Farm & Wilderness Conservation (FWC) continues to deepen its commitment to environmental stewardship and education through expanded programming, strategic land acquisition, and increased community engagement. From nurturing young environmental stewards through after-school programs to protecting crucial wildlife corridors, FWC's work exemplifies our values of sustainability and community-mindedness.
Fostering Environmental Education Through After-School Programs
FWC's after-school programming has flourished, now reaching approximately 90-100 students monthly across elementary schools in the Mill River Unified Union School District and Two Rivers Supervisory Union. These engaging programs bring hands-on environmental education to children from pre-K through 6th grade, connecting them with nature and sustainable farming practices.
The curriculum alternates between environmental education and farm-based activities, offering dynamic experiences that spark curiosity and wonder. Students have built their own beaver dams while learning about wetland ecosystems, explored winter animal tracking, and discovered the importance of vernal pools. On the agricultural side, children have pressed apple cider, designed garden beds, and formed bonds with the farm's animals, including visits from Boots and Benny, our beloved goats.
"These programs provide a unique opportunity for local students to develop a deeper connection with the natural world right in their backyard," shares Elisabeth Rondinone, FWC's Conservation Coordinator. "Whether they're learning about wetland conservation or meeting our farm animals, these experiences plant seeds of environmental awareness that will grow with them."
Expanding Our Conservation Footprint: The Parker Parcel
In a significant move to enhance habitat connectivity and protect intact forest blocks, FWC recently acquired the Parker Parcel, a strategic addition to our existing land holdings. This acquisition represents another step in our ongoing commitment to preserve and protect crucial wildlife habitat in central Vermont. Plans are underway to permanently conserve this land, further strengthening our role in maintaining ecological corridors in the region.
Engaging Our Community
FWC continues to expand its community outreach through diverse educational events and hands-on conservation activities. Recent highlights include a community garlic mustard pull on Sawyer Hill Road and a "Paddling with Dragons" community paddle and dragonfly survey, combining recreation with citizen science.
FWC has scheduled several engaging events for the community this fall:
- In October, we hosted a "Dam Removal for Flood Resiliency" presentation and discussion (see this past E-Interim article about the transformation of Peggy’s Pond!)
- Fall Community Hike exploring our preserved lands
- Virtual presentations featuring expert speakers on topics ranging from Vermont's loons to bogs and fens--in November, we hosted Vermont forester and author Ethan Tapper!
These events reflect our commitment to making environmental education accessible to all while fostering a deeper understanding of our local ecosystems. Click here to check out our events page, where we'll continue to post fun opportunities to get involved!
Looking Forward
As FWC continues to grow, we remain focused on our core mission of preserving and promoting the wilderness character of our landholdings while providing accessible environmental education to our community. Through our after-school programs, land conservation efforts, and community events, we're working to ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to learn from and connect with the natural world.
We invite the Farm & Wilderness community to join us in these efforts, whether by participating in upcoming events, supporting our conservation initiatives, or spreading the word about our programs. Together, we can continue to build on our legacy of environmental stewardship and education.