The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

This entire property is an important habitat for migratory waterfowl. Several rare plant species are found in the area, and this stretch of the LaPlatte River is the only site for the stonecat, Vermont's rarest catfish. The endangered channel darter also lives in the lower LaPlatte. © Sarah Wakefield

Open to the Public

Yes

Things To Do

Come see all the plants and creatures that live in the LaPlatte River Marsh. View All

Plan Your Visit

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Get Directions

Every acre counts in this rivershore natural area, an oasis of nature in an otherwise fragmented landscape. An important habitat for migratory waterfowl, this marsh complex is located at the end of the LaPlatte, a river that extends 16 miles from Lake Iroquois to Lake Champlain and drains 34,137 acres of Champlain lowlands. Nearly 150 acres in size, the marshes and floodplain forests are regularly flooded when the lake level rises and are inhabited by plant species that can endure these wet conditions.

Size

225 acres

What The Nature Conservancy is Doing

The Conservancy has been working with volunteers to control invasive species such as common buckthorn, which threaten the preserve's floodplain forests.

Things To Do

What to See: Plants

The moist soil of the bottomland is ideal for floodplain forests, and for tree species like black willow, green ash, and silver maple that thrive on the annual spring floods along the river. On the moist clay soils, above the level of annual flooding, is an example of the rare valley clayplain forest.

Broad-fruited burreed and common cattail, common arrowhead and river bulrush thrive in the wetlands. Stands of white pine, eastern hemlock, and northern hardwoods are found in the uplands.

What to See: Animals

Beavers have changed this landscape over time. They've removed trees from the forest canopy so that sunlight now penetrates to the forest floor, promoting the growth of tree species like gray birch and white pine.

LaPlatte is a good place to see great blue herons, black-crowned night herons, and several kinds of ducks. Birds like the woodcock, gray catbird, song sparrow, ruffed grouse and common yellowthroat frequent the LaPlatte River Marsh.

Plan Your Visit

Directions

This natural area can be enjoyed on foot or by canoe or kayak. From I-89, take exit 13 to I-189 to South Burlington and Route 7. Turn left (south) on Route 7 and travel approximately 3 miles. Turn right (west) on Bay Road at the stoplight. From there, it?s about one mile to the natural area and the mouth of the LaPlatte River. Go under a railroad overpass and across a small bridge. Directly to the right will be the Shelburne Bay fishing access. You can park here. The natural area is directly across the road from the fishing access.

Discussion

Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.

Add Your Comments

Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!

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