmental causes, “Both Anne and I were philosophically believers in says Arthur. “Sugaring became a way for us to talk about food that wasn’t adulterated,” explains Arthur. That belief the environment and what was happening,” he adds. shaped their decisions to use stainless steel equipment, Arthur decided avoid pesticides and herbicides, bottle their syrup in glass, to work with VLT and certify their sugarbush as organic as early as 1991. in order to preserve “[Arthur] pioneered using high-quality equipment,” the opportunity says David Marvin, owner of maple processing and for future sugaring distributing company Butternut Mountain Farm. David on the property. has worked with Arthur for nearly 30 years. Looking forward, Last year alone, the farm had 23,000 taps and produced he is considering 13,000 gallons of syrup. leasing the sugar- In the past 30 years, the sugaring process—and bush while product trends—have changed due to technology and transitioning out climate change, says Arthur. In 2020, he will start tapping of the business. trees in January. Decades ago, sugarmakers tapped in Funded by early March, he says. VHCB. (December What hasn’t changed for this maverick is the joy he 2019) gets from sugaring. “The wonderful part is the sounds out 14 ••• Spring 2020 Panorama Vermont Land Trust

Our Recent Work | Around the State

Thetford Farmland Brings 7 Community Together

In 1982, Jack and Terry Lyons bought a farmhouse and 18 acres of rich farmland along the Connecticut River. “Jack and I were both interested in farming, and when he retired… we dreamed of being farmers,” says Terry. They named it Sunny Fields Berry Farm and Jack grew pick-your-own raspberries and blueberries. “He loved getting up on a foggy morning and going out on his tractor to work the berry fields,” Terry adds. More recently, they leased the land to nearby Cedar Circle Farm and Education Center, and to Willing Hands, a nonprofit with a mission of providing healthy food to those in need. Feeling the time was right, Jack and Terry donated Above: Cedar Circle Farm has an education center, farmstand, a conservation easement to VLT and sold the farmland café, and programs for kids. Below: Zeb Swick and Samantha to Cedar Circle. “We have always wanted to conserve Duchaine bought their first farmland. the land so that we could protect it from development; the farming land was just too valuable,” explains Jack. Cedar Circle itself was conserved in 1990 by a previous owner. Today it is a thriving organic farm with an education center, farmstand, and café, as well as programs to engage young people in farming. “We’re really excited about acquiring this land,” said Eric Tadlock, executive director at Cedar Circle Farm, “and we’re grateful to the Lyons... Our goal is to increase our contributions to the community, and this land can help us expand our programs, especially education.” They will continue to grow blueberries and produce for Willing Hands on the land. (July 2019)

8 Thoughtful Stewardship in Topsham

When Nancy Clark’s father, horticulturist Arthur Perry, inherited a hill farm from his parents he started growing trees. He planted 45 different species, memorialized “This land is a legacy…,” said Nancy. “By conserving it, on a hand-drawn map that lists the trees, from birch to we have passed this legacy on to our children, grandchildren ash, magnolias, bristlecone pines, firs, and hemlocks. and for generations to come. My father and grandfather Nancy and her husband, Jim, bought the property honored this land, they honored the trees, they honored in the early ’80s. They later purchased VLT-conserved the plants, they honored the wildlife and I feel that by forestland nearby. As they learned more about environ- conserving the property, we are honoring them.” mental stewardship and the land trust, they began to The property has excellent wildlife habitat, a fen, and think about what would happen to the land in the future. portions of Perry Brook and tributaries of the Waits River. They decided to donate a conservation easement on VLT staff found signs of bear, deer, and grouse. 94 wooded acres that were part of the original farm. (November 2019) Vermont Land Trust Panorama Spring 2020 ••• 15

Our Recent Work | Around the State

Access to Land: First-time farm owners 9 in Warren

An experienced farming couple have become first-time farm owners, thanks to the generosity of Anne Burling of East Warren. Working closely with the Burling family and VLT’s Farmland Access Program, Zeb Swick and Samantha Duchaine of Alpenglow Farm bought over 50 acres that they had been leasing from Anne. “Purchasing this land has been a huge step towards making our farm successful,” said Zeb. “It is extremely difficult for new farmers to find access to land, especially in an area like the Mad River Valley where prices are high. Ownership now gives us the security to invest in our farm and make it more productive.” Sam and Zeb grow organic fruits and vegetables that they sell locally and use for their smoothie business, Root Juice. They also keep bees and run a tree nursery on the land, which is located behind the East Warren Community Market. Anne originally conserved the farm with VLT in 2000 to protect it from development. Before selling it to Sam and Zeb, Anne conserved four additional acres and strengthened the conservation easement to ensure the land will be affordable and available to future farmers. Supported by the Town of Warren. (September 2019) Fayston has a new town forest on land donated to the town 10 A New Town Forest for Fayston and conserved with VLT.

