Dear Oberon, I have been getting sweaty when I go cross country skiing, and then when I stop to rest, I get very cold. What can I do to have a better cross country ski experience? Sincerely, Block of Ice ---- Dear Block of Ice, My answer to freezing cold weather has always been to grow a thicker layer of feathers! I might have an easier time of this than you since I am an owl and you are ostensibly a human. I have also never sweat, not having the glands [Read More...]
The NorthWoods Stewardship Center is pleased to announce that Trevor Evans of Derby, VT will receive this year’s George Buzzell Forest Stewardship Award. The award is given annually to a person who has made significant contributions to sustainable forestry and education in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Evans has shown an exceptional commitment to managing his own forestland in Derby since the 1980s, and is an active member of many forestry organizations, sharing his knowledge and passion for good forestry with students, landowners, and foresters. In addition to his outstanding efforts [Read More...]
It is with great sadness that NorthWoods reports having received news of the passing of one of its early leaders, Don Wilson, earlier this month. Don had been interviewed last summer as part of a project to document the history of NorthWoods. Don's energy, sharp memory, and obvious enjoyment from discussing the early years of NWSC made those interviews lively, insightful and rewarding. Although the history project is still ongoing, in honor of Don's significant contributions to NWSC, the following excerpts from those interviews are presented below. Don, whose professional career [Read More...]
Dear Oberon, I have been seeing mice in my house this year! What is the best way to get rid of them? Sincerely, Mousey House Dear Mousey House, “Owl” be honest, I wish I had this problem! I find small mammals delicious, and I just eat the ones I find in my mew. This may not be the best solution for you, however, so I will lay out a few other options which may be better suited to your human lifestyle. First of all, please do not use [Read More...]
At the beginning of October the Fall Corps crew was at Burke summit, spending a week converting the Vista Trail on the summit of Burke into a Universal Access Trail (UA). This small spur trail looks south into Victory State forest and Kirby Mountain and is now usable by people of all mobilities. While on Burke they spent a second week working on the Summit Trail and the Profile Trail, brushing them both back and cleaning trail drainages. They also jacked up and leveled the West Peak trail CCC lean-to [Read More...]
We are pleased to announce the second annual Westmore Mountain Challenge was a success!! For this year's event, Forests, Parks & Recreation extended our permit to 150 participants, which sold out by August. The conditions were pretty rough for hikers on Saturday in the AM with temperatures in the 30s and 40s, light rain in the low elevations and snow on the mountain tops, but the sun peeked out in the afternoon. This year the official finish was the full 26 mile marathon length from the drop-off at Moose Mountain [Read More...]
We are very lucky to have a wonderfully supportive community of businesses and individuals who have helped make the Westmore Mountain Challenge possible. Some have donated funds, others gift certificates and merchandise to help supply the challenge and offer prizes to participants. Here are photos of just a few of the great prizes coming to our Challenge participants: Tour headwear from Skida, socks from Darn Tough, jackets from Outdoor Gear Exchange, and soothing lotions from Bag Balm! Thank you to our Sponsors! Our [Read More...]
Earlier this month, the Sustainable Forestry Interns took a break from running chainsaws to join herpetologist Jim Andrews on his search to document the species currently found in Vermont, town by town. The day we met Jim, he was on a mission to document some of the species thought to be living in Morgan, VT. After driving to the NorthWoods Demonstration Forest access in Morgan, we gathered with Jim and two volunteers to hear our goal for the day. Jim started by explaining the habitat that we were looking for, "Most herps prefer hardwood forests, and plenty of downed wood. That's mostly found in older [Read More...]
The NorthWoods Conservation Corps has completed their trail work at Sentinel Rock State Park. As of now, the park has a 240’ Universal Access trail that spurs from the glacial erratic. From the ADA trail, there’s a small footpath that leads to the lower parking area and a brand new trail that leads to the wooded, multi-use trails. The footpath in the meadow crosses wet areas on bog bridges past an old birch tree with scenic views of Lake Willoughby and the glacial erratic in the distance. The “lollipop loop” through [Read More...]
NorthWoods Stewardship Center is pleased to accept nominations for the sixth annual George Buzzell Forest Stewardship Award. In honor of the esteemed county forester for which it is named, this award recognizes an individual who is making a positive impact on Northeast Kingdom forests. An award ceremony will be held at the NorthWoods Stewardship Center on Tuesday, December 11, 2018. During his 44 years as Orleans County Forester, George Buzzell exemplified the best practice of his trade, including research that helped to re-define sugarbush management in Vermont. George also cast a [Read More...]
