Vermont State Parks

The bike on ice race begins! (Frozen Regatta scheduled for Feb. 18) The only time of year when skiing, walking, skating, and sledding can be done on Lake Champlain is now! As part of the Great Ice in Grand Isle celebration, Vermont State Parks is encouraging folks to get out on the ice by hosting a 'Trek to Knight Island' on Sunday, Feb. 19th from 11:00AM - 4:00PM. Grab your skates, skis, snowshoes or sleds and make the trek to Knight Island State Park – which is only accessible by boat during the summer. The hike to Knight Island is about 4 miles round trip leaving from North Hero’s welcome dock. Once there, you can also explore the island's trails before warming up at the rustic ranger station where you can enjoy hot beverages and island lore, compliments of Park Ranger Jim Putnam. A family trekking across the ice to Knight Island State Park (scheduled for Feb. 19) Knight Island, acquired by the state in 1990, is one of three neighboring island parks in...

Nothing hits the spot more than a warm bowl of chili on these chilly days. One of the most popular events here at the Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation is the annual Chili Cook-Off. Five submissions to the Cook-Off made for tough competition; however, one recipe stood out as being worthy of winning 1st prize. Paul Frederick, Wood Utilization Forester, won by popular vote and willingly is sharing his coveted dish. **Winning Recipe** Moose Sausage Chili 1.5 lbs Moose Breakfast Sausage (venison sausage or a combination of lean ground beef and McKenzie Bag Sausage works too) 2 cans kidney beans 2 cans tomatoes (16 oz cans), drained 2 cups spaghetti sauce (use your favorite) 2 medium onions, chopped 2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped 2 green peppers, chopped 1 Tsp salt 1 Tsp black pepper 1 Tsp cumin seed 2 Tbsp chili powder Franks Hot Sauce (to taste) Note: Any left-over vegetables you find in the fridge such as green beans, peas or broccoli all are good to use too. Directions: ...