VLT has helped create nearly 30 town forests—places hunt, snowshoe, ski and picnic there, and the community where people can get outside, learn about nature, and will be part of its stewardship for generations to come,” explore. The newest is in Fayston. said VLT’s Liza Walker. Christina Castegren donated the 93 acres to the town, (December 2019) which conserved it with VLT. The Boyce Hill Town Forest has a summit with views of the Northfield Range 11 Supporting Clean Water in Lewis Creek and the . The future of the land had been uncertain because of Peter Briggs worked with VLT and the Vermont Department a permitted eight-lot subdivision that was in place when of Environmental Conservation to protect land along a Christina bought it in 2011. Concerned that development mile and a half of Lewis Creek in Starksboro. The creek would decrease public access and alter its character, she is a priority because it flows into Lake Champlain. “No offered the land to the town. “I think these views should be structures can be built along the banks,” explained VLT’s shared,” she said. “The beauty of this place provides a sense Bob Heiser, “and land within 50 feet of the water must of awe and peace that people seem to need these days.” be kept naturally vegetated.” This will help keep the By working with the town and residents, VLT will help water cleaner and reduce damage from future floods ensure that the land is cared for and its unique features because healthy floodplains hold water and slow it down. are protected for the future. “People will continue to hike, continued on following page 16 ••• Spring 2020 Panorama Vermont Land Trust

Our Recent Work | Around the State

“As recent storms have clearly shown, this land holds Justin and Lindsay needed more land to expand. crucial floodplains for the creek as we enter the age of Affordable, good farmland is hard to find in Huntington, climate change,” said Louis duPont of the Lewis Creek so they jumped at the chance to buy 18 acres with Association, which helped with this project. excellent farm soils less than two miles from their home. Last year, Peter’s neighbors, dairy farmers Eric and They then conserved the land with VLT. “Buying and Jane Clifford, instituted protections for water quality. conserving this valuable farmland gives us more options for All together, land along 2.5 miles of the creek was crop rotations and it allows us to manage our land better,” conserved for clean water. “More and more landowners explained Justin. “Although it’s a small parcel, it is prime are looking into protecting rivers and streams,” said Bob. soil, and even smaller plots of premium quality soils are To date, VLT has worked with landowners to establish very useful when growing specialty crops like vegetables.” river corridor protection on nearly 700 acres. In addition to selling their produce wholesale, they Funded by the Vermont Department of Environmental offer a CSA in Huntington and through the Muddy Boots Conservation. (November 2019) three-farm collaborative CSA, which includes two other farms that own land conserved with VLT—Kingsbury 12 Growing a Farm in Huntington Market Garden in Warren and Wood’s Market Garden in Brandon. Justin Rich and Lindsay Lyman-Clarke have grown The property lies along a third of a mile of the Burnt Rock Farm substantially since starting from scratch Huntington River. To improve habitat and promote clean a decade ago. The organic vegetable business now has water, native trees and shrubs will be maintained on land 13 10 employees during the harvest season, and two that 50 feet from the riverbank. work through winter. Funded by VHCB (with matching funds from USDA- NRCS) and the Town of Huntington. (December 2019)

14 Forestland Near Hunger Mountain Conserved

Mt. Hunger, one of Vermont’s most popular hiking destinations, offers stunning views of neighboring peaks and the valley below. The mountain is part of the nearly 14,000-acre CC . John Russell’s property on the eastern slopes of the mountain is covered in spruce, fir, and hardwood. It also has wetlands as well as streams that ultimately drain into the Winooski River’s North Branch. John donated a conservation easement to protect 91 acres of this forest. The Trust for Public Land is working with the Stowe Land Trust to add nearly 1,900 acres to the CC Putnam State Forest. John’s woods share a border with this land, so its protection will further the benefits for wildlife, clean water, and healthy woods. Conservation of this land was made possible with support Courtesy Burnt Rock Farm from the Trust for Public Land. (November 2019)

Left: Justin Rich and Lindsay Lyman-Clarke run a thriving organic veggie farm in Huntington; they bought and conserved a nearby parcel to expand. Vermont Land Trust Spring 2020 ••• 17 Panorama Forests & Wildlife

Left: “Knowing that we are part of a large region-wide project is very exciting,” says Dale Smeltzer, pictured with her husband, Eric. Right: Chris Curtis and Tari Swenson (pictured with daughter, Kira Curtis) protected their land so animals will have safe space.

