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

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/

 

Hike at Lowell Lake State Park

Did you miss our First Day Hike events on January 1st? 

Get a second chance at a First Day Hike by joining us on February 2nd for a guided hike at Lowell Lake State Park!

February 2nd is also Groundhog Day, which is the midpoint of winter and a fine time to celebrate with a hike in nature. 

Join Park Managers Ellie and Mike for this guided hike of Lowell Lake, which is a beautiful, minimally developed park in Londonderry. The trail is a loop of approximately 3.5 miles, which completely encircles Lowell Lake. Trail highlights include a Revolutionary War-era cemetery, stands of large white pine trees, and scenic views of the lake and wetlands. The trail is located on relatively flat terrain and the hike is of moderate difficulty. Traction aids or snowshoes may be required depending on conditions. 

Please register ahead of time by emailing Ellie: elliedingdong@gmail.com 

Meet at the park at 260 Ice House Road, Londonderry, VT 05148

February 2nd at 10:30am

First Day Hike at Spruce Mountain

Spruce Mountain, LR Jones State Forest

Guide Name: Dana Lawrence and Nancy Thomas, Green Mountain Club Montpelier Section Volunteers

To register or for more information: hikeski51@gmail.com  

Meeting time: 10:00am

Meeting location: Spruce Mountain Trailhead, 681 Spruce Mountain Rd, Plainfield, VT 05667

Hike description: This moderate to advanced 4.5 mile (round trip) hike summits Spruce Mountain with a 1,164 foot elevation gain. There is a fire tower located on the summit with expansive 365 degree views. Traction aids and snowshoes are required depending on conditions.

First Day Hike at Groton State Forest

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: 1:00pm

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+

First Day Hike at Barre Town Forest

Millstone Trails, Barre Town Forest

Guide Name: Kaley Grenier, Vermont State Parks, Call Center Representative

To register or for more information: kaley.grenier@vermont.gov

Meeting location: 44 Brook Street, Websterville, VT

Meeting time: 11:00am

Hike description: This approximately 2.5 mile family friendly, easy hike follows groomed trails through Barre Town Forest. Bring the whole family to explore the winter world in this beautiful forest featuring historic granite quarries, abandoned for over 100 years. This hike is in partnership with the Millstone Trails Association, who generously maintains the over 20 miles of trails in the forest. Trails are groomed and depending on conditions, snowshoes or traction aids may be required.

First Day Hike on the Appalachian Trail

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 05055

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 Colchester Causeway

Colchester Causeway

Guide Name: Patrick Dattilio, Vermont State Parks, Parks Regional Facility & Project Manager

To register or for more information: Patrick.Dattilio@vermont.gov

Meeting location: Causeway Park, 781 Blakely Rd, Colchester, VT 05446

Meeting time: 8:00am

Hike description: Kick off the New Year with a hike across Lake Champlain on the Colchester Causeway. This easy, family friendly hike will start from Causeway Park and head out onto the causeway, all the way out to the opening and back to Causeway Park. Round trip is about two hours. There is no elevation gain, and this hike can be done with hiking boots or other water resistant/proof footwear. Traction aids will be helpful if conditions are icy.

First Day Hike at Mount Mansfield State Forest

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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