April 1, 2012 – March 31, 2013
The Duxbury Land Trust (DLT) observed its eighteenth anniversary in October 2012. Highlights of the 2012-2013 program year are as follows:
Restoring the Ridley
The former Cook property on Camel’s Hump Road was seriously impacted after Tropical Storm Irene. A section of the property was clear-cut to permit large construction vehicles to work in the Ridley Brook. The Board decided to restore the land by planting trees and shrubs. A generous donation by former Board member John Shane help fund the project.
Nineteen Duxbury residents with the assistance of Ann Smith, Executive Director of the Friends of the Winooski River, worked diligently to plant the trees and shrubs on the steep, rocky, and bare slope. Lars Dickson helped coordinate the project with Alan. After three Saturdays of hard work, one in the spring and two in the fall, a clear-cut has been transformed into a hillside with a good start for becoming forested once again. Besides restoring the land to its previous natural beauty, the conservation effort will help stabilize the bank, prevent erosion, and after many years, provide shade to the brook.
DLT’s New Walking Path
Last spring, the Duxbury Land Trust Board worked with Duxbury Consulting Forester, Grahm Leitner, to create a primitive walking path through 18 acres of DLT land along the Ridley Brook.
The trail starts at the corner of Scrabble and Camel’s Hump Roads and winds its way for 0.4 of a mile along the brook. Among its natural features are large swaths of indigenous plants and northern forest tree species. There are also impressive cliffs, a tributary waterfall, and a small swimming hole. Walkers can enjoy the brook, which, although much changed after Irene, is still beautiful and still boasts a balancing rock.
The new trail offers the community another recreational option and is in keeping with the DLT’s effort to conserve public access. In addition to walking, other daytime pursuits like fishing, swimming, and hunting are welcome. The Select Board has recently approved two parking spaces, at the far left section of the bus turnaround, at the bottom of Scrabble Hill for the DLT trail. Parking signs will be posted in the not-too-distant future. Follow the blue blazes and enjoy!
DLT Signs
Signs were posted on two DLT properties listing the DLT, VT Housing and Conservation Board and VT Land Trust as the organizations responsible for conserving the land. A few boundary signs were posted in the fall, and more will be added after conferring with adjoining landowners.
Other Activities During the Year included:
- Sponsoring a photo contest honoring Duxbury’s 250th anniversary
- Publishing the newsletter
- Monitoring two conservation easements on Crossett Hill and monitoring the DLT-owned properties
- Coordinating Green-Up Day for the fifteenth year
Duxbury Land Trust 