The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Heading out to visit a Conservancy preserve? See what others have to say about their visit in our Digital Preserve Visitors Log. © Joan Allen/The Nature Conservancy

North Pawlet Hills Natural Area

Southern Vermont

Preserve: North Pawlet Hills Natural Area
Author: Susan S., West Tinmouth
Season: Summer

We have been regular hikers up Haystack since the early 70's. For a while, there was no legal access, so it was thrilling when The Nature Conservancy took it over, and secured a perpetual trail. From the top, you get a wonderful sense of the surrounding geography, and the mix of farms, hills, and woodland. We go up every season, and find the route a delight.

Northeast Kingdom

Preserve: Little Averill Lake Natural Area
Author: Susi R., Duxbury
Season: Fall

I enjoyed a paddle in my kayak at this remote lake in the northeast kingdom. You come upon a nice surprise, a sand beach community. I look forward to going back again! 

Southern Champlain Valley

Preserve: Helen W. Buckner Natural Area
Author: Mary, Castleton
Season: Summer

Today we went with our school's CHAMP group , students fron 6th and 7th grade from Fair Haven Grade School — we pulled water chestnuts and had a great day with Paul and Stephanie we have done this for several years and appreciate the work with The Nature Conservancy.

Upper Valley

Preserve: Eshqua Bog
Author: Emily, Montpelier
Season: Summer

In Vermont we are used to subtle displays of wild flowers, delicate orchids, a touch of pink in a lush green landscape. Eshqua Bog blows away our normal expectations and in the third week of June puts on an incredible display of the aptly named Showy Ladies Slippers. At peak bloom or at other times for the quieter display this preserve is worth a visit, and very accessible for anyone.

Central Vermont

Preserve: Chickering Bog
Author: Jim Thompson, Montpelier
Season: Summer

Haven't been to this fen in over 30 years! Great job on the trails and boardwalk. We were the only ones there on a beautiful Saturday, August 1, 2009. See my photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/28480852@N04/  Check back to read about more preserves in the Central Vermont.

Southern Vermont 

Preserve: Black Mountain
Author: Mary N, Jericho
Season: Summer

The exfoliating granite on the top was worth seeing. Our group identified Aralia hirsuta and Melanpyrum auranticum growing in the clefts of the rocks at the summit. The chestnut oak which Roger Haydock pointed out was a first for me.

Champlain Valley

Preserve: Williams Woods Natural Area
Author: Jessica B., Middlesex
Season: Summer

This is one of my favorite preserves. Just a hop skip and a jump from Burlington and only a few steps onto the trail take you to another world. A great little hike when you need a good dose of nature but don't have the time for a long trek.

Preserve: Helen W. Buckner Natural Area
Author: Calvin Maginel, Whitehall
Season: Summer

If you want to see a 5-lined skink, try sitting very still near a sunny outcrop on Tim's Trail for a little while. 

Upper Valley

Preserve: Eshqua Bog
Author: Dan F., Montpelier
Season: Spring

I was astounded by the botanical diversity of the site. I am left wondering about exactly how the different plants arrived at the location: birds? wind? Perhaps some were common colonizers across a broad swath of sparse land at the melting edge of the glaciers.

Northeast Kingdom

Preserve: Little Averill Lake Natural Area
Author: Nancy Pritchard, Morrisville
Season: Summer

A true piece of paradise . . . a rare find.