Survival in the cold: Lessons of the polar vortex
The new year ushered in an arctic blast that has only recently let up. This extreme plunge in temperature is referred to as a polar vortex.
Blood Moon goes dark on March 14
The total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, grabbed headlines and dazzled millions, and now 2025 has a total eclipse of its own, albeit of the lunar variety taking place while most humans in this time zone are usually sleeping.
March at the library: Celtic songs, stories; Housing series continues; Hear of a Semester at Sea
The Waterbury Public Library’s calendar reflects the season as it opens March with Celtic songs and stories. Other programs coming up cover timely topics such as seed-starting and tips on property improvements that could add a new dwelling unit to your home.
Ravens foraging in winter
It’s a familiar sight in winter: An inky-black raven soaring over a landscape white with snow. Though similar in appearance to the American crow, the common raven (Corvus corax) is distinguished by its large size, fluffy neck feathers, and long, thick beak.
March 1-2: Kids present the musical ‘Tuck Everlasting’ in Montpelier
Lost Nation Theater’s latest production “for kids and by kids” hits the stage for three shows March 1-2 with an hourlong youth adaptation of the Broadway musical “Tuck Everlasting.”
Waterbury Recreation looks ahead to spring with March schedule
Waterbury Recreation has new programs starting up as March begins including kids swim lessons at Sugarbush, fitness classes, programs after school and during vacation days and multiple special events.
Grange Hall lands Jay Craven’s ‘Lost Nation’ Revolutionary War action drama, March 1-2
Years in the making, Vermont filmmaker Jay Craven’s latest feature film, “Lost Nation,” has been on a tour around the region since last summer and its next stop is Waterbury’s Grange Hall Cultural Center next weekend.
Winter bees are at home in holes, hollows
The creatures I spend so much time thinking about are gone for half the year. Yet, they haven’t truly disappeared – the progeny of those bees I observed among the lupine are likely nearby, awaiting the return of the sun.
Check out Green Mountain Club’s Outdoor Adventure Speaker Series
The Green Mountain Club’s annual Outdoor Adventure Speaker Series is under way on Thursday nights with speakers who are authors, athletes, scientists, advocates, and outdoor professionals. The community is invited to these free events.
Axel’s Shoot Out salutes three Vermont photographers
Photographers from Enosburg, Stowe and Waterbury were declared the winners in the 6th annual Shoot Out photo contest at Axel’s Gallery and Frame Shop.
‘Sharing Spaces’ exhibit by Peggy and Shapleigh Smith opens Feb. 19 at Axel’s
Peggy and Shapleigh Smith’s “Sharing Spaces,” at Axel’s Gallery and Frame Shop opens Feb. 19 and runs through March 29.
Vermont Repertory Theatre’s ‘Sweeney Todd’ includes local cast members
Vermont Repertory Theatre steps back to Victorian London to present some delightfully theatrical horrors in “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” Feb. 28-March 7 at Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center in Burlington.
Squirrel dreys are much more than nests
Dreys are shaggy masses of leaves nestled against a tree trunk or cupped in a fork of branches 20 to 40 feet above the ground. Squirrels not only rear their kits in them, but also use them as shelter during many months of the year.
Mad River Glen hosts Stark Mountain Foundation’s StorySki on Feb. 22
On Feb. 22, Mad River Glen hosts Stark Mountain Foundation’s annual family-friendly StorySki event.
Duxbury Land Trust hosts winter walks
Local hikers interested in a guided nearby hikes — one with a chance to explore newly conserved lands by Duxbury Land Trust — can mark their calendars for two upcoming winter walks.
Stowe library serves up chocolates, gardening with Charlie Nardozzi Feb. 11
Vermont gardening guru Charlie Nardozzi is due for his annual visit to the Stowe Free Library.
Curtains going UP!
Local stages will be busy this month with productions spanning comedy and drama, fiction and non-fiction.
Monthly workshops will coach property owners on how to add new housing units
The Waterbury Housing Task Force will hold a series of four monthly workshops starting Feb. 11 to coach local property owners interested in learning how to increase their housing capacity by adding apartment units to existing dwellings.
Northeastern hawks soar through winter
Driving on Vermont’s Interstate highways in winter, I often notice large hawks perched in trees on woodland edges at regular intervals along the road. With the stark landscape providing better visibility and many bird species gone for the winter, this is a great time of year to hawk-watch.
Waterbury Recreation launches earlier summer camp signups Feb. 4
It may be the time of year to be checking forecasts for possible snow delays and cancellations of school, but Waterbury Recreation is set to open a new earlier registration for its Summer Recreation Camp.