Outdoors News Briefs
February 9, 2024 | By Waterbury Roundabout
Stark Mountain Foundation’s StorySki at Mad River Glen Feb. 24
The Stark Mountain Foundation will set up its 6th Annual StorySki on Stark Mountain at Mad River Glen on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
A beloved tradition, the annual event allows Mad River Glen skiers to enjoy the printed pages from a children’s book installed along the sides of a ski trail meandering through the woods. This year, participants can ski, read, and enjoy the book, “Ten on the Sled,” by Kim Norman, illustrated by Liza Woodruff. The story captures the joy of a wintertime sled ride by a group of 10 animal friends.
‘Ten on the Sled’ will be on display at the StorySki.
Children 12 and under receive a stuffed animal and hot chocolate. Pre-registration for the event is strongly encouraged. Sign up using this online link.
The event is free, but everyone will need a lift ticket to take part. Check-in begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Kent Thomas Nature Center at the Snail and Slalom Hill junction.
The StorySki panels will be placed at Mad River Glen the week before and after the event so skiers can enjoy the story even if they can’t make it on the 24th.
Based in Waitsfield and founded in 2000, the nonprofit Stark Mountain Foundation’s mission is to preserve and protect the environment and ecosystem of General Stark Mountain, including its recreational access and historic value. It supports programs that promote and sustain that environment for people now and in the future. More information: starkmountain.org
Green Mountain Conservation Camp registration is open
Vermont Fish & Wildlife’s Green Mountain Conservation Camp program offers young people the opportunity to learn about natural resource conservation and develop outdoor skills through hands-on learning experiences like canoe fishing. Vermont Fish & Wildlife photo
Registration is open now for Vermont youngsters ages 12 to 14 who want to learn about Vermont's wildlife and gain outdoor skills to sign up for one of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department's Green Mountain Conservation Camps this summer.
The one-week camp programs are held at Lake Bomoseen in Castleton and Buck Lake in Woodbury. Campers participate in hands-on learning about fish and wildlife conservation, ecology, forestry, orienteering, safe firearm and archery techniques, swimming, canoeing, fishing and more. Natural resource professionals come to the camp to share information on their programs and take campers out for field activities.
“Whether kids come alone or with friends, they are guaranteed to meet new people and form new bonds while experiencing Vermont’s natural resources to the fullest,” said Fish and Wildlife Education Specialist Hannah Phelps. “An important take-away message and common theme during the week is that conserving and managing habitat will help ensure Vermont will have fish and wildlife in the future.”
Vermont Fish & Wildlife photo
The camps encourage teens 16 or younger who have attended in prior summers to return. Those participants are grouped in advanced sessions that build on their initial experiences.
“Advanced sessions include more in-depth activities about backpacking, camping, natural resources, and unique hunting and fishing techniques,” Phelps said.
Conservation Camps open June 16 and continue until Aug. 16. Tuition is $250 for the week, including food, lodging and equipment, and financial assistance is available.
Information and registration details are available at www.vtfishandwildlife.com. For questions, email FWGMCC@vermont.gov or call 802-522-2925.
People, dogs can register now for 26th Annual Mutt Strut on April 21
Two- and four-legged runners take off for a soggy 25th annual Mutt Strut at Little River State Park on Sunday, April 23, 2023. The 3-mile race organized by Central Vermont Runners is a fundraiser for the nonprofit VT-CAN! Vermont Companion Animal Neutering spay/neuter clinic in Middlesex. Photo by Sarah Milligan
Registration is now open for the 26th Annual Mutt Strut three-mile race for dogs and dog lovers set for Sunday, April 21, at Little River State Park in Waterbury.
Organized by Central Vermont Runners, the event is a fundraiser for the nonprofit VT-CAN! Vermont Companion Animal Neutering spay/neuter clinic in Middlesex.
Registration can be done by mail, online, or on the day of the event which starts at 10 a.m. Pre-registration is encouraged. Early online and mail-in registration is $10 through April 10; it increases to $15 through April 14 for mail, and through April 19 online. Race day registration is $20.
Details including a course map, registration form and online registration can be found at cvrunners.org/cvr-races/mutt-strut.
Prizes will be awarded by dog weight (small/large) and owner (age/gender). Refreshments will be provided for people and dogs. All dogs must be leashed and vaccinated for rabies. All participants must sign a waiver.
Note: Runners without dogs are welcome, too.
Contact Maryellen Copping 802-505-8356 or melcopping@gmail.com with any questions.