News

Man fly fishing in Vermont

Water Wins: Conservation Projects Help Brook Trout

June 5, 2023

As spring turns to summer and the sun’s rays beat down, it’s tempting to relish afternoons splashing in warm waters – comfortable for an afternoon dip, but life threatening for wildlife. The eastern wild brook trout thrives in water up to 65° and can tolerate a few degrees more. 75° kills. This spring, we finished three projects to create a brighter future for brook trout – places where these speckled fish can count on cooler waters year-round.

Meet Amanda Garland, VRC's 2023 River Steward

Meet our 2023 River Steward: a new friendly face out in the field

June 2, 2023

Meet our 2023 River Steward! Summer is a busy season for us here at Vermont River Conservancy. Amanda will be a friendly face out in the field, helping us get all of the important work done on the ground.

Spring songbird along the Poultney River.

Reflections: Spring Co-Director Update

May 25, 2023

Dream up your favorite sign of spring, and you dream of waters: wetlands welcoming back a kaleidoscope of songbirds, miniature frogs raising giant voices into the night, starbright petals balanced atop wet-footed greens, and furled ferns stretching towards light. Hear how our growing team is working to protect the special places these plants and wildlife love.

Visitor at a Vermont swimming hole stands above Terrill Gorge in Morristown, VT.

Bienvenidos a Vermont’s Swimming Holes

May 20, 2023

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.

Remy Cretol, Erin De Vries, Hayley Kolding, and Mike Kline on the Wild Branch River in Wolcott, VT.

Welcome back, Mike Kline!

April 24, 2023

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.

 One species to look for this time of year is the Canada Goose, who lay their eggs between April and May and often nest along the river banks.

New Life on the River: Vermont’s Spring Waterfowl

April 19, 2023

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.

Keep your eyes out for the white clouds of Shadbush blossoms along the rivers and roadsides this spring!

April Showers Bring… Shadbush Flowers

April 12, 2023

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.

Icicles cling to a rocky outcropping in an area that will soon be added to Camel's Hump State Park.

Camel’s Hump is Growing

March 28, 2023

In just a few weeks Camel's Hump State Park will be 68-acres bigger thanks to Vermont River Conservancy and Duxbury Land Trust. Get a sneak peek via this wintery photo tour.

Remy Crettol, Hayley Kolding, and Erin De Vries outside the State House and excited to attend VHCC Legislative Day.

Vermont River Conservancy Attends VHCC Legislative Day

March 7, 2023

Vermont River Conservancy joined a confluence of conservation and housing partners at the Vermont State House for the 35th birthday of our longtime and supportive partner, the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB). Conservation Director Erin testified to the critical role that VHCB plays in our acquisition, protection, and public access projects.

Remy Crettol with his dog in front of a waterfall.

Three’s a Team

February 15, 2023

New staff Remy Crettol and Hayley Kolding joined VRC today, creating a 3-person conservation team for the first time in our organization's decades-long history, and multiplying our impact for Vermont's rivers.

Nulhegan Pond wetland in Brighton, VT.

Protected! Nulhegan Wetland

December 23, 2022

We couldn't close out 2022 without protecting one more amazing place: a vibrant 13-acre wetland in Brighton. And with your help, we'll protect even more places like this in 2023.  

Fall foliage along the wetlands at Woodbury Mountain Preserve.

Meet Our New Administrative Assistant

December 19, 2022

We continue to ride the energy of new beginnings as we move into the new year. Our team is growing! We will have several new faces to introduce to you in the coming months. Let's start by introducing our new Administrative Assistant, Alaya Morning.

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