River, Wetland, Forest: Land Conservation at the Confluence
Join us at the confluence of Bull Creek and the Saxtons River alongside the Windmill Ridge to learn about interconnected projects to conserve rivers, forests, wetlands, and trails in southern Vermont.
Lined with willows and alders where sparrows and warblers hop, Bull Creek flows through Sleepy Valley to a confluence with the dramatic and geomorphically sensitive Saxtons River. On either side of the valley, trails wind through rich northern hardwood forest, hemlock forest, and dryer summit communities with hickory and oak. On this walking tour, ecologists and neighbors from Vermont River Conservancy, the Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association, and Bull Creek Common Lands will share an intimate perspective on the landscape we are working together to conserve – and a nuts and bolts explanation of what we’ve done so far, and where we’re going next.
Vermont River Conservancy’s Hayley Kolding , and Andy Toepfer (Bull Creek Common Lands), Hannah Regier (Bull Creek Common Lands/Vermont Land Trust), and Lisa Merton (Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association) are ecologists and conservation specialists working together to protect land and water for people and wildlife in the Saxtons River watershed and beyond.
Date: Sunday, June 22
Time: 12-2 p.m.
Location: Sleepy Valley Road, Athens, VT
Remember to bring: Boots, bring gloves, water, lunch/snacks, sunscreen, etc. We will start by exploring the floodplain of Bull Creek and the Saxtons River, including a field with uneven footing and some wet areas in both sun and shade. Then we will move to the forested Bemis Hill trail, which includes steep portions and some wet areas. Bring snacks or a bag lunch – we’ll be moving slowly and there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery and a bite to eat