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Words in the Woods: Monica Ferrell at Lake Shaftsbury State Park

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Hear Monica read her nature-themed poetry lakeside at beautiful Lake Shaftsbury State Park. 

Monica Ferrell is the author of a novel and two books of poetry, most recently the collection You Darling Thing, which was a finalist for the Kingsley Tufts Award and the Believer Book Award. She has taught fiction and poetry for the MFA programs at Columbia University and Bennington College, and is Professor of Creative Writing at Purchase College (SUNY).

More info: https://www.vermonthumanities.org/event/monica-ferrell-words-in-the-woods/

 

First Day Hike at Niquette Bay State Park

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Niquette Bay State Park

Guide Name: Tom Prendergast, Vermont State Park Manager

To register or for more information: tomprendergast23@gmail.com

Meeting time: 10:00am

Meeting location: Meet at trailhead kiosk at Niquette Bay State Park, 274 Raymond Road, Colchester, 05446

Hike Description: This is a moderate hike that takes about two hours. The loop is rolling/rocky and often icy, highest elevation gain is around 420 feet, and total elevation gain for the hike will be roughly 6-700 feet Pack microspikes and trekking poles, wet weather gear, and water/snacks.

Niquette Bay State Park

First Day Hike at Woodford State Park

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Woodford State Park

Guide Name: Brendan McKenna, Vermont State Park Staff

To register or for more information: bmckennavt@gmail.com

Meeting location: Park in the plowed winter parking lot across Route 9 from the Woodford State Park entrance and meet at the park entrance gate located at 142 State Park Road, Bennington, VT 05201

Meeting Time: 9:00 am

Hike Description: This easy/moderate hike is 3 miles and circumnavigates beautiful Adams Reservoir in the high elevation Woodford State Park. This hike should take about two hours, depending on conditions. Snowshoes and/or traction aids will be required depending on conditions.

Woodford State Park

First Day Hike at Round Pond State Park

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Round Pond State Park

Guide Names: Guy Maguire, Programs Director, South Hero Land Trust

To register or for more information: Visit the South Hero Land Trust Website

Meeting Location: 27 East Shore Road, South Hero, Vermont

Meeting time: 9:30 am

Hike description: Join South Hero Land Trust staff and volunteers at Round Pond State Park for a casual walk through the meadows and woods as we make our way down to celebrate the New Year on the beautiful Lake Champlain shoreline. This family friendly hike is about 1.3 miles round trip, relatively flat, with one short steep section to get down to the beach (optional detour is available).  If there is enough snow, snowshoes can be handy, but are usually not necessary. Similarly, if the conditions are icy, micro spikes, yaktrax or other traction devices can be helpful.

First Day Hike at Groton State Forest

Park events

Owl’s Head Mountain, Groton State Forest

Guide Name: Walter Opuszynski, Forest Recreation Specialist, VT Dept of Forests, Parks & Recreation

To register or for more information: walter.opuszynski@vermont.gov

Meeting time: 1:00 pm

Meeting Location: Route 232, gated area near Lanesboro Rd. Groton, VT 05046

Hike Description: Moderate, up and down hike geared towards families with young children. Road to the shelter: ¾ mile with 350 feet elevation gain. Trail to the top of the mountain: 1,500 feet with 100 feet of elevation gain. 1 hour+

New Discovery State Park

First Day Hike at Mount Worcester

Park events

Mount Worcester, C.C. Putnam State Forest

Guide Name: Rick Dyer, AMP Forester, VT Dept of Forests, Parks & Recreation

To register or for more information: rick.dyer@vermont.gov

Meeting Location: Meet at trailhead. From Worcester Village (0.0 mi). Left on Minister Brook Rd. Right at four corners on Hampshire Hill Rd.(1.5 mi.). Continue straight, bearing left on Mountain Rd.(4.0 mi.) to trail parking (4.1 mi.).

Hike Description: This is a moderate hike. Snowshoes and traction aids are required. It is approximately 2.5 miles round trip. During the hike, we will explore and discuss the forest surrounding Hancock Brook and some of its major tributaries. Contact the hike leader for meeting time and to register. The group size is limited.

First Day Hike on the Appalachian Trail

Park events

Happy Hill Shelter on the Appalachian Trail

Guide Names: Kathy Astrauckas and Bob Hagen, Upper Valley Ottauquechee Section of GMC

To register or for more information: 802-785-4311, email: kabh@myfairpoint.net

Meeting Location: Norwich, VT

Hike description: Moderate hike. A.T.  Loop with Cossingham Road, Norwich, VT, to Happy Hill Shelter. Lovely woods, lots of short ups & downs.  ~ 4 mi., 800' elev. gain.  Moderate.  Conditions will determine what type of footgear is required (snowshoes or microspikes).  Contact leaders for meeting time and place.

First Day Hike at Mount Mansfield State Forest

Park events

Butler Lodge, Mount Mansfield State Forest

Guide Name: David Hathaway, Green Mountain Club Burlington Section

To register or for more information: david.hathaway.78@gmail.com

Meeting Location: Butler Lodge Trailhead, Stevensville Road, Underhill, VT 05489

Hike Description: Snowshoes required, 4.1 miles, 1600' elevation gain. Group size limit 10.

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