Fall colors along waterway © Kurt Budlinger

Protecting Exceptional Lands Along Our Waters

Engage. Protect. Restore.

We engage communities to protect and restore Vermont rivers for kids, communities, wildlife, and you.

Promote
Community
Engagement

Two volunteers build the a hut at the confluence of the Nulhegan River and its East Branch

Protect
Public
Access

Canoeing on the Connecticut river

Cultivate
Resilient
Riverlands

A moose wades in a Vermont river
A group swims at the base of a waterfall in a Vermont River

Invest in Rivers

Swimming holes and paddlers' trails, fishing holes and wildlife homes. We can't protect these special places without you. Give today to help us protect your favorite Vermont waters.

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Latest News

Cabot videographer Onel Salazar visited a dozen Vermont swimming holes and produced six films showcasing places to enjoy riverside walks, beat the heat, or enjoy an afternoon picnic. Dive into Onel’s videos and discover a new Vermont swimming hole to add to your summer adventure list.

Bienvenidos a Vermont’s Swimming Holes

Cabot videographer Onel Salazar visited a dozen Vermont swimming holes and produced six films showcasing places to enjoy riverside walks, beat the heat, or enjoy an afternoon picnic. Dive into Onel’s videos and discover a new Vermont swimming hole to add to your summer adventure list.

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Mike Kline worked with Stephan Syz and Tom Willard to help charter the VRC in 1995. After creating the Vermont Rivers Program at the Department of Environmental Conservation, and consulting on fluvial matters in Vermont and around the country, he shares why he's excited to be back on the VRC Board after a 25-year sabbatical.

Welcome back, Mike Kline!

 Spring is here. The rivers are full of new green shoots and invigorated life. VRC intern Maia Mencucci introduces us to the various waterfowl we can expect to see along Vermont's rivers this time of year.

New Life on the River: Vermont’s Spring Waterfowl

 The iconic spring blooms of the shadbush herald warmer temperatures with a cloud of white petals.  Mid-late April is the time when these small trees wave their white flags in wet soils along the roadsides and river corridors. They bloom right around the time when the American shad, an Atlantic herring species, travels from the ocean up the rivers in order to spawn.

April Showers Bring… Shadbush Flowers
Statewide map of all sites protected by the Vermont River Conservancy

Find Your River

Since 1995, we’ve helped protect nearly 100 special places – swimming holes, paddlers trails, and fishing access sites, and habitat for warblers and wood turtles. Discover the places we've worked to protect, and plan your next adventure.

Explore Sites
North Branch of the Winooski River in Vermont

Landowner Toolbox

Behind each of our conservation projects is a visionary landowner. Thinking about the future of your land can be overwhelming, but we can help you find a solution that’s right for you. Whether you’re a landowner, or whether you’re someone who sees a great opportunity in your community, start here to learn how you can make a difference.

Explore Our How-To Guide
Vermont river clean up crew

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