Spring is in the air and it's time to get back outside! Last week, I visited the beautiful Adam's Camp, Long Winter (Kaiser) Farm, and Page Forest. Since I am still new to Stowe Land Trust, I have been spending a lot of time visiting SLT owned properties, and other land where SLT holds easements.
Last Wednesday, April 17th, I visited <link conserved properties adamscamp>Adam's Camp. Located in western portion of Stowe adjacent to Mt. Mansfield State Forest and the conserved <link conserved properties trappfamilylodge>Trapp Family Forest property. Although it was still chilly, the sun was out and the sky was clear! It felt like spring was finally in the air, as I saw some buds coming out and birds singing. I saw and identified some trees, lichen, fungi, and birds! On my way to the easement, I saw a willow tree with its felt-like buds. The highlight of the day was seeing two Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. The beautiful red head and the yellow belly caught my eye, as I heard them drumming high up in the trees.
On Friday, April 19th, the SLT office went and visited <link conserved properties kaiserfarm>Long Winter (Kaiser) Farm on Nebraska Valley Road. I had the awesome opportunity to meet Annie, Andrew, their dog Waffles, and take a tour of their farm. They have a beautiful farm and are getting ready for a busy summer. Be sure to check them out! For more information, visit their page here.
That afternoon, SLT's Conservation Program Coordinator, Elisabeth, and I went on a walk to <link conserved properties pageforest>Page Forest. It was a real Vermont spring day, as the weather was warm, but the snow was still deep and we needed to wear snowshoes for our hike! We spent the afternoon identifying trees, lichen, fungi, and birds and ended with a great stop at Peak-a-View. At the top, I heard a Red-eyed Vireo and a Warbling Vireo -- some of my favorite singers in the forest!
This summer, it is my goal to add as many observations to the new Summer Naturalist iNaturalist page as possible! It's been exciting as Vermont Center for Ecostudies has added our observations to their iNaturalist project the Vermont Atlas of Life. In addition, we will be using the iNaturalist page for other SLT projects with the Stowe Community.
Keep on the look out for more iNaturalist posts, and enjoy this warm weather!