St. Johnsbury Academy Helps Vermont State Parks Rake It In!

Jerry helps direct the
large group of volunteers

Jerry Prevost, sophomore dean at St. Johnsbury Academy, challenges his students to do more for the community and the outdoors. As freshman, students at the academy perform community service in the St. Johnsbury area. Once they became sophmores, Jerry wanted their experience to be further from home. "We wanted students to think more about stewardship of the Earth and Groton came to mind". Jerry continues that many of his students live near and use Vermont State Parks and with summer just around the corner, it seemed a timely opportunity for the students to help an organization that in turn protects undeveloped land and educates on some of Vermont's greatest natural resources.

Special touches by the volunteers
helped to make the parks even better

On April 29th, Jerry along with over 175 students and faculty traveled the short distance to Groton State Forest where the group helped out Kettle Pond, Ricker Pond, Boulder Beach, New Discovery, Big Deer, and Groton Nature Center. They worked hard, sweeping leantos, cleaning fire pits, and clearing debris from campsites.

The organized group got a huge
amount of work done

Without all those helping hands, the parks would not have been as ready to open. Thank you Jerry and St. Johnsbury Academy for volunteering with Vermont State Parks. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit the volunteering page of Vermont State Parks' website.

Six State Parks Open This Friday & Why We Love Them

Grand Isle: High and dry, this popular park on Lake Champlain is open for business!

What’s to love about Grand Isle State Park?
• Located on the shores of Lake Champlain
• 150 campsites including tent/RV sites and leantos
• 4 cabins
• Nature center, volleyball, horseshoes, a nature walk, lake access, boat rentals
• Nature programs, events and entertainment
• Boating, fishing, biking, hiking, and swimming
• New this year: construction of another cabin and a renovated bath house
• Nearby: Burlington, St. Albans, Champlain Islands, restaurants, theaters, and museums

For more information: http://www.vtstateparks.com/htm/grandisle.htm

Little River: A park rich in history, water, and wildlife

What’s to Love About Little River State Park?
• Located along the shores of the Waterbury Reservoir – great views on top of the dam
• Historic remnants – old sawmills, cemeteries, town roads, bridges, and cellar holes
• Self guided history and nature trails along with other hiking trails close to the campground
• Boat rentals, swimming, fishing, miles of mountain biking trails
• Play areas, ball field, nature center, volleyball
• Park interpreter programs hosted by Brian Aust, who specializes in bird identification
• New this year: three cabins
• Nearby: Mt. Mansfield State Forest, the Town of Waterbury, restaurants, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Visitors Center, Waterbury Center State Park, shopping in Williston

For more information: http://www.vtstateparks.com/htm/littleriver.htm

Smugglers' Notch: A rustic retreat in the mountains

What’s to love about Smugglers’ Notch State Park?
• Located in Stowe, VT
• 33 campsites including tent/RV sites and leantos
• Access to Bingham Falls
• Rich in history – all buildings are original Civilian Conservation Corps structures
• Great opportunities for hiking and access to Vermont’s highest mountain, Mt. Mansfield
• A quiet and private campground
• What’s New: a restroom facility that uses alternative energy
• Nearby: Downtown Stowe, restaurants, shopping, Stowe bike path, Toll Road, Trapp Family Lodge, Ben and Jerry’s, Cabot Cheese Factory Store, Lake Champlain Outlet

For more information: http://www.vtstateparks.com/htm/smugglers.htm

Gifford Woods: A hiker’s paradise – famous trails and peaks

What’s to love about Gifford Woods State Park?
• Located at the base of Killington and Pico peaks
• 46 campsites including tent/RV sites, leantos, and cabins
• One of very few old growth hardwood tree stands in New England
• Old growth forest exhibits
• Wooded picnic area and play area
• The only park to have the Appalachian Trail run through it – access to lots of hiking including Kent Brook Trail and the Long Trail
• A babbling brook and small waterfalls along Kent Brook Trail
• New this year: restored CCC leantos
• Nearby: Killington, restaurants, historic towns, and museums

For more information: http://www.vtstateparks.com/htm/gifford.htm

Stillwater: One of seven Groton State Forest parks

What’s to love about Stillwater State Park?
• A gateway to Groton State Forest with 26,000 acres to explore
• Groton State Forest contains over seventeen miles of hiking trails and over 20 miles of gravel roads and multi-use trails suitable for mountain biking and horseback riding
• Access to great hikes for all levels, such as Owl’s Head
• 62 campsites and 17 leantos
• Swimming beach, dock, play area, picnic shelter
• Groton Nature Center which houses programs, events, and entertainment
• New this year: a water system
• Nearby: Kettle Pond, New Discovery, Seyon Lodge, Ricker Pond, Big Deer, and Boulder Beach State Parks; Cabot Creamery, Grand View Winery, a short drive from St. Johnsbury and Montpelier