13 Shutesville Hill: Making a Difference for Wildlife

Two families conserve over 350 acres of the Shutesville Hill Wildlife Corridor Partnership— in Waterbury a group of organizations, agencies, and commissions working together to protect this area for animals. When staff members from VLT and the Stowe Land Trust “We know that [this land] is just one small chunk of visited a Waterbury property last spring, they saw a mother forestland,” explained Chris, “and, by itself is not useful for bear accompanying her two cubs up a towering oak. They wildlife travel. We know that only by being part of a group knew the land was in an important travel route for wide- of like-minded landowners can a patchwork of animal- ranging animals like bears, but it was still exciting to see friendly forestland be assembled.” the proof. Eric and Dale Smeltzer are two of those like-minded The 63-acre property is owned by Chris Curtis and Tari landowners. They donated a conservation easement on Swenson, who went on to conserve it with VLT. Located 287 acres of forestland abutting the Mt. Mansfield State near the Waterbury–Stowe line, the land is steep, with Forest in Waterbury. ledges. On its upper reaches there is a section of woods “Knowing that we are part of a large region-wide unusual in this part of Vermont, where oak, hickory, and project is very exciting,” said Dale. “Conserving property hophornbeam trees grow. in this wildlife corridor makes us feel more connected to “I grew up in Stowe, and as kids we used to wander the our forestland—as if we’re now managing it with more hinterlands, through fields and woods, rarely needing to purpose for the future.” think about crossing too close by someone’s house,” said The land includes the top of ‘Willey Hill,’ which rises Chris. “Only 60 years on, that is no longer possible. Roads up along the eastern side of the Waterbury Reservoir. The and buildings have cropped up, shrinking the area that a forest covers rolling hills, interspersed with small wetlands, couple of marauding kids could adventure through... So, ledgy cliffs, and headwater streams that feed the Little I can relate to the animals… they struggle with shrinking River and are home to bear, snowshoe hare, white-tailed space every day.” deer, fisher, and coyote. Chris and Tari’s land is within a 10,000-acre, mostly Funded by donations from dedicated community members. forested area that connects the Green and the Worcester (Curtis-Swenson property, July 2019; Smeltzer property, mountain ranges, bisected by Route 100. It is the focus August 2019) 18 ••• Spring 2020 Panorama Vermont Land Trust

Our Recent Work | Around the State

The Chamberlins began farming in Barton in the 1960s; they hope to see their now-conserved farm pass on to new farmers.

Farmland and Headwaters Protected Supporting Community Access 15 16 in Barton and Wildlife in Eden

Rupert Chamberlin, longtime president of the Vermont A nearly 600-acre stretch of forest in Eden was sold by VLT Farm Bureau, started farming in Barton in the early 1960s and The Nature Conservancy. It was part of the 26,000-acre with his wife, Muriel. They pieced together 105 acres of Atlas Timberlands, which were bought by the groups over 20 excellent farmland with views of the Lowell Mountain years ago. The land was conserved when it was sold, ensuring Range and Jay Peak. As they approached retirement, sustainable forestry and pedestrian recreation such as fishing, they sold their dairy herd and began leasing their land to birdwatching, hiking, hunting, and cross-country skiing. neighboring dairy farmers. The land was sold to Eric Thomas, who grew up in They recently protected their farm with VLT. Muriel Wisconsin. “Having spent my youth enjoying the outdoors said she hopes that conserving that land “will help the and all our woodlands had to offer, I wanted to afford others farmers, who are now renting the land, to be able to the same opportunities that I was afforded by the landowners buy it down the road.” Two headwater streams of the around my hometown,” said Eric. “With the purchase of [this Willoughby River on the property are now protected land], folks will have the opportunity to enjoy the property with forested buffers where farming is restricted, helping with the knowledge that it will continue in its current state to reduce erosion, promote clean water, and support for generations to come. Enjoy our woodlands forever!” wildlife habitat. With several streams and many wetlands, the land is of Funded by the Freeman Foundation. (October 2019) great value for animals. Proceeds from the sale will be used for more forest conservation. (December 2019) Vermont Land Trust Panorama Spring 2020 ••• 19

