Other Wetland Related Events

 Please join us for our monthly bird monitoring walks on the refuge. Ken Copenhaver and Julie Filiberti lead the walks on various refuge trails on the 3rd Saturday of each month year-round (except December and May, when it is on the 2nd Saturday). The purpose of the walks is to gather long-term data on the presence of birds, their abundance, and changes in populations. Observations are entered into the Vermont eBird database, where the Cornell Lab of Ornithology stores the data. These walks are appropriate for birders of all skill levels and provide a wonderful opportunity to learn about birds throughout the seasons. After 195 months of walks, we have recorded 170 species of birds.

This month's walk: *Saturday, July 18, from 8:00 to 10:00 AM at the Old Railroad Passage Trail*. Meet at the parking lot on Tabor Rd, about 1 mile south of the Refuge Visitor Center.

*Trail Description**:* The walk begins at a gravel parking lot and proceeds on a grassy path to the old railroad bed. From here, the trail is level except for a short section that loops away from the rail bed, up a short rise (where there is a bench at the top), and back down again to the rail bed. The remainder of the trail is level, but the trail's surface is uneven and has exposed tree roots. If we go the whole way to the end of the trail, the distance out and back is about 2.4 miles.

If you have any questions, contact me, Ken Copenhaver at copenhvr@gmail.com

Join Vermont Woodlands and Northwoods Stewardship Center for a sunset river canoe in the Northeast Kingdom! Northwoods will provide canoes, and staff will lead a two hour paddle along the river to explore the forest and unique natural communities of the area.

This event will start at the Northwoods Stewardship Center in Island Pond, VT and lead us along the Clyde River, passing through cedar wetlands, fens, and black spruce forests where knowledgeable local staff will provide information on these unique natural communities as well as rare plants and the history of the area.  There is ample space at Northwoods Stewardship Center to hold a picnic and socialize before or after the event.  Northwoods will provide canoes, paddles and life-jackets for free!

Register here

We will gather for a presentation by the Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas' Jim Andrews and Kate Kelly on Friday, August 28th at 6:30 pm at the Wheelock Town Hall. Light Food Provided!

On Saturday, August 29th, we will meet for a for a field trip at 9 am at the Steam Mill Brook Wildlife Management Area (exact location TBD). The field trip will involve a short hike to check out suitable habitat and potential critters!

Are you planning to attend? Although  pre-registration is not needed, your RSVP is appreciated if you'd like to let us know you're coming. Event hosted by Caledonia County Natural Resource Conservation District

for updated information: reptiles-amphibians-and-our-forested-wetlands-presentation

Charlotte, VT $225.00 Registration Required

Instructor: Eric Cannizzaro

Weave a small berry basket with willow grown and harvested at Vermont Handworks. This one day workshop is a great introduction to stake and strand willow basketry. Skills covered include making a round base, waling, French randing, track boarders, and inserting handles. The day will start with a discussion on growing, wild harvesting, and preparing willow for weaving, and resources for continued learning will be provided.  Students will complete one basket in this 8 hour class. No previous experience required.

Charlotte, VT   $300.00 Registration required

Materials Fee: $75  (Paid directly to the instructor at the start of class.)

This three day intensive course takes students through learning the basics of flat weaving techniques, and culminates with weaving a sun hat entirely from cattail leaves. We will also get hands-on experience with harvesting and preparing cattails for weaving. Participants will go home with at least two completed projects, and practical knowhow to harvest and weave in the future. This course is suitable for beginners– expect full days of weaving!

About the instructor: Renee Baumann is a Catskills-based designer, chef, and nature enthusiast with a passion for wild plants and fungi. Trained as both an architect and a chef, she brings a creative, interdisciplinary flair to everything she does—whether she’s crafting baskets from local plants, illustrating mushrooms in watercolor, or whipping up delicious meals from foraged ingredients. Renee teaches workshops and techniques working with local fibers, with an emphasis on creating three dimensional forms from bioregional components. Her work varies from traditional basketry practices in cattail and willow to sculptural felt and spinning foraged fibers.  Renee teaches workshops on identifying, cooking with, and even weaving with plants and fungi growing in the Catskills. Find more of her work @renee_makes_things on instagram.

Vermont State University FALL course FULL: waitlist

Contact Tylor Payne to be added to the list of folks to be notified when SPRING registration is open!

taylor.paone@vermontstate.edu

The cost to join is $1175, which includes a yearlong membership to VAWS for the following calendar year.VSU accepts VSAC Advancement Grants and AmeriCorps Segal awards.

This in-person training is based in part on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation manual; the 2012 Supplement for Northeast Region; and most recent National Wetland Plant List and NRCS Hydric Soil guidance. Participants will also learn about federal and state regulations, and appropriate permitting in relation to wetlands. Lecture topics include: science of wetland hydrology; hydric soils; hydric vegetation; wetland development; and current Vermont regulations. Field practicals include soil and plant identification, and wetland delineation in accordance to the ACOE Field Delineation Manual.