Happy Spring!

The peepers are officially peeping, which means spring has arrived… and so have the ticks, mosquitos, and every other tiny creature determined to remind us that Vermont’s natural world is fully committed to ensuring our personal growth through mild, continuous discomfort. Some of you have probably already gotten a little sunburn, swatted your first mosquito, or stepped confidently onto that one patch of mud that looked dry but absolutely was not.

The mud is deep, the days are growing, and half the county is outside praying our enthusiasm will outlast the weather. Still, we are feeling energized. The landscape is waking up, people are digging themselves out from their winter hoards, and suddenly every project we’ve been sketching out for months feels ... behind schedule.

It’s messy, hopeful, and very… Vermont. We’re glad to be in it with you.

See you in the field.

~A

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We’re excited to share an important update to the BVIF Manager position!

This role will now include $20,000 in annual base compensation from BVIF in addition to the support package available through a full-time AmeriCorps VISTA service term. That includes a $24,962 living allowance paid bi-weekly by AmeriCorps, plus eligibility upon successful completion for either a $7,395 Education Award or a $1,800 end-of-service cash stipend. The position may also include a $750 relocation allowance for eligible members relocating to Vermont, as well as access to a health reimbursement plan through IMG Global.

We’re thrilled to be able to strengthen this position and make it a more accessible and compelling opportunity for someone ready to help lead and grow the Bennington Veteran Incubator Farm.

Learn more & apply: https://www.bccdvt.org/help-wanted

Upcoming Events

This Saturday at 1PM! - Tree Maintenance & Soil Care Workshop

Please join us at the Gardens at Yellow Barn Farm on April 4th from 1-3PM to learn all about tree pruning and other tree maintenance, as well as soil conditioning. You’ll learn a great deal from Jeromy Gardner, certified arborist for over 20 years with Bartlett Tree Experts, and Luke Beauchamp, certified arborist for 10 years with Bartlett Tree Experts.

More info here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DXWch7eu5/

04/06 - The Impact of Emerald Ash Borer in New England Webinar

Join Otter Creek NRCD for a webinar presentation on the emerald ash borer in New England. This talk will include what we know about emerald ash borer's past before it arrived in America in 2002, what is happening across New England as it interacts with our ash trees, and highlights from research being done to ease its impact.

Join online at https://tinyurl.com/ottercreekashborer

 

4/14 - How to Love a Forest

Join us on April 14, 5:30–7:00 PM at the Manchester Community Library for an evening with Vermont forester, bestselling author, and digital storyteller Ethan Tapper. This event is part of the NEA Big Read, celebrating creativity, connection, and community through the lens of our shared landscape.

MULTIPLE - Act 181 & Act 59 Community Listening Sessions

Join us for community conversations in Rupert, Winhall, Arlington, Bennington, and Woodford as Vermont updates its land‑use and conservation planning frameworks.
Your voice is essential in shaping how these statewide changes reflect local realities.

Details & dates: https://www.bccdvt.org/act-181-act-59-community-listening-sessions-2026

06/05 - Community Resilience Municipal Workshop Series – Pilot Session (Pownal)

Our first pilot workshop in Pownal will bring together municipal staff, volunteers, and community members to explore practical tools for climate resilience, emergency preparedness, and long‑term planning.

Event info: https://www.bccdvt.org/2026-06-05-community-resilience-initiative

 

Volunteer Days Coming Soon!

As the growing season ramps up, we’ll be announcing several volunteer days across the county. Stay tuned for opportunities to get your hands dirty and support local conservation projects. Find us on the Bee app!

Don't have the time? Consider donating instead!

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