Events

June 22nd • 12:00 – 2:00pm

River, Wetland, Forest:
Land Conservation at the Confluence 

Join us at the confluence of Bull Creek and the Saxtons River alongside the Windmill Ridge to learn about interconnected projects to conserve rivers, forests, wetlands, and trails in southern Vermont.

Lined with willows and alders where sparrows and warblers hop, Bull Creek flows through Sleepy Valley to a confluence with the dramatic and geomorphically sensitive Saxtons River. On either side of the valley, trails wind through rich northern hardwood forest, hemlock forest, and dryer summit communities with hickory and oak. On this walking tour, ecologists and neighbors from Vermont River Conservancy, the Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association, and Bull Creek Common Lands will share an intimate perspective on the landscape we are working together to conserve – and a nuts and bolts explanation of what we’ve done so far, and where we’re going next.

Vermont River Conservancy’s Hayley Kolding , and Andy Toepfer (Bull Creek Common Lands), Hannah Regier (Bull Creek Common Lands/Vermont Land Trust), and Lisa Merton (Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association) are ecologists and conservation specialists working together to protect land and water for people and wildlife in the Saxtons River watershed and beyond.

Register at the Vermont River Conservancy website

Location: Sleepy Valley Road, Athens, VT

Remember to bring: Boots, bring gloves, water, lunch/snacks, sunscreen, etc. We will start by exploring the floodplain of Bull Creek and the Saxtons River, including a field with uneven footing and some wet areas in both sun and shade. Then we will move to the forested Bemis Hill trail, which includes steep portions and some wet areas. Bring snacks or a bag lunch – we’ll be moving slowly and there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery and a bite to eat

July 8th • 7:00pm

At the Athens Brick Meetinghouse

Mighty Monarch Butterflies!

Following several years of studying Monarchs in New England, and planting milkweed for them, in February 2024, Emily Wrubel and Judy Fink took a trip to the Mariposa Monarcha Biosphere Reserve in Angangueo, Mexico, where our eastern monarch butterflies spend the winter.

Come join their monarch journey, as they recount adventures here at home and travel three thousand miles and 11,000 feet in elevation to stand among the millions of wintering monarchs in Mexico. Judy and Emily will share photos, videos, stories, and give you a glimpse of what they’ve learned about the amazing monarch life cycle, update you on recent developments, and let you know how you can get involved in conserving this fragile species.

Judy retired from 35 years of teaching children, teachers and farm education, and moved to the top of the highest hill in Dummerston in 2012. She served on the Dummerston Conservation Commission from 2017-2021. 

Emily is a retired middle school math and science teacher, having gotten her start in outdoor education. She’s lived in the woods of Hillsboro, NH for over 37 years.

No registration necessary • By donation • Proceeds will support Bull Creek Common Lands and the Athens Historic Preservation Society

Location: The beautiful, historic, Athens Brick Meetinghouse
2 Meetinghouse Rd., Athens, VT 05143