In response to this issue, Willowell plans to apply for a grant from the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation in the winter of 2007 that will partially fund a Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (VYCC) trail-building project at the Willowell Land in the summer of 2008.

 

We plan to construct several trail systems in the fragile lower woodland, Valley Clayplain forest and Pond Brook wetland area, including bridges and boardwalks, that will protect the fragile environment while allowing access to these incredibly beautiful and diverse habitats for contemplation and study.

 

We are dedicated to using sustainable materials for the construction of the boardwalk, and will harvest much of the timber for use in the project from our own land. We will also choose the least-damaging methods of trail construction that still accomplish our goal of protecting habitat while allowing for continued access into these areas.

 

Land

Conservation

 

 

 

 

 

 

Winding through the woods at the Willowell Land is a small network of trails that are used for walking, hiking, and animal movement, as evidenced by this raccoon track (left) in the mud at the side of one of these trails. Though the existing trail network has supported the light amount of foot traffic on these trails in the past, the

arrival of the Willowell Foundation has increased the pedestrian flow at the land enormously. As a result of our youth and adult programs at the Willowell Land, existing trails in the wet environment that characterizes the property are easily muddied and damaged (see below).

A view of the woodland from the field edge. Photo <c> EKWB, 2005.

 

 

In preparation for the grant-writing process that will fund this project and for the construction of the trails in 2008, students from the Walden Project alternative high school program are working closely with VYCC staff to map trail routes, identify areas for conservation, and choose significant trees for both preservation and harvest in order to construct the project. Students are using GPS systems, extensive mapping, and trail flagging techniques to prepare for the trail project to begin.

 

Students are also working with Monkton neighbors and community members to solicit input about possible trail uses on the land, in order to continue the Willowell Land’s functioning as a working landscape that fulfills cultural, personal and environmental needs for all of its users.

 

 

In order to (literally) get its (well, our) feet off the ground and onto the newly constructed trails, the Trail Network needs your help. There are several ways to get involved. These include: