Vermont State Parks

The stars above Ricker Pond State Park. Photo credit: Brian Drourr “Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.” – Theodore Roosevelt Did you know that experiencing awe can make you happier, healthier, humbler and more connected to others around you ? A simple way to inspire awe? Lay back and take in the vast beauty of the night sky. Are you not quite sure where to start? Here’s some tips to make sure your night sky experience is stellar: Time it right! Cloudless, moonless nights are the best for a clear view of other celestial objects. When the moon is full, the light will prevent viewing of fainter stars or the Milky Way. Thanks to the darkness of the New Moon on July 31st, this is the perfect time to grab a blanket and check out the stars.  Start stargazing two hours after sunset or before dawn. This ensures the light of the sun won’t interfere with your ability to view the fainter light of stars and planets. Here are some dates of interest when pla...

A 2-3 foot stone retaining wall was removed between the grassy area and the sand.  The primary purpose was to increase access by allowing them to walk onto sand at any point rather than the one ramp.  It also reduces the risk of people and children from falling in an attempt to access the sand by jumping down the stone retainer.  A secondary benefit may reduce the amount of sand loss by better controlling runoff. Another goal, equal to removing the wall was to gain usable sand and grass area, to provide drainage and to create a slightly larger potential footprint for a future playground. Here are some photos from the construction! 

Southern Vermont and the Lake Champlain area are peaking with prime foliage. Check out the five best parks for leaf peeping this week and see what events and attractions are going on in and around each one. Woodford State Park , Woodford, VT: Marvel at the iconic works of art at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Rutland; Take part in one of the many programs offered at the Bennington Museum , such as Punch Needle Rug Hooking, Bennington; Pick up some hand-crafted souvenirs or gifts at the Bennington Potters , Bennington; Relax with a glass of local beer from the Northshire Brewery , Bennington; Pick your own apples and enjoy lots of apple treats at the Apple Barn and Country Bakeshop , Bennington; History buffs won't want to miss visiting the Historic Park-McCullough where one can spend hours wandering the estate, North Bennington Quechee State Park , White River Jct., VT: Learn fascinating facts at the Montshire Museum of Science , Norwich; Savor tasty warm breads and other treats a...

Get ready for the park season by exploring some great state parks on Vermont Public Television's Outdoor Journal program Tuesday nights at 7:30 PM starting April 6th. The first show takes you to Alburg Dunes State Park , a little gem on Lake Champlain. Also fish for brook trout in some Northeast Kingdom Beaver Ponds and learn about Vermont's Fish & Wildlife Department's northern pike management program. On April 13th visit Emerald Lake State Park to do some bass fishing. Also explore some lesser-traveled waters by canoe and meet a couple of "trout bums" who fish for a living and live to fish. April 20th will take you to Elmore State Park . Also enjoy a trip to Camp Kehoe on Lake Bomoseen where the Conservation Leaders for Tomorrow program introduces wildlife management students to the culture and concepts of hunting. April 27th explore Brighton State Park and Northeast Kingdom lakes in search of burbot, a fresh water codfish also known as cusk. These strange l...