Stowe Land Trust released its summer events calendar today. From knee-high naturalists to curious adults, SLT’s summer activities have something for everyone.
Sarah Soderbergh, was hired as SLT’s first Summer Naturalist thanks to Bowie and Helen Duncan, friends of Stowe Land Trust. She has been hard at work developing scavenger hunts like Letterbox, scouting out nature walks, trail work days and other activities to offer an enhanced experience for visitors to conserved land. These programs will be added to SLT’s already very popular board member led monthly outings.
“By hiring a Summer Naturalist, SLT is able to offer the community a much richer experience on conserved lands,” explained Executive Director, Heather Furman. “SLT is very fortunate to have friends like Bowie and Helen that value conserved land and recognize the long-term benefits of connecting people with nature.”
SLT hopes to engage youth in the spirit of community engagement and the values of land conservation while also providing members of the community with a fun and enriching experience. The following are just the beginning of outings and activities that SLT will be hosting this summer.
Mill Trail Open House
Fridays from July 19 – October 11, 2013
Mill Trail Property, Notchbrook Road
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Mill Trail, a conserved property with historic camps and trails to Bingham Falls is an exciting place for people to visit. Each Friday, from July to October, SLT’s Summer Naturalist will be on hand to answer questions about the history of the buildings and property as well as to talk about the plants and wildlife at Mill Trail. Field guides and other informational material will also be available for visitors. Currently under restoration, the Mill Trail Cabin is a special building well worth a visit by young and old alike.
Treasure Trails
Fridays from July 19 – October 11, 2013
Mill Trail Property, Notchbrook Road
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Head out on the Treasure Trails with friends and family to go on an eco-adventure at Mill Trail. Players are given a map of the area, a first clue and a “passport” to lead them to the final treasure! The scavenger hunt route is roughly ½ mile and is appropriate for ages 5 – 14 accompanied by an adult and for older age groups as well. This activity should take between 1 to 1.5 hours.
Milling Around
Fridays from July 19 – October 11, 2013
Mill Trail Property, Notchbrook Road
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Discover the history and mystery of Mill Trail on a guided walk of the conserved property with Stowe Land Trust’s Summer Naturalist. Visitors will learn about the expansive history of the property from butter tub mills to summer camps and sheep farming in between. Information about the property will be available for visitors, and an ecological perspective of the area and its conservation will round out the program. Expect discussions about land use, how tourism has affected the Stowe area, and methods for mediating animal habitat, as well as some fungi foraging and birding. This guided walk is great for ages 10 and above.
Stowe Farmer’s Market
Sunday, July 28, 2013
10:30 am – 3 pm
Stowe Land Trust will be at the Stowe Farmer’s Market on July 28th for Youth Day! Visit SLT’s booth to participate in fun nature activities for you and your family. Take home a scavenger hunt map and “passport” for your next visit to Mill Trail.
Morristown Bog Walk
Saturday, August 17, 2013
9:00 am - Noon
Gray Farm Rd, Morristown
Learn about the unique natural communities that make up a bog environment on the conserved Valcour property. Be sure to bring a snack and wear sturdy shoes as you will be walking along a farm field to the Morristown Bog. Visit www.stowelandtrust.org for directions to this outing.
With so many fun and exciting ways to enjoy summer in Vermont, Stowe Land Trust invites you to join them on one of many outings and activities planned for the season. Contact Stowe Land Trust for more information about any of these activities by calling 802.253.7221, email info@stowelandtrust.org or stop by our office at 699 South Main Street in the Lower Village.