Upstream of Northfield Center, and across the river from Norwich University, the Zuaro property is mostly productive hay fields bordering the Dog River, a state-renowned brown trout fishery. A small section of the protected property supports a White Pine and Hemlock forest. Before protection by Vermont River Conservancy, the rest of the property was mowed up to the river’s edge. Since placing a River Corridor Easement on the property, woody vegetation has grown along the river, providing bank stabilization and cooling the water of the Dog River. In addition, it improves the property’s floodplain value to the Village of Northfield, by allowing water to slow and spread out instead of barrelling into town during flood events. The banks of the river have sections of sand and gravel deposits, and the Dog River supports a good biodiversity of macro-invertebrate populations, welcoming anglers and trout alike.
