Neighbors and community groups leading local fundraising initiatives undertake many of VLT's most visible projects. These initiatives are always significant because they strongly reflect the values and vision of the community. Without the support and involvement of local people, these lands could not have been conserved. | | | The Brattleboro Area Farmers’ Market
For 30 years, the Brattleboro Area Farmers’ Market has been selling fresh produce and other local items to southeastern Vermonters. What started with two farmers has now expanded to 50 vendors. With this success came the challenge of running a market on three parcels of land without a long-term lease in a city with limited parking facilities. In response, the market and VLT joined forces to fundraise for the purchase of an adjacent 1.2-acre lot. This small piece of land is allowing the market to expand substantially, helping area farmers sell their products and residents to further enjoy healthy, local food. |  |  |
Farm and Community in Hinesburg
The first Russell came to Hinesburg in 1795. Today, the Russell Farm is central to the Hinesburg community. That's why it rallied to conserve the farm's 68 acres of forestland and pasture. The conservation easement gives the people of Hinesburg a network of trails, accessible from the town center, and the ability to participate in a local sugaring operation "I don't think our farm alone is bringing this community together, but we're a piece of a bigger collage this is," says Joe Russell. "As more farms like this one succeed, the less they are seen as a return to the past and the more they become our future." | Land for Recreation and Wildlife
The Mad River Valley community mobilized to protect 72-acres in Fayston where two popular trails — the Millbrook Trail and the Catamount Trail — converge. These trails are used by cross-country skiers, snowshoers, bicycle riders, and hikers of all ages. The land is an important link in wildlife travel corridors between Camel’s Hump State Forest and forestland to the west. Additionally, the property has 3,400 feet of frontage on Chase Brook and contains a large deeryard. |  |  | Let it Snow in Underhill
With Mt. Mansfield as a backdrop, Casey’s Hill has been the first choice for sledding in Underhill for generations. When landowner Carolyn Gregson indicated she needed to sell the eight-acre hill, the Jericho-Underhill Land Trust and VLT sprang into action, teaming up with the town and hundreds of local donors to acquire land that had previously been leased for public use for a dollar a year. Adjoining landowner Patrick Ovitt, a grandson of the Casey whose name is now associated with the property, and his wife, Coral, agreed to sell conservation covenants on just over an acre of their land to ensure that the recreational and scenic character of Casey’s Hill remained intact in perpetuity. |
Scenic Meadow in Manchester Protected
Ivan Beattie, the George Shinn family, the Manchester Community Land Trust, and many, many local donors made possible the conservation of 74 acres of scenic hayfields that have been historically used by Manchester residents for walking, cross-country skiing, and sledding. The meadow has excellent agricultural soil and provides forage for Beattie's well-known horse breeding farm. |  |
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