Middlebury Land Trust (MALT) bought this land in 2007. It’s part of a block of easements on both sides of the Middlebury River that, together, all help protect important wetlands and make sure the river can meander and flow over time.
But buying the land isn’t the end of the story. To meet the highest conservation standards, best practice among land trusts is for one organization to own the land and a different organization to hold the conservation easement. This helps increase accountability since the landowner and the easement holder are both responsible for ensuring permanent protection. That’s why Middlebury Area Land Trust donated the easement to Vermont River Conservancy. Thanks to these protections, this land will never be developed, the river will always be allowed to flood and flow naturally, and people will always have access to the Middlebury River.
There is a small parking area for 1-3 cars. The property is open to public access, but there are no developed trails and there is no paddling access to the river. This area is best used for birding, nature study, or other similar activities. There are some social trails that pass through the property that could be walked, but trails are not maintained. Note that this property is called the “Sessions-Neil North” project on the Middlebury Area Land Trust website.
Looking for a sweet treat after your nature immersion? Stop by Vermont Maple Market for a creemee or other maple delights!
This project made possible thanks to the support and partnership of:
Off Ossie Road in East Middlebury (contact Middlebury Area Land Trust for specific directions) There is a small parking area at the end of the road. Note that there are some old logging trails along the edge of the parcel that could be walked, but they are not maintained. There are no official trails here and no obvious access to the river.
