Posted May 15, 2012
$800,000 Grant Awarded for Bolton Campaign
Great news from the campaign to save 1,161 acres of Bolton Valley Nordic and Backcountry land! The Vermont Housing and Conservation Board has just awarded an $800,000, 3-year grant toward the project. Their decision is a fantastic demonstration of the support the project has garnered, both from individuals near and far as well as from the State of Vermont. We still need to raise $1,050,000 from the public, but the VHCB grant means we're a lot closer to making this project a reality! Visit our campaign page. Get involved or make a contribution!
Posted April 25, 2012
Fairfield Farmland Conserved, Dairy and Beef Operation Expanded
Two Fairfield farming families conserved a total of 227 acres to protect the land from future development and to make it more affordable to an expanding dairy and beef operation. Read more.
Posted April 16, 2012
House and Land for Sale in Starksboro
The generosity of a long-time VLT supporter has resulted in us owning a spectacular property in Starksboro. We are now selling this 5-bedroom house and 260 acres of well-managed forestland subject to conservation restrictions. Learn more.
Posted March 15, 2012
Delaney Farm and Forestland Conserved!
We are celebrating the culmination of a multi-year project to protect and revitalize a historic farm, secure public access to Lake St. Catherine, improve water quality, and create a town forest. Hundreds of Wells residents helped make this conservation project possible. Read more.
Posted March 9, 2012
Save Bolton Valley Nordic and Backcountry
In February of 2011, the public learned that the majority of the Bolton Valley Nordic and backcountry trails were to be sold to a private individual and that public access to the land would be lost. The community mobilized and now the Vermont Land Trust signed a contract to purchase the 1,161 acres that host the Bolton Valley Nordic and backcountry trails (read press release). This is truly a unique opportunity for Vermont to protect this land as an addition to Mt. Mansfield State Forest. Get involved!
Posted March 2, 2012
Wolcott Neighbors Protect Land Around Bear Swamp
In the span of a couple months, two Wolcott landowners permanently conserved their properties. Both properties, one a small working farm, the other a managed woodlot, have something else in common: the conservation of these parcels will enhance protection of Bear Swamp and Tamarack Brook. Read more.
Posted February 24, 2012
Thank you!
A big thank you to everyone who helped with the Vermont Housing and Conservation Coalition Legislative Day! We estimate that 200 supporters came to the State House to listen, learn and testify before legislative committees about the impact of public funding for housing and conservation.
Posted January 30, 2012
Conservation of 486-acre property is Vermont Land Trust’s first project in Waterford
Waterford -- Cynthia Rankin and Geoffrey O’Brien donated a conservation easement on 486 acres of woodland located across from their home in Waterford. Learn more.
Posted January 12, 2012
Blue Heron Update: Success and a CSA Winner!
We have met our campaign goal of $80,000 toward conserving the Blue Heron farm in Grand Isle! Thank you to everyone who helped out. (We are still accepting donations for project and stewardship costs.) Thanks to everyone who donated $100 or more in time for the CSA drawing. The winners are Jill Williams and Bill Truex! Congratulations! Learn more about the project or donate.
Posted January 4, 2011
Neighborhood Bands Together to Save Ferrisburgh Farmland
In an amazing community effort, 91 acres of farmland in Ferrisburgh were purchased at auction by a group of neighbors so that the land could be conserved and sold at an affordable price to a neighboring farmer. Read more.
Posted December 30, 2011
Couple Continues Conservation Tradition in Rupert
It's not just breached calves, lame horses and injured dogs that the Gene and Jean Ceglowski have cared for; they also have been caregivers for the land. This week they conserved 92 acres of farmland with the Vermont Land Trust. Read more.
Posted December 23, 2011
Whitingham Christmas Tree Farm Conserved
Neighbors and friends who purchase their Christmas trees at Don and Betsy McKinley's will find a present under the tree: the gift of conserved land. Read more.
Posted December 19, 2011
Gibb Family Carries on Conservation Tradition
The Gibb family's deep commitment to conservation has spanned several generations. With the conservation of 80 acres of land alongside Snake Mountain this November, the family completed the final step in a conservation effort that began nearly 25 years ago. Read more.
Posted December 15, 2011
Our 2010-11 Annual Report is Online!
Read about the 49 properties that were conserved this past year: 28 farms, forestland, natural areas and more. We call out several projects for more in-depth storytelling and have posted great photos! Visit our annual report page.
Posted December 10, 2011
Farmers Buy and Conserve Wolcott Farmland
Gwyneth Harris and Neal McNaughten conserved 93 acres of farmland. experienced farmers who moved their farm from Maine to Wolcott in 2010 so that they could be a part of Vermont's vibrant local food economy. Learn more.
Posted December 2, 2011
VLT Proposes Legislation on Amending Conservation Easements
When a landowner and a land trust enter into an agreement that places a permanent conservation easement on the land, their intention is that the restrictions in the easement will last forever. But what happens when circumstances occur that the parties could not possibly have anticipated when the land was originally conserved? Learn more.
Posted November 15, 2011
The Ten Percent Solution
If Vermonters can buy just one-tenth of their food from local farms, the result would be scores of new jobs, increased profits, and a quiet revolution in economic independence. Read full article.
Posted November 14, 2011
To Dig or Not to Dig (PDF)
As the immediate crisis of the flood following Tropical Storm Irene lessens, growing public debate about gravel mining our State's rivers has emerged. Some suggest gravel mining and armoring our rivers is necessary.while other strongly caution against the removal of sediment from the rivers. What is the best way forward? Read full article (PDF).
Posted November 2, 2011
VLT is Applying for National Accreditation
The Vermont Land Trust is pleased to announce that it is applying to a national land trust accreditation program administered by the Land Trust Alliance. A public comment period is now open. Learn more.
Posted September 27, 2011
Invasive Insects: Achilles heels of the northern forest
Collectively, the hemlock woolly adelgid, the emerald ash borer, and the Asian longhorned beetle threaten to damage and forever change the forests of Vermont. Read more.