Our Recent Work | Around the State

Sugaring, Wildlife, and Recreation 17 on Belvidere Forestland

Charlotte Reed, Dawn Hall, and Matt and Barb Paggi all became friends while working at IBM. They formed a partnership to invest in timberland and develop a maple business. The partnership, called Barred Woods, now owns about 1,400 acres, which they manage for maple and timber. “We’ve seen a growing demand for our maple products,” Matt explained, “as consumers are becoming more aware of the health and environmental benefits of using maple syrup as a sweetener.” The friends recently conserved 858 acres of forestland in Belvidere. “This is a very special parcel,” explained Matt. “We want to ensure it remains intact for future generations. We love the diversity of the habitat. It has… everything from overgrown farmland to a sugarbush to high-elevation spruce-fir forest. This parcel will allow us to grow our maple operation while at the same time preserving an ecologically important forest.” The forest is near an important wildlife corridor that connects the Northern Green Mountains with the Appalachians in Quebec. The land will also be open to A beautiful stretch of Stones Brook flows across Newt Garland’s the public for hiking, hunting, backcountry skiing, and conserved land on its way to the Lamoille River. other pedestrian recreation. Funded by Cold Hollow to Canada. (September 2019) Stewarding Fields, Forest, and Stream 18 in Fairfax

Newt Garland has owned 63 acres near Fairfax center since the 1960s. The land has a hemlock forest, a large stream, and open overlooks. Newt recently donated a conservation easement to VLT. “Newt turned 95 last year and has clearly put decades of work into caring for the property,” said VLT’s Bob Heiser. “Surrounding areas in town have seen steady residential growth. Conserving this land protects open space and wildlife habitat.” A beautiful stretch of Stones Brook flows across the land on its way to the Lamoille River. The brook is dotted with small waterfalls and deeper pools that are home to brook trout. Areas along the stream will be kept wooded even as it meanders. These wooded buffers help keep the water clean and cool, which benefit fish and other species. (July 2019)

Left: Over 800 acres in the Northeast Kingdom were protected for wildlife, sugaring, and pedestrian recreation. 20 ••• Spring 2020 Vermont Land Trust Panorama New Farm Ventures

Ben and Dylan Palmer are transforming their family’s former dairy into an elk farm. 19 20 Helping Farms Transition to the Next Generation By Sophi Veltrop “Since we can also protect water quality and wildlife habitat According to the USDA Census of Agriculture, Vermont at the same time, it’s a win-win for everyone.” Ryan now lost more than 500 farm businesses between 2012 and co-owns the land with his parents and will eventually 2017. Among the most daunting challenges many farmers come into full ownership as his business takes off. will face is deciding how to pass on the farm. VLT strives to help farmers make sure their land stays farmed. Fairfax now has an elk farm This year, the younger generations of two farming In Fairfax, two brothers are transforming their family’s families in Franklin County are growing their businesses former dairy in a unique way. Ben and Dylan Palmer bought through their work with VLT. Thanks to the funding land from their late grandmother in 2017. They worked that came with conservation, they are on stronger financial with VHCB’s Farm & Forest Viability Program to develop footing and are keeping the land in the family. a new business plan for a specialty product: elk meat. The brothers bought their herd of Rocky Mountain Sheldon beef and maple business Elk a little over a year ago, and plan to expand from being revitalized 47 animals to more than 100. Vermont Heritage Elk is Ryan Harrness is reinvigorating his family’s 301-acre the largest producer of elk meat in Vermont and sells to farm in Sheldon with a beef herd and a sugaring venture. local restaurants and families. As part of their transition His parents, Tom and Liza, received the land from Tom’s planning, Ben and Dylan decided to work with VLT parents when they were married and, in 2003, conserved to protect 92 acres. “Conserving the land gives us the the farm. This year, Tom and Liza added an ‘option to financial boost to expand the herd and to reduce our debt,” purchase at agricultural value’ to their conservation explained Ben. easement to help make sure that the property remains For both Franklin County farms, planning, professional affordable and stays in the hands of farmers. advice, and conservation resulted in a sustainable transition Conservation funding reduced their debt and gave of farmland. In this way, conservation goes beyond its Ryan the capital to build a sugarhouse. Ryan has 13,000 traditional purpose of saving land from development. It taps, the majority on neighboring conserved land. He also is also a tool to immediately improve the lives of Vermont keeps 25 beef cattle and hopes to buy more. Tom lends a farmers and infuse our local food economy with vitality. hand with his son’s sugaring business and sells round bales. Funded by VHCB. (Harrness property, July 2019) “Our main goal was to be able to transition the farm Funded by VHCB (with matching funds from USDA-NRCS). to our son and put him in a position to succeed,” said Tom. (Palmer property, September 2019) Vermont Land Trust Spring 2020 ••• 21 Panorama

