She Spoke for the Land -

Laurel Letter and the Spirit of Conservation

The year was 1987, two years after the Upper Valley Land Trust was founded.  In this year a conversation began that changed the shape of a city.  Mrs. Laurel Letter of Lebanon came to the Upper Valley Land Trust on behalf of herself and her neighborhood.  There was land owned by the city, sixteen acres, that was enjoyed immensely by Laurel and her community but she was concerned.   There were undeveloped parcels bordering this land - would the community’s common ground become squeezed by encroaching development?  This was important because this was a place that, in her mind, the people of the city needed.

Please join us in honoring Laurel by reading the rest of her inspiring story here.

Local Energy and Agriculture Fair in Bradford

The brisk September day of LEAF was perfect for an outdoor festival – particularly one celebrating alternative energy as well as agriculture.  What better example than the cool air and sharp autumnal sunshine to punctuate the very things that they can be used for: the bounty of the earth and energy for our homes. 

The festival, sponsored by the Bradford Conservation Commission's Energy Committee, focused on ‘positive, local solutions to the intimidating energy and environmental issues that surround us’.  It was an opportunity for discussion and contemplation upon the connections between our surroundings and our lifestyles. 

LEAF was well attended by vendors and spectators alike.  Twenty one vendors displayed wares and shared ideas under the tents as people strolled through.  Live music added a pleasant backdrop to the cheerful atmosphere.  The farmer’s and artisan’s markets provided a myriad of local foods and products for attendees to enjoy.  Discussion panels, movie screenings, presentations, tours, and an address by nationally recognized environmentalist, author, and activist Bill McKibben rounded out the day’s activities.

Many folks stopped by the UVLT table and we enjoyed talking to friends both old and new.  We hope to see you there next year!

No Pain, No Gain: Hypertherm Puts a Hurtin’ on Invasive Species

Seven hearty souls from Hypertherm came back to UVLT’s “Gateway” property in Norwich to check out a new fitness craze sweeping though the Upper Valley! It’s called “Invasives cross-training” .

These volunteers spent 8 hours hiking up and down a steep hill (interval training) and plowing through shin deep mud (endurance training) to pull out and cut down non-native invasive trees and shrubs such as buckthorn, honeysuckle, and barberry (resistance training). Who needs a gym membership!?

If you’d like to learn more about the history of Hypertherm and UVLT teaming up for this project please click here and here.

To learn more about why these plants are bad, check out Sara Cavin's article about invasive species removal below.

If you’d like a free membership to the UVLT fitness program, contact us!

Notes from the Field: Invasive Plant Prevention and Management Training

Morning fog was still settled in Thetford Center last week as a group of 49 foresters, loggers, land managers, conservation professionals, and interested landowners gathered at the Thetford Community Center to begin a day-long workshop on management strategies for non-native invasive plants found in our region.

Run by the Vermont Chapter of the Nature Conservancy (VT TNC) and partners including the Upper Valley Land Trust (UVLT), Vermont Land Trust (VLT), VT Department of Forest Parks and Recreation (VT FPR),Redstart Consulting, and Polatin Ecological Services, the workshop began with an Invasive Plant ID “Pop Quiz” and proceeded with both indoor and outdoor sessions lead by project staff.

Read the rest of the article here.

Mack's Special Place

While waiting for my eleven year old daughter, Abby, to finish band practice at Thetford Elementary School, a piece of artwork caught my eye. Second grader Mack Briglin has drawn a picture depicting Bill Hill, a place near where Mack lives, which Upper Valley Land Trust holds a conservation easement on. The drawing was part of a wonderful project given to the students by 2nd grade teacher, Regina Bradley.

“Write about a place that is special to you”, she told them.

Click here to read the rest of Stewardship Coordinator Jason Berard's wonderful reflections about our 'Special Places' inspired by Second Grader Mack Briglin's own profound observations.

19 Buck Road | Hanover, NH 03755 US