For more information: http://www.vtstateparks.com/htm/stillwater.htm

Lake Carmi: One of the most popular campground in northern Vermont

What’s to love about Lake Carmi State Park?
• Contains the third largest peat bog in Vermont
• A newly revamped bog trail allows you to experience this unique ecosystem
• Over two miles of shoreline on the south and eastern sides of Lake Carmi
• Nature center, hiking trail, swimming, and boat rentals
• Nature programs, events, and entertainment
• Great fishing – Perch, Walleye, Pike, Small Mouth Bass, Bullhead, and Panfish species in Lake Carmi
• Host of the only pet friendly cabin and sites in area ‘A’ welcome pets too
• Nearby: Mississquoi Rail Trail, Mississquoi National Wildlife Refuge, covered bridges in Montgomery, and Franklin Town museum

For more information: http://www.vtstateparks.com/htm/carmi.htm

DR Power Tests State-of-the-Art Equipment in the Parks

DR Power tries out a new lawn mower

Thanks to the help of DR Power, Branbury State Park was able to open early last year, much to the delight of swimmers and boaters.  Ranger, Lesley Porter, was excited to work with them again this year as they test equipment such as stump grinders, leaf and lawn vacs, and trimmers while helping to clean up area state parks.

Don Selby, Product Testing Manager at DR Power in Vergennes says, "It's a win-win situation". The parks offer plenty of lawn care opportunities for DR Power to test their latest equipment and state parks love the help.  Plus, he and his co-workers enjoy getting out of the office and into places like Lake St. Catherine State Park or D.A.R. State Park to rev up their machines. 

DR Power tests prototypes in all seasons, although Don admits that his crew prefers the spring and fall months when the temperatures are perfect for being outside all day working the big machines. Because of DR Power, Vermont State Parks gets the inside scoop on some of the latest landscape equipment available.  Don mentioned that DR leads the way with innovative technology such as battery powered lawn mowers. His favorite machines to test are the stump grinders. Visit their website for more information.

Thanks for your help, DR Power!

Lake Champlain High Water: State Parks go with the Flow, Only Three State Parks Expect Delayed Opening

As you probably have seen on our local news channels, water levels on Lake Champlain have reached record highs this spring.

What does this mean for state parks located on Lake Champlain? Well, its mixed.

Sand Bar, Kill Kare, and Burton Island will not be open for Memorial Day Weekend. These parks are the most impacted by high lake levels.  However, nearby Grand Isle, North Hero, Button Bay, DAR, Kingsland Bay, Niquette Bay, Knight Point and Alburg Dunes are all looking good and will be opening at their normally scheduled dates.

Campers who have reservations for Burton Island from Memorial Day Weekend through June 5th have been contacted and asked to change or cancel their reservations. The plan is to assess the situation at each park weekly and call any campers affected at least 20 days in advance.  “So far, the response has been better than expected.” says Craig Whipple, Director of State Parks. “Our call center staff has been making recommendations of other parks to visit, and many folks have been actually excited about trying a new park.”

“We certainly have a lot of work ahead of us”, says Whipple. “We have plans in place to assess clean-up needs as soon as we can get into the parks. We will coordinate crews of park staff, contractors and volunteers to get the parks cleaned up as soon as possible”. “Many people have already come forward to volunteer their time to help with clean up efforts, and we’re very appreciative of that. In a couple of weeks we’ll be sending out a call for volunteers, so if you are interested in participating we’ll be posting information on the Parks web site and facebook page.”

If you are looking to enjoy Lake Champlain before the lake levels recede, DAR is a quiet family-oriented park overlooking the lake. Button Bay with its new pool is a great option for both camping and day use. Alburg Dunes and Knight Point are also in good shape.

To find out the latest status of Lake Champlain State Parks water levels and opening dates, go to http://www.vtstateparks.com/ and look under Latest News. We have a report on Lake Champlain parks conditions with estimated opening dates.

With 52 state parks, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the beauty of Vermont’s mountains, lakes and trails. If we can help you try a new adventure, give us a call at 1-888-409-7579.

Deb Markowitz, Secretary of ANR, Takes The Venture Vermont Challenge!

Deb Markowitz, Secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources, joined in the action by starting the Venture Vermont Outdoor Challenge with her daughter, Sandra and their dog, Sadie. Check out the video they made below:

In just one day, Deb and Sandra were able to earn 50 points! Impressive. A few more days of that enthusiasm and they will both earn a gold medallion good for FREE day entry into any Vermont State Park all of this season and all of next (2012), a valuable prize!  We'll be tracking Deb and Sandra's progress throughout the summer...what will they do next?

