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The Valley Reporter – Vermont ecologist advocates for rewilding forests and lawns

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The Valley Reporter – Vermont ecologist advocates for rewilding forests and lawns


“Does anybody recognize this seed?” ecologist Shelby Perry asked the audience, pointing to an image projected on the wall of the Mad River Valley Arts (MRVA) gallery last Thursday, April 18. “It’s a tough one.”

 

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It was the seed of an American chestnut tree – a spiny burr that moves around by hooking itself onto mammals’ coats. When found, these seeds are often sterile due to lack of fertilization, Perry said. In the early 20th century, a blight fungus nearly wiped out the entire population.

Perry, an ecologist with the Northeast Wilderness Trust, shared a trove of knowledge about trees in her lecture “Trees and Rewilding” – an event that wraps up the MRVA exhibition “RISE: Trees, Our Botanical Giants.” The show features artworks made primarily from wood, or those that take up more conceptual aspect of trees and forests. It comes down on Friday, April 26.

Perry used field recordings and other bits of audio in her presentation – peepers, chickadees, and the soundscape of a shaded summer forest. She described the intricacies of tree development across the seasons, focusing on the present moment – spring.

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It’s a period of re-awakening, of seeds moving, of flowering tree tops, and the birth of baby animals, she said. The audience looked at an image of the flowering tips of a red maple tree.

Perry suggested collecting the budding branches in winter, putting them in a vase of water, and waiting for the buds – either leaves or flowers – to open. “I’ve brought home a lot of red maple twigs,” she said, “and I love it when the flowers open in January and February, when everything is white and I need to see a little taste of spring.”

As for why the leaves are red, Perry said the latest theory argues that the color is a product of a chemical acting as sunscreen for the foliage, which doesn’t yet have the chlorophyll needed to absorb the sun’s energy.

 


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Perry spoke about species that thrive on the ground, alongside trees – wild flowers like Spring Beauty, Trout Lily and Blood Root. As “spring ephemerals,” Perry said, “their whole life cycle is about taking advantage of this moment, right now, before all the leaves come out, and there’s a bunch of sunlight reaching the forest floor.”

Some of these species are in critical partnership with ants, she said. Their seeds have a sugary coating, with ants hauling them to their sandy ant hills, where they germinate and grow from inside.

Perry pulled up an image of the bright orange Eastern newt – a creature that wanders the forest floor for up to a decade in “their Kurt Vonnegut phase,” she said – and the Honeycomb Coral Slime Mold, “single-celled organisms that are essentially a giant bag of nucleuses, that ooze around on the forest floor…then fruit on rotting logs and woods.”

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Perry concluded her talk by speaking briefly on the concept of “rewilding” – a form of ecological restoration that aims to restore natural processes, reducing human influence on ecosystems. The Northeast Wilderness Trust is involved in a more passive form of this. They purchase and protect land, leaving it alone and letting natural processes play out. “For me, it feels like an act of humility,” Perry said. “It’s about saying ‘we don’t know what’s best,’ so we can let some places decide for themselves.”

Most of what we know about trees is based on observations from 50-80 year-old forests, she said, with only 3.3% of New England forests currently being rewilded.

Rewilding take a long time, “but somebody has to start the clock somewhere,” she said. Thinking on a small scale, landowners can rewild parts of their land by letting the edges of their property get brush-y and thick. They can also mow paths in their lawn instead of the whole area, letting native species repopulate. It might not seem like much, but Perry said that even letting a half-acre grow wild would be building a home for a ton of really small organisms like frogs, fireflies and slime molds.

“Any place you can just reign in that manicuring a little bit, is a little bit of rewilding, and it’s at a scale that’s beneficial to the small things that fit in that place.”

This year, MRVA’s mission is to host exhibitions and events that show the intersection of art and the environment. The next show, “ALOFT: Birds, Insects and Aerial Phenomena” opens on May 2.

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8 of the Most Charming Small Towns to Visit in Vermont

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8 of the Most Charming Small Towns to Visit in Vermont


In the New England region of Northeast America lies a landlocked state, also dubbed the Green Mountain State, popular for the forests that corner it, the mountainous terrain that includes the famous Green Mountains, and its much-respected maple syrup.

Known for its liberal politics, Vermont also happens to be the second least populous state in the United States of America. This state is a regular tourist spot as thousands of people from different parts of the world throng in, especially during fall, to witness its fall foliage.

The natural landscape of Vermont is an immersive and exciting experience for tourists. This state’s small size and population make it the ideal vacation destination, as you can enjoy the charm and idyllic nature of the town. If you want to visit Vermont for leisure, then you should check out these eight charming towns that will make your holiday worthwhile.

Waitsfield

Aerial View of Waitsfield, Vermont, and the Mad River along Scenic Route 100 in Autumn.

Situated along the Mad River Valley, which provides water power for the town’s mills, Waitsfield was created in February 1782 by a small Vermont charter and later named after General Benjamin Wait. Waitsfield has since evolved from an agrarian town to being a desired tourist destination popularly known for its ski resorts.