Our Recent Work | Around the State

21 Wetlands Restored, Trees Planted, Recently, they conserved 126 acres near Newport Center, 22 and Prime Farmland Conserved which brought the total land they’ve conserved to 4,000+ acres! Over the past 25 years, two farm families in northern The new land has wetlands along Dunn Brook and Vermont have protected thousands of acres of quality farmland. streams that flow into the Missisquoi River. Last spring, The Boissoneaults of Franklin County began working VLT staff and volunteers planted 230 trees and shrubs with VLT in 1996 by conserving a 150-acre property in along the banks of these streams. Maintaining native trees St. Albans. Family members went on to protect land in and shrubs in these areas will support clean water, reduce Essex, Fairfax, and St. Albans. Josh Boissoneault recently erosion, and protect wildlife habitat. conserved 264 acres in St. Albans. The pasture and tilled Funded by VHCB (with matching funds from USDA land are used for the feed business that Josh runs with his NRCS). (Chaput property, October 2019; Boissoneault brother Jeff. property, November 2019) There are over 100 acres of wetlands, which will be ______carefully stewarded, and 19 acres of former pasture that 23 Caring for the Missisquoi River (see p. 22) will be restored to wetland, with assistance from US Fish 24 & Wildlife. Several uncommon species such as the ______northern map turtle and the threatened spiny softshell A Haven for Wildlife: Award-winning turtle have been spotted near the property; conservation 25 will help improve habitat for these and other animals. woodlands in Derby In neighboring Orleans County, brothers Mike and Reg Chaput run Chaput Family Farms, a large and innovative In 1973, Kathleen and Allen Yale bought a parcel with open dairy. They employ many eco-friendly technologies such as and wooded land and made it their home. They’ve since a methane digester, which turns cow manure into electricity. transformed it—rehabilitating areas that had previously been The Chaputs also first conserved farmland with VLT clear-cut, controlling invasive species, and managing for in 1996; they protected more land as the business grew. both timber and wildlife. Allen has done most of the work himself, with guidance from professional foresters. He was The Chaput family has conserved large stretches of valuable named the Vermont Tree Farmer of the Year in 2012 and farmland in the Northeast Kingdom. Regional Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year in 2013. The couple have embraced practices to support wildlife, such as pruning apple trees, leaving dead trees standing, and leaving woody material on the forest floor. “We have documented 54 species of birds, 27 species of mammals, and eight species of reptiles and amphibians [on our land],” Allen reports. This is partly because the Clyde River flows under I-91 at the property’s northeastern corner. The interstate is mostly fenced, except at rivers, so this corner serves as a valuable crossing for animals. Allen says he sees deer and Caleb Kenna bear—sometimes a mother with cubs—every year. This fall, the Yales donated a conservation easement to protect 89 acres. “As we got on in years, we became increasingly concerned that our property [should] survive as a working forested landscape and wildlife habitat,” Allen explains. Land along the Clyde River will be kept naturally wooded to provide habitat for animals and promote clean water. (November 2019) 22 ••• Spring 2020 Vermont Land Trust Panorama Wetlands & Clean Water

