Face the River: Southeast Vermont
For more than 250 years, Vermont rivers have been subject to use and abuse – meandering waterways forced into straight-line channels, currents burdened with trash and effluent, and fish passage cut short by hundreds of (now aging) dams.
Today, the effects of these historic patterns linger as visible barriers to vibrant communities. Lowland forests and wetlands that once served as floodplains have been cleared or developed and no longer slow a rivers’ current, setting fast-moving water on a crash-course into homes and businesses. In town and village centers, channelized rivers rush alongside roads, hemmed in by rip-rap with no room to meander. Downtown rivers are lined with busy roads, parking lots, and railroad tracks instead of walking paths, outdoor cafes, and songbird-filled green spaces. And in the farthest headwaters, lands stripped of trees and topsoil a century ago still lack the swales and wetlands that could provide high quality wildlife habitat and essential filtration to keep communities’ water clean.
In the midst of a changing climate, Vermont is already experiencing increased drought and increased flooding. Every model predicts that these trends will continue – making rivers essential to mitigating the impacts of climate change.
We’re connecting with people across southeast Vermont, leading volunteer activities, field walks, art workshops, and community conversations to ask: How could our communities turn to Face the River?
Upcoming Southeast Vermont Workshops, Events, and Volunteer Days
Dover: Reading the River, A Poetry Workshop
At Dover Free Library, on April 11th from 12-2 pm, read and reflect on river-themed poetry with Vermont River Conservancy.
Wilmington: Reading the River Poetry Workshop
At Wilmington's Pettee Memorial Library, on April 4th from 4-6 pm, read and reflect on river-themed poetry with Vermont River Conservancy.
Brattleboro: Reading the River, Poetry Workshop Series
At Brattleboro's Brooks Memorial Library, on Tuesdays between 3/26 and 4/23 from 12-2 pm, read and reflect on river-themed poetry with Vermont River Conservancy.
Past Southeast Vermont Workshops, Events, and Volunteer Days
Perspectives on River Restoration
In September of 2023, a group gathered to hear from Judy Dow, founder of Gedakina, about river and floodplain restoration.
Practicing Mindfulness
In October, a group of community members gathered to learn about metaphorical floodplains with author and educator, Peter Gould.
Observing Macroinvertebrates
In October, a group of people donned waders and bug nets to gather and identify macroinvertebrates along the Green River in Guilford.
Make it Happen!
Give today to make sure every Vermont town can access its local river.
Featured Projects
Montpelier's Riverfront
Vermont’s capital is a river city, with four rivers meeting downtown. When we asked people what future they’d like to see for these rivers, responses were nearly unanimous: riverfront parks and cafes, access for splashing, tubing, and paddling, and fewer dams. Now, we’re working to make that dream a reality.
Restored Wetlands
Bookending North Troy recreation fields, the wastewater treatment plant, and a hydro dam, we’re working to protect two parcels on the Missisquoi River. Farmed years ago, the land is reverting back to wetlands, and offering an opportunity to convert low-value farmland to high-value wetland.
Woodbury Mountain Preserve
We're partnering with Northeast Wilderness Trust to protect 6,000 acres at the headwaters of the North Branch of the Winooski River. It's a once in a lifetime chance to give our rivers (and generations to come) the gift of old forests and freshwater streams.