Protecting Vermont’s Biodiversity

Blueberry Hill Wildlife Management Area
The Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife is expanding the Blueberry Hill Wildlife Management Area by 82 acres, increasing open space for public access and recreation in TNC’s Greens to Adirondacks focal area. This project protects forests that hold exceptional ecological value for wildlife habitat and headwater streams of the Castleton River.

College Hill Wilderness Preserve
A stunning, 591-acre parcel that has not been logged in over 70 years, the College Hill Wilderness Preserve will be established by the Northeast Wilderness Trust. This property holds immense conservation value and is located just east of the Green Mountain National Forest in Jamaica, Vermont. Once acquired, the preserve will be conserved as forever-wild, permanently protecting this large tract in TNC’s Southern Greens to Whites focal area from development in perpetuity.

Upper Green River Watershed
Through careful coordination, Vermont River Conservancy is obtaining conservation easements on 844 acres of contiguous parcels of land, including 3.6 stream miles, 27 acres of river corridor habitat, 17.9 acres of wetlands and numerous vernal pools in TNC’s Berkshire Wildlife Linkage focal area. This project represents the conservation of a prominent piece of the Upper Green River Watershed that will result in protected headwater storage for improved water quality and flood resilience, alongside important connected habitat for terrestrial species like bobcats and black bears.

Shutesville Hill Wildlife Corridor
This essential tract of land permits species flow through the Worcester Range to the Northeast Kingdom focal area. In an area with high development pressures, loss of this linkage between two large habitat blocks would forever sever the ability of species to continue their north-bound trajectory in search of cooler climes. TNC is thrilled to support Stowe Land Trust in acquiring a critical 74 acres of this corridor.

Lost Meadow Land Cooperative
A unique cooperative model combining affordable home ownership and easements on common land, the Lost Meadow Land Cooperative supports the stewardship of forest resources, wildlife habitat, and recreation over its 527 acres of to-be conserved land. The land, to be permanently protected from future development, will hold additional protections for streams, wetlands, and other natural communities. We are grateful to the Vermont Land Trust for their partnership in protecting this special place in our Southern Greens to Whites focal area.

Deer Run Nature Preserve
Located in TNC’s Southern Greens to Whites focal area, this 248-acre parcel in Newfane, Vermont, is an expansion to the Deer Run Nature Preserve. It is home to forests, fields, wetlands and a pond used by the community for wildlife viewing and recreation for years. Old logging roads have been reclaimed by vegetation, creating natural paths for visitors to explore and enjoy the many natural features and creatures that call this place home. Thank you, Green Mountain Conservancy, for your partnership and stewardship of this land.

Ely Mountain Conservation Area
This 403-acre property, located in Fairlee, has an existing management plan prioritizing old growth, carbon sequestration and storage, wildlife habitat, and headwater stream quality. We are excited to partner with Upper Valley Land Trust to help them expand this conservation area in our Southern Greens to Whites focal area by 60 acres.

Amid climate change and biodiversity loss, scaling up the pace of conservation is more important than ever. At The Nature Conservancy, we are locking arms with our conservation partners in Vermont to safeguard biodiversity for the generations to come. Together, we can do more for nature, when nature needs us most.