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For an unforgettable experience, you have to begin at Mad River Glen, which has one of the most unique and challenging ski experiences in the East. The town is really invested in skiing, and you would meet most of the locals there.

You could also experience the arts and culture scene in Waitsfield at the Big Picture Theater and Cafe and the Mad River Glass Gallery. For the best hiking and biking experience, you should pay a visit to the Mad River Path, as it has a network of trails that you would not find anywhere in the country.

Bennington

Downtown District of Bennington, Vermont, USA, with Quaint Boutiques and Specialty Restaurants.
Downtown District of Bennington, Vermont. Editorial credit: James Kirkikis / Shutterstock.com

Founded in 1749 and located in southwest Vermont is Bennington, one of the earliest settlements in Vermont, which is famous for its role in the Revolutionary War, particularly the 1777 Battle of Bennington. Following the war, the Battle of Bennington monument was erected to commemorate the victory.

The monument is the tallest structure in Vermont, and visitors can get a view of the obelisk from a distance.

The Bennington Museum has an impressive collection of artifacts and art, such as the Grandma Moses collection, which is an ideal spot for history enthusiasts. You can also visit the Bennington Center for Arts to see more paintings and collections.

Willow Park, downtown Bennington, has a large playground for kids, an 18-hole disc golf course, and athletic fields, which you can visit during the day. You might also like to visit Bennington College and Burt Henry Covered Bridge to learn about the great history of the town.

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Manchester

Main Street of Manchester, Vermont, USA, in Autumn with Bright Orange and Red Trees.
Main Street of Manchester, Vermont, in Autumn with Bright Orange and Red Trees.

Just thirty minutes off Bennington is Manchester, the second shire county in Bennington, Vermont. This town is the favorite tourist destination for folks coming from New York and Connecticut looking for a place to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Amongst the many landmarks and attractions in Manchester is the Hildene Mansion. The Georgian Revival-style mansion is the summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln, the only child of President Abraham Lincoln.

Mount Equinox is one of the popular sights in the town and is good for hiking. In Manchester, the Riverwalk offers a scenic exploration along the West Branch of the Battenkill, distinct from the nearby Mount Equinox, where the Southern Vermont Arts Center (SVAC) provides cultural enrichment with art exhibitions and collections from regional artists such as Robert Strong Woodward and Ogden Pleissner.

Woodstock

Peaceful New England Farm in Autumn Morning, Woodstock, Vermont, USA.
Peaceful New England Farm in Autumn Morning, Woodstock, Vermont.

Chartered in 1761, Woodstock is the shire town of Windsor County. The rapid development of Woodstock was due to the abundant water power of the Ottauquechee River, which also facilitated the development of various mills along the river path.

The town’s unwavering commitment to preserving and appreciating the natural environment has earned it the status of the prettiest small town in America, as its scenic mountain and forest backdrop is constantly maintained. Sites of interest in Woodstock include the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park, which provides amazing insights into America’s history.

The Lincoln-covered bridge built in 1877 will grab your attention if you are a history buff, as well as the Billings Farm and Museum, which provides visitors an opportunity to learn about sustainable farm practices and 19th-century farm activities. Woodstock Historical Society & Dana House Museum houses paintings, textiles, and clothing that you might love.

Brattleboro

Spring Aerial View of Brattleboro, Vermont, USA on a Partly Cloudy Day.
Spring Aerial View of Brattleboro, Vermont. Editorial credit: SEALANDSKYPHOTO / Shutterstock.com

Sited in southeast Vermont, Brattleboro is a charming town with a rich history and a vibrant arts scene. Popularly known as the Gateway to Vermont, Brattleboro offers visitors a perfect blend of cultural attractions and outdoor adventures.

The Brattleboro Museum & Art Center is a popular attraction in town as it showcases contemporary art exhibitions and gives insight into regional history. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Connecticut River offers opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and scenic boat tours. The Gibson Aiken Center and Living Memorial Park are great spots to host the family.

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Brattleboro hosts various festivals and events to celebrate the town’s culture and heritage, and you do not want to miss them. The Strolling of the Heifers Parade is held annually in June. This unique parade features colorful floats, live music, and herds of decorated cows, referencing Vermont’s agricultural heritage.

St. Johnsbury

Historic Buildings on Railroad Street in Downtown St. Johnsbury, Vermont, USA.
Historic Buildings on Railroad Street in Downtown St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Editorial credit: Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock.com

Located in Vermont’s idyllic Northeast Kingdom, St. Johnsbury is a charming town renowned in history and surrounded by natural beauty. In the mid-19th century, it was a minor manufacturing center for scales and Maple syrup.

The town is deeply connected to its roots and places such as St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, a historic library and art gallery where you can see a collection of fine art and rare books, and the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium, where visitors can explore exhibits on natural history, science is a must-visit location.

