5/1 (Sun) Paddle the LaPlatte River Marsh Natural Area
According to records, this is the week the lake level is at its maximum (about 99′.) We will take advantage of the high water to paddle up into the Laplatte River Natural Area in Shelburne (a Nature Conservancy habitat.) Length and duration to be determined by group but bring lunch. This unique river shore area is a habitat for migratory waterfowl, beavers, etc. (The Laplatte ultimately runs 16 miles from Lake Iroquois to Lake Champlain.) The lake shore area can flood when the lake level rises so this is hopefully the best time to go, as one can paddle through stands of Maple and Willow if conditions are right. Easy paddle. Contact leader by 4/30. Ted Albers, ted@ted-albers.net.
5/7 (Sat) Spring Trail Work
Help clear the Long Trail (and some side trails). Bring work gloves, lunch, water. Tools provided or bring your own. Meet at UVM visitor’s lot at 8am or Richmond Park & Ride (Exit 11) at 8:30am. Moderate work trip. Slow-Moderate pace. 4-10 miles. 1000-2000′ elevation gain. Pam Gillis, 879-1457 or gillis1986@gmail.com. John Sharp, 862-3941.
5/8 (Sun) Colchester Pond
Join us to walk the 3.25 miles around Colchester Pond. Expect some hills and a moderate pace. Trails cross through farm fields, woods, old pasture, wetlands and rocky ledges. A gorgeous pond is nestled amongst rolling hills. We’ll be out approx. 2 hours. Wear proper footwear for muddy conditions. Dogs are welcome. Easy walk/snowshoe. 3.25 miles. Group limit 15. Contact leader by 5/7. Nancy Hankey, vtgardener1@myfairpoint.net.
5/14 (Sat) Spring Trail Work
Help clear the Long Trail (and some side trails). Bring work gloves, lunch, water. Tools provided or bring your own. Meet at UVM visitor’s lot at 8am or Richmond Park & Ride (Exit 11) at 8:30am. Moderate work trip. Slow-Moderate pace. 4-10 miles. 1000-2000′ elevation gain. Pam Gillis, 879-1457 or gillis1986@gmail.com. John Sharp, 862-3941.
5/15 (Sun) Easy Snake Mountain hike for Beginners, Kids, Dogs
One of the easiest rewarding wilderness summits in VT, Snake Mountain offers an interesting history, open views, a unique natural lake close to the summit and easy walking along an old carriage road. All ages and fitness levels are welcome to join. Easy hike. Moderate pace. 3.6 miles. 900′ elevation gain. Wolfgang Hokenmaier, 343-8175 or wolfgang.hokenmaier@gmail.com.
5/21 (Sat) Spring Trail Work
Help clear the Long Trail (and some side trails). Bring work gloves, lunch, water. Tools provided or bring your own. Meet at UVM visitor’s lot at 8am or Richmond Park & Ride (Exit 11) at 8:30am. Moderate work trip. Slow-Moderate pace. 4-10 miles. 1000-2000′ elevation gain. Pam Gillis, 879-1457 or gillis1986@gmail.com. John Sharp, 862-3941.
5/22 (Sun) Arrowhead Lake paddle
Join us to kayak to the dam on Arrowhead Mtn. Lake in Milton/Georgia. We’ll be out approx. 3 hours. PFD required. No boat rentals available at this location. Bring a lunch and water. Easy paddle. Group limit 10. Contact leader by 5/20. Nancy Hankey, vtgardener1@myfairpoint.net.
5/22 (Sun) Ride the Islands
We will meet at the Folsom School in South Hero, ride along the lake on West Shore Road (gravel), cross the bridge for lunch in North Hero, then turn south back to the school. No dogs, please. Rain cancels. Difficulty depends on the wind, otherwise relatively flat at a flawed-human-powered pace. 45 miles. Group limit 10. Mary Lou Recor, 660-2834 or mlrecor@myfairpoint.net.
5/28 (Sat) Spring Trail Work
Help clear the Long Trail (and some side trails). Bring work gloves, lunch, water. Tools provided or bring your own. Meet at UVM visitor’s lot at 8am or Richmond Park & Ride (Exit 11) at 8:30am. Moderate work trip. Slow-Moderate pace. 4-10 miles. 1000-2000′ elevation gain. Pam Gillis, 879-1457 or gillis1986@gmail.com. John Sharp, 862-3941.
5/29 (Sun) Carse Wetlands and/or Hinesburg Town Forest
Lets explore UVM’s newest natural area with new trails and a nearby historical Town Forest. Moderate hike. Moderate pace. 6 miles. 500′ elevation gain. Group limit 10. Contact leader by 5/20. Adam Heckle, aheckle@uvm.edu or 233-8091.
5/30 (Mon) Camels Hump west loop
The hike will begin at the Burrows Trail head and follow the Connector Trail to Forest City Trail joining the Long Trail to the summit. We’ll follow the Burrows Trail back to the trail head. Difficult hike. Moderate pace. 5.8 miles. 2400′ elevation gain. Max Seaton, 999-3945 or maxyseaton@yahoo.com.