Build a shelter with natural objects (10 pts)

The weather is perfect for getting outside and doing fun things, which is exactly what Venture Vermont is all about. See some of the great pictures taken by last year's participants and download a scorecard by visiting the Venture Vermont page of the Vermont State Parks website.

Good Luck with YOUR Venture Vermont Challenge and we look forward to seeing you in the parks!

1st Park of the Year to Open! - Wilgus State Park

At dusk, the squirrels glide
from the chimney

Wilgus State Park located in Ascutney, Vermont (1.5 miles south on Rt. 5 from exit 8 on I-91) has a number of unique offerings that many visitors might not know - river trips, a nature observation platform, cabins, boat rentals, quiet picnic spots, regular flying squirrel performances, and a rich history. Dating back to 1933, Wilgus State Park began, as many state parks, with a donation of land from Colonel and Mrs. Wilgus. The park is roughly 89 acres - 30 of which are along the Connecticut River. The history of Wilgus and especially the Civilian Conservation Corps' (CCC) involvement attracted the interest of author Judith Edwards. Her recently published book, Invasion on the Mountain: The Adventures of Will Ryan and the Civilian Conservation Corps, focuses on the CCC's role in creating the infrastructure still used today in Wilgus State Park. Judith will present on her book in Wilgus State Park, Sunday, August 21st at 2PM.

Something that visitors don't usually believe until they see are the ever popular flying squirrel performances. Each night, visitors and staff stand in awe at these furry critters who glide from the chimney to surrounding trees. They perform rain or shine! Make sure you ask the rangers about this must-see feature!

For the adventuresome, Wilgus provides many outdoorsy activities ranging from paddling to hiking. Even if you don't have your own canoe or kayak, you can rent boats from the park or use North Star Canoe Rentals which provides a shuttle service (and equipment) from the park to an upriver destination drop-off. Then, paddle back to the park and enjoy a night of campfire stories and camping. Being next to the Connecticut River, who could ask for better camping with the sounds of the river in the background to help you fall asleep each night.

Otter Cabin

Visitors and staff anxiously are awaiting the construction of two more cabins, similar to Otter and Mink cabins in Wilgus. Both new cabins will have great waterviews to the river. They should be completed sometime mid-summer. Call the reservation center 888-409-7579 for more information in a few weeks.
Another interesting part of Wilgus is the staff. All of the staff (rangers, attendants, and volunteers) are veteran Wilgus workers. Ranger Eric Hanson claims that because of all the returning green thumbs, Wilgus' "gardens will be even bigger and more beautiful than last year." Something to make sure you check out when you visit this season.

Unlike the bigger parks, Wilgus provides visitors and campers with hidden, quiet getaway spots, perfect for picnicking, reading, or just sitting with a friend. Eric enjoys paddling upriver to many quiet islands on the Connecticut River to enjoy a day off.

Eric always looks forward to seeing familiar faces and old friends at Wilgus State Park, but it's exciting also for him to see new people as they discover this quieter park on the river. We hope that you'll check out this park the next time you are near Ascutney, and be sure to say a warm hello to Ranger Eric Hanson while you're there. Click here for the operating season of Wilgus and other Vermont State Parks.

Help Clean Up the Parks & Receive Free Camping or Day Visits

Volunteers raked up a storm

Come on out and help Vermont State Parks staff with the tough but rewarding task of getting a park ready for the season! For your efforts, volunteers will receive a punch card or a FREE night of camping!

If you are interested in volunteering in one of the three parks listed below, please RSVP by calling Lesley Porter at 802-418-7630 or email her lesley.porter@state.vt.us. Choose to help in one, a bunch, or all!

Saturday, May 7th, 10AM - 2PM in Bomoseen State Park
Saturday, May 21st, 12PM - 4PM in Woodford State Park
Saturday, May 21st, 10AM - 2PM in Branbury State Park

If you can't make it to any of these parks but wish to help out at another state park, please contact the ranger at the park where you wish to volunteer. These phone numbers can be found on the individual park pages on the Vermont State Parks website.


Painting the bathrooms turned out to be a blast

Volunteers will help clean up the campground and day use areas by removing brush, raking leaves, and picking up trash. There may also be painting duties or other projects available to spruce up the park. Bring your friends and family (all ages welcome) and spend a day outdoors in a beautiful setting. Bring water, and a lunch. Also, please wear work clothes and sturdy shoes. Work gloves and tools will be provided.