natural flow of water between the field and an adjacent forested wetland. A culvert was enlarged to contain flood waters and provide safe passage for fish. VLT and its partners planted willow, dogwood, and maples, and spread seeds of native wetland plants. “Wetland animals like kingfishers and great blue herons have already returned,” says Allaire. “We’re partnering with the Missisquoi River Basin Associa- tion to plant more wetland shrubs.” VLT’s Tyler Miller monitors the water level in a restored wetland. Previously A river corridor easement was added a ditched field, it will now provide habitat, store water, and prevent erosion. to the existing conservation protections. The river will not be constrained and a 23 50-foot-wide area along its banks will not be farmed. 24 Caring for the Missisquoi River From its headwaters in Lowell, the Missisquoi River Trees planted, river protected meanders through wide valleys, tumbles down rocky Further east, the Missisquoi runs along the Westfield–Troy gorges, and crosses the border into southern Quebec town line on farmland owned by Tony Brault. Tony runs before flowing into Lake Champlain. The 88-mile river a beef farm and the popular Brault’s Meat Market. He is a priority in the state’s clean water initiatives. operates part of his business on 219 acres in Troy and Westfield that were conserved with VLT in 1995. Sheldon wetland restored The Missisquoi is very active on Tony’s farm, meaning The northern boundary of Terry and Joan Magnan’s farm it moves a lot and cuts into land, causing erosion. With in Sheldon runs along the Missisquoi for nearly a mile. the changing climate, the river is also dealing with more The Magnans raise heifers and run a compost business rain than before. Tony worked with VLT, the Vermont on 215 acres conserved with VLT in 2000. The original Department of Environmental Conservation, and The easement protected the farmland from development but Nature Conservancy to protect nearly three and a half didn’t address the river or wetland areas. miles of the river and its tributaries, 35 acres of wetlands, Part of this land was historically a wetland. It had been and 79 acres of land. The river will be able to change drained, with a ditch diverting water to a stream, and used course naturally. Land 50 feet from banks will have native as a hayfield. The Magnans decided to join with VLT on vegetation to reduce future erosion; Vermont Youth restoring the wetland and protecting the river. “Wetlands Conservation Corps planted 925 trees there. are like sponges—they can retain water and reduce run-off Funded by the Vermont Department of Environmental and erosion into rivers and streams,” says VLT ecologist Conservation and Bari and Peter Dreissigacker. (Magnan Allaire Diamond. property, December 2019) Funded by DEC and The Nature VLT worked with consultants on the restoration. Conservancy under a grant from Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. Hummocks and hollows were created to re-establish the (Brault property, July and December 2019)

Our Volunteer Board of Trustees VLT’s Board plays a vital role in support of our mission to connect people to the land, and ensure its deliberate protection and responsible stewardship. Our Trustees set the overall direction for the organization and are a diverse group, including foresters, farmers, landowners, business leaders, and educators. We welcome a conversation with qualified, passionate individuals who can contribute a unique viewpoint and background. To learn more, please contact Abby White at [email protected]. u Stay Grounded During the pandemic, new information is coming online every day—from virtual events to local food resources and recreation guidelines. Stay connected for the latest, by signing up for our e-newsletter, following us on social, and visiting vlt.org.

Virtual Events Support Farmers Learn about Vermont’s natural Getting food locally supports our farmers landscape, stay grounded, and and can be social-distancing appropriate. Visit our website for how to access local connect with us; all from home. food in ways that are safe for you and We’ve got an exciting lineup of healthy for our state. virtual events—including tours, Visit vlt.org/foodguide webinars, and films—waiting for you: Stay in Touch • Estate Planning Workshop for Women, Stay up to date through these changing May 13 times. Get early access to our stories, conservation successes, and new • Exploring Wetlands, from Lakeshore projects by email. to Summit, May 20 Sign up at vlt.org/subscribe • Wetlands: Restoring Vanished Landscapes, June 3 #StayGroundedVT • A Land Ethic for Our Time: Virtual Film How are you staying grounded? Follow us Screening & Discussion, June 18 and share your stories on social media • Monitoring Ash Trees for Emerald Ash Borer, using #StayGroundedVT. Check in often July 22 for fun facts about the outdoors, tips on nature-based activities, ways to access Visit vlt.org/events local food, and quiet places to explore. for the latest, and to register! @ vermontlandtrust Non-Profit Org. Vermont U.S. Postage PAID The Mailing Center Land Trust 05641 8 Bailey Avenue, Montpelier, VT 05602

Panorama Spring 2020 In This Issue

Dairy & Clean Water 1 From the President 2 Really Old Forests 4 Bluffside Farm 6 Recent Work 10 Staying Grounded in These Times 23

We are grateful for your support. Caleb Kenna Thank you!

“We are re-dedicating ourselves to our mission by continuing to conserve new farms, forests, and community spaces every day.” – Nick Richardson, President & CEO

Now more than ever, we need to conserve land and protect the soils, water, and forests that keep us healthy and grounded. During these unprecedented times, VLT can’t slow down. We need your help.

Visit vlt.org/donate, email [email protected], or call (802) 262-1204