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...

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 , Bou...

Foliage is starting to look good in Northern Vermont - here are some great parks for early fall foliage viewing and fun stuff to do in the surrounding areas: Smugglers' Notch State Park, Stowe, VT: Hike Mt. Manfield, VT's highest peak; Take a gondola ride up the mountain; Drive up Mt. Mansfield's Auto Road ; Bike Ride on the Stowe Bike Path ; Check out British Invasion Car Show Weekend; Visit the Boyden Valley Winery ; Visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill ; Take a tour of the Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory . Brighton State Park, Island Pond, VT: Try a stay in a cozy cabin ; Bring your own boat, and paddle on Island Pond , or rent one and paddle on Spectacle Pond, Check out the Northeast Kingdom's Foliage Festival ; participate in North Woods Stewardship Center's Foliage Bike Ride; Hike at Lake Willoughby ; Paddle the Clyde River ; Visit the Silvio Conte NWR . New Discovery/Osmore Pond State Park Ricker Pond State Park, Groton, VT Stay in a remote lean-to on Os...