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby trails of the Kingdom Trails network for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. Cherry House Bed and Breakfast and Fairbanks Inn are spots in town where you can enjoy the food and hospitality of the town.

St. Johnsbury hosts the Colors of the Kingdom Autumn in September, during which you can enjoy live music, craft vendors, and seasonal activities.

Windsor

Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge, Built in 1866, Longest Two-Span Covered Bridge, Crosses Connecticut River Between Cornish, New Hampshire, and Windsor, Vermont.
Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge, built in 1866, crosses the Connecticut River.

Nestled in the Green Mountains is a charming town, also known as the birthplace of Vermont. This town is called Windsor, and its history dates back to the colonial era. Interestingly, Windsor is home to the Old Constitution House, which housed the creation of Vermont’s first constitution, which was adopted in 1777.

Do not miss an opportunity to visit the American Precision Museum for a glimpse into the innovation and manufacturing history of America. The Ascutney Trails are perfect for hiking and mountain biking and getting acquainted with stunning views of the countryside.

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Windsor also hosts several festivals, such as the Vermont History Expo in June, where visitors can immerse themselves in Vermont’s rich cultural heritage. In September, the town comes alive with the annual Vermont Golden Honey Festival, celebrating the state’s beekeeping industry.

Newport

Lake Memphremagog, Newport, Vermont.
Lake Memphremagog, Newport, Vermont.

Newport is said to be the most charming town in all of Vermont. By experiencing the stunning views of the mountainside, you would tell a tale of the most beautiful place you have seen.

The all-year-round recreational nature of this town makes it a popular destination for both outdoor and nature enthusiasts. For the best local food and accommodation, try the Newport Motel, Derby Four Seasons, or Tavern on the Hill. For outdoor adventure, the incredible Mount Pisgah State Park has miles of hiking trails overlooked by the breathtaking sights of Lake Memphremagog and the surrounding countryside. Be sure to experience the annual Winter Festival in February and the Newport Jazz Festival in the summer, where you can enjoy excellent jazz music from world-renowned musicians. Do not miss a visit to the MAC Center for the Arts, where the works of local artists and artisans are displayed.

Discover Vermont’s Quiet Charm

If you enjoy beautiful landscapes and small charming towns, Vermont is your ideal destination. With a rich historical connection, tranquility, and beautifully colored horizons, Vermont offers a breathtaking yet simple getaway from whatever may stress you. These towns are the finer things of life on a platter of gold. You should take up this offer and live life to the fullest and best, even if it is for just a while.



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Republican Vermont Gov. Phil Scott is running for reelection to 5th term

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Republican Vermont Gov. Phil Scott is running for reelection to 5th term


MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Republican Gov. Phil Scott is running for reelection to a fifth two-year term in the largely blue state of Vermont.

Scott announced his reelection bid on Saturday, saying there’s more work to do.

“During my four terms as Governor, my team and I have worked to grow the economy, make Vermont more affordable, and protect the most vulnerable,” he said in a statement. “I’ve done my best to rise above partisanship to solve problems, and help people.”

FILE – Vermont Gov. Phil Scott delivers his State of the State address remotely from the Pavilion office building, Jan. 5, 2022, in Montpelier, Vt. Gov. Scott announced Saturday, May 11, 2024 that he’s running for reelection to a fifth two-year term. (Glenn Russell/VTDigger via AP, Pool, File)

While progress has been made, he said he cannot step away when the Democrat-controlled Legislature is “so far out of balance.” Scott and the legislature have clashed over spending and taxes and he’s vetoed a number of its bills in recent years and is expected to veto more.

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A Republican who combines fiscal conservatism with social liberalism, Scott was a frequent critic of former President Donald Trump and voted for Joe Biden in the 2020 election. He won praise for leading Vermont through the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his reelection campaign message, he urged supporters to elect more legislators who will work with him.

“Now, more than ever, we need everyday Vermonters to make their voices heard and get involved,” he said.

When Scott first became a state senator more than 23 years ago, Sen. Dick Mazza, a Democrat, took him under his wing and became his mentor, he said in his campaign message. Mazza, who resigned from the Senate for health reasons last month, asked to be by his side as he announced his reelection bid on Saturday, which Scott called “such an honor.”

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Rutland man reported missing since January – Newport Dispatch

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Rutland man reported missing since January – Newport Dispatch


RUTLAND — The Vermont State Police are searching for Benjamin Hubbard, 30, who has been reported missing since last communicating with his family in South Carolina in January.

Hubbard, a resident of Rutland, has not been heard from for several months, prompting concerns for his safety and well-being.

Family members have expressed deep worry over his sudden lack of communication.

Authorities are actively seeking the public’s assistance in determining Hubbard’s current location.

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The Vermont State Police encourage anyone with potentially helpful information to reach out.

Those with knowledge of Hubbard’s whereabouts or any details that might contribute to his safe return are urged to contact the Vermont State Police Shaftsbury Barracks at (802)-442-5421.



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