Come celebrate the Hinesburg Town Forest with us! This year the Hinesburg Town Forest was selected as Tree Farm of the Year in Vermont. To celebrate this achievement, we will host a gathering to highlight the great work happening on the town forest and provide opportunities to get out in the woods and learn about the plants, animals and forest stewardship happening across the forest. There will be events for all ages. There is a suggested donation of $25 per adult to help us 75% of event costs.

This event is possible thanks in part to our generous sponsor: The Tree House Hardwoods & Millshop, home of The Vermont Butcherblock Company.

Agenda

8:30–9:00 AM | Registration & Refreshments — Hinesburg Town Hall

9:00–9:30 AM | Welcome & Opening Remarks

9:30–10:00 AM | Travel to Trailheads by bus with Guides

10:00 AM–12:30 PM | Guided Walks & Mountain Bike Tour

12:30–1:00 PM | Return to Hinesburg Town Hall

1:00–2:00 PM | Luncheon

2:00–2:30 PM | Vermont Tree Farm of the Year Award Presentation

Choose Your Woods Tour

Walk #1: Forestry & Birding

Guides: Brandon Benedict, Chittenden County Forester; Harris Roen, Consulting Forester; Steve Hagenbuch, Audubon Vermont

Trailhead: Economu Road

Join us for a fun and educational walk through the Hinesburg Town Forest. Chittenden County Forester Brandon Benedict, Hinesburg Town Forest management plan author Harris Roen, and Senior Program Manager at Audubon Vermont Steve Hagenbuch will lead participants through diverse areas of the property. These include mixed northern hardwoods, Norway spruce plantations, and early successional habitat.

We will see forest management goals and implementation first-hand. These practices balance wildlife management, timber production, forest health, recreation and other factors. We’ll also discover old cellar holes and other signs of former settlement. Hinesburg Town Forest was the first location used for Foresters for the Birds and has a long history of management for bird habitat. Steve will discuss bird habitat throughout and how active forest management can enhance these conditions. Come see this all first hand!

Walk #2: Reading the Forest — Exploring the History of the Land

Guides: Bob Heiser, Vermont Land Trust; Pat Mainer, Hinesburg Town Forest Committee

Trailhead: Hayden Hill West

Distance: ~2 miles, with 400ft of elevation gain

Every forest has a story. This walk will explore clues on the landscape that reveal how the land has changed over time and how its history continues to shape the forest we see today. We will discuss the human use of the Hinesburg Town Forest, acknowledging Native American land use, early settlement, the sheep boom and bust, and how modern dairying led to the abandonment of the “hill farms.” We will also explain the creation of the Town Forest, past and present threats, management planning, and how the recent 2022 addition and conservation efforts led by the Vermont Land Trust shape its future.

Ride (not walk) #3: See the Forest on Wheels

Guide: Adam Morse, Fellowship of the Wheel

Trailhead: Hayden Hill East

Skill Level: Advanced intermediate to expert

Distance: Approximately 4–5 miles, with up to 1,000 feet of vertical ascent

Experience the Hinesburg Town Forest from a mountain biker’s perspective. Along the ride, we’ll make stops—not only to catch our breath!—to learn about the history of Fellowship of the Wheel and its partnership with the Hinesburg Town Forest on trail maintenance, recreation, and forest management. Participants will drive or carpool to the Hayden Hill East trailhead.

Walk #4: Reptile & Amphibian Exploration — Family Friendly!

Guides: Stevie Spencer and Kate Kelly, Town of Hinesburg

Trailhead: Lincoln Hill Road

Recommended Ages: 5+; younger children are welcome to participate as appropriate.

Bring the family and explore the places where forest and wetlands meet! We’ll search for, identify, and learn about amphibians and reptiles while exploring the different microhabitats they depend on. Along the way, we’ll learn how amphibians and reptiles move between habitats, keep an eye out for trees, birds, and other wildlife, and talk about ways families can improve wildlife habitat on their own land.