Vermont State Parks

Sound artist Craig Calorusso is bringing his latest musical performance project, Sun Boxes, into five state parks for five weekends this summer. It's comprised of twenty speakers spread over a large, open lawn operating independently, each powered by the sun via solar panels. Inside each Sun Box is a PC board that has a recorded musical programmed to play continuously in a loop. Because the loops are different in length, once the piece begins they continually overlap and the piece slowly evolves over time. Participants are encouraged to walk amongst the speakers, and surround themselves with the piece. Certain speakers will be closer and, therefore, louder, so the piece will sound different to different people in different positions throughout the array. Allowing the audience to move around will create a unique experience for everyone. In addition, as people wander through the speakers, they alter the composition. Given the option, two people will take different paths through the...

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...

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...

Many of the flowers you see in the northwestern state parks are the product of a surprising source, the flower program at the Northwest State Correctional Facility. This women-only facility operates a flower program as part of their rehabilitation, which supplies some of Vermont State Parks with beautiful blooms. John Cross, the automotive teacher at the Community High School located in the prison, has helped to run the program for six years, though it was his son, Paul, who first thought of the idea. Paul, on staff at Grand Isle State Park , put his father's gardening program and the park's need for low-budget plants together, essentially creating the program that exists today. The parks appreciate the local flower supply and cost savings, and the women in the program learn about and enjoy growing plants from seed. Plus, they get to do gardening before the snow has fully melted! John believes that in order for the participants to succeed in their rehabilitation, ...

Knight Point State Park has FREE entry during the Festival of the Islands. Popular for swimming and picnicking, Knight Point is the perfect place to visit, relax, and enjoy your family and friends during this three day celebration in the beautiful Champlain Islands. Five towns in the Champlain Islands, Grand Isle, Alburg, North Hero, South Hero, and Isle La Motte will offer a variety of special events including: retail sales, art sales and exhibits, fund raising community meals, concerts, wine tastings, garden tours, arts & crafts shows, flea markets, and farmer's market & farm stands. Other State Parks in the islands are also offering free special events with paid park entry, such as Grand Isle State Park where The Bee Line Ramblers will entertain at 7:00 PM on Saturday, July 31st, and Sand Bar State Park will have Folk By Association performing at 2:00 PM on Sunday, August 1. For more information on events in the parks, visit our Events webpage . Visit

Have you ever wondered who cares for all the plants in Grand Isle State Park ? Or even where they all came from? Maybe you are just interested in flower gardens no matter where they are. Click below to read Doris Sless' story of Grand Isle's flower gardens and one woman who tends them. Summer Trip to Grand Isle Last summer Gary and I camped in Grand Isle State Park, outside of Burlington, Vermont. After setting up camp we walked around the grounds, noticing many beautiful flowers in the woods. I have never seen such beauty in a campground. Within a day I spotted a woman on hands and knees, tending to a group of native flowers. I figured she was the person responsible for all this natural beauty, so started a conversation with her. I was very impressed by her dedication, showing what one person and a love of nature can do. This is Kim Jackson’s story: “I first started working here 3 years ago in the butterfly garden, planting mostly annuals that first year and now, finally, the...

Check out this video of Grand Isle made by two local students! Then scroll down for more information about the creators. My name is Sam Ashton. My hobbies include making videos, playing video games, and drawing. I have come to realize that I desire a career in film making. My primary goal is to become a director, but if that doesn't go well, I want to be involved with film making in any way I can. I am a fun loving guy who enjoys a variety of movie genres, like action, sci-fi, horror and comedy. Together with a few friends of mine, we create videos for fun that are either special effects or comedy. When we were asked to think of a community service project, Marty proposed we do a video for the Dept. of Forests, Parks, and Recreation. I thought it was a great idea and that it would be fun. It was fun, and I enjoyed every bit of it. It was one of the first videos done for someone else that was more serious and it came out great. I'm Marty Tobin. I enjoy playing video games, watch...