In March, the Waitsfield Conservation Commission sponsored an evening public meeting that included a virtual tour of the town-owned Waitsfield Scrag Forest. The meeting was well-attended by neighbors and residents interested in the future of the forest who also discussed and commented on a draft management plan presented by the commission. Many expressed interest in taking a real tour of the town forest. Now is the chance!
The Conservation Commission, the Mad Birders, Audubon Vermont and Washington County forester Russ Barrett are teaming up to offer a guided hike on the Waitsfield Scrag Forest on Saturday, June 23. The theme of the walk will be “Forestry with Birds in Mind.”
Stops along the way will highlight how the forest management planned for the town forest will protect and improve habitat for a group of forest birds of conservation concern and other wildlife while protecting additional values such as recreation, water quality and aesthetics.
The 640-acre town forest contains over one mile of the Northfield ridgeline and much of the scenic vista forming The Valley’s east side. As part of one of the largest blocks of continuous forest in the Mad River Valley, it provides vital habitat for a wide variety of wildlife including moose, bear, songbirds and amphibians.
It’s also considered to be an important source of local forest products, such as timber and firewood, which could be used for community projects and pay for expenses such as building and maintaining trails, according to the conservation commission.
The route will follow the trail from the end of Bowen Road up to the beaver ponds, giving walkers a chance to travel the newly constructed footpath that takes visitors from the parking area to the main trail on town land. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the end of Bowen Road. This will be a morning hike to the beaver ponds returning to the parking lot around 2 p.m. Wear hiking boots and bring water, lunch and insect repellent. Those wishing to get in some additional birding should meet at 7:30 a.m. at the corner of Sherman and East Warren Roads for an expert-guided bird walk.
Bring binoculars!
