Vermont
Albany Community School, Albany, VT: $10,050 to build a pump track training and practice area to introduce youth to mountain biking skills.
“Without this grant we would not be moving this project forward at this time,” said Steve Owens, principal of Albany Community School. “We were hoping to build a pump track two years ago but did not have the resources. We’re moving ahead now at much better location, and the pump track will give kids the opportunity to safely practice skills associated with single-track mountain biking before taking to the trails. The Community School has an ongoing partnership with the Craftsbury Outdoor Center (COC). Many of our students learn to ride on our trails, and then “graduate” to programs at the COC. By creating safe family- and community-centered site where people can explore mountain biking, we provide a gateway to the larger recreational opportunities offered in the Kingdom. This project will also help with the revitalization of Albany Village, including the restoration of the Albany Store.”
Craftsbury Community Care Center, Craftsbury, Vermont: $30,000 to build accessible paths open to the public and connected to the town trail system.
“Our new ADA handicap accessible trail will allow for all residents at The Care Center to participate in healthy activities with increased independence and safety while having greater access to nature throughout the trail system,” said Norm Hanson, board member with the Care Center. “The Town of Craftsbury Trails Initiative aims to have trails in each village to enhance quality of life for all, and this ADA accessible trail is strongly supported by the town as a special feature that will eventually connect with town trails. This grant will allow this long-awaited project to become a reality and in turn enhance the lives of many individuals,” he said.
Greensboro Land Trust, Greensboro, Vermont: $12,000 to repair bridges and add and improve signage at Barr Hill.
“We’ll be linking and upgrading the two most popular hiking trails in Greensboro — the Porter Brook Nature Trail ending near Caspian Lake, and The Nature Conservancy’s Barr Hill Natural Area,” said Clive Gray, chairman of the Greensboro Land Trust. “Barr Hill, acquired by The Vermont Nature Conservancy in 1971, is its oldest preserve. The Porter Brook Nature Trail was conserved by the Greensboro Land Trust in 2018. The two trails attract hundreds of local and out-of-town visitors in spring, summer and fall. We hope that improved structures, signage and safety features on both trails will enable us to attract many more visitors to our town.”
Kingdom Trail Association, East Burke, Vermont: $32,076 to create the Safe Road and Trail Crossings project to improve safety at road and trail crossings.
“Kingdom Trails is beyond thrilled to be a recipient of a Northern Forest Outdoor Recreation Grant!” said Abby Long, executive director of Kingdom Trail Association. “Our Safe Road and Trail Crossings project was identified as a priority in KT’s recent community-led Capacity Study. This project will improve safety for drivers and trail users, residents and visitors where roads and trails intersect. The funds will be dedicated to the project’s infrastructure and paired with expanding Kingdom Trail’s Ambassador Program to hold trail users accountable, monitor safe road and trail crossings, and promote engagement and education with the goals of creating a safer experience for those walking, biking, and driving. We aim to strengthen the economic impact across the region and relieve pressure and stress on private landowners and our host communities.”
Lyndon Outing Club, Lyndonville, Vermont: $26,000 to construct a pump track, mountain bike skills progression park— including berms, jumps, rollers, and wooden trail features — followed by construction of an on-hill trail system on town land.
“We hope the Lyndon Outing Club Bike Park project will begin the development of a new hub for mountain biking closer to downtown Lyndonville,” said Caleb Gale of the Lyndon Outing Club. “Bringing more trail users closer to the downtown area will provide the opportunity for economic growth in the areas of retail, lodging, and restaurants among others. The park will initially offer a skills progression area and trails tailored to new and beginning riders. Eventually we hope to develop more trails and plan to explore a connection to the rest of the Kingdom Trails network. The park will be open to the public and free to use for locals and visitors alike. This grant from the Northern Forest Center will fund the majority of the first phase of the bike park project, with the remainder made up of grants from Kingdom Trails and Blue Cross Blue Shield, along with Lyndon Outing Club fundraising.”
NorthWoods Stewardship Center, E. Charleston, Vermont: $50,000 to replace the main lodge roof.
“This grant is providing critical matching funds to replace the roof on the NorthWoods Lodge,” said Maria Young, executive director of the NorthWoods Stewardship Center. “The lodge is the hub of outdoor recreation and conservation programs on our 1,500-acre campus and the gateway to a network of multi-season trails that stretch through the Kingdom Heritage Lands, one of the largest and wildest contiguous forests in Vermont. The new roof will end moisture damage to the building and provide an opportunity to install high-efficiency insulation and waterproofing. We expect to reduce heating costs and better use our large hosting space through the winter and shoulder months,” she said.
Old Stone House Museum & Historic Village, Brownington, Vermont: $33,200 to create “The Alexander Twilight Educational Trail, Open to Interpretation” to bring together outdoor recreation, art, culture, and local history.
“This project will celebrate and explore the legacy of African American educator, legislator and academic Alexander Lucius Twilight through artistic interpretations of the historic landscapes —both human and natural — he called home.” said Molly Veysey, executive director of Old Stone House Museum. “The project will integrate Brownington and Orleans County school children into the creation processes of four selected artists, allowing for rich local learning opportunities. ‘Open to Interpretation’ will attract a dynamic and diverse audience not only to the Old Stone House Museum & Historic Village, but also to our region’s many attractions.”
Town of Brighton, Vermont: $38,200 for improvements to Island Pond’s Lakeside Park, including trailhead improvements and a dock.
“The proposed dock on Island Pond will bring the lake closer visually to the downtown and provide a place for residents and visitors to enjoy the beauty of the lake,” said Town Manager Joel Cope. “It will also allow boaters to tie up and enjoy the downtown for eating, shopping, walking or other recreational activities in the town Lakeside Park.”
Town of Granby, Vermont: $15,000 to maintain trails and improve signage at the Cow Mountain Pond Municipal Forest Area.
“Without the funds from this grant, the Town of Granby would not be able to maintain our trail system to acceptable hiking safety standards,” said Bruce Berryman, a volunteer in Granby working on the project. “Visitors and residents will now have a more enjoyable experience as they walk through the 1,800 acres of pristine forest environment, including a patch of 200 acres of old growth forest, surrounding Cow Mountain Pond.”
Town of Hardwick, Vermont: $10,000 to improve community trails for better access for downhill mountain biking, greater trail use during peak periods, and nearly 100% access to the Community Trails throughout the year, including a new access point to the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail.
“The Town of Hardwick is honored to have received this award from the Northern Forest Destination Development Initiative,” said Town Manager Shaun Fielder. “With this grant support, Hardwick will further improve its recreational trail network and strengthen the 4-season recreational opportunities the town has to offer.”
Town of St. Johnsbury, Vermont: $20,000 to improve trails in the Town Forest.
“Having an in-town trail network that the Town of St. Johnsbury can promote to complement our Riverfront Path and connection to the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail will be a key marketing message that will allow us to attract walkers and bikers to our Designated Downtown shopping and dining hub,” said Town Manager Chad L. Whitehead. “This increase in local usage and tourist visitation will have huge benefits to our local retail and hospitality businesses. The location of the Town Forest in proximity to the Village also provides benefit for residents by putting outdoor recreation at their doorstep. We encourage people to move into our downtown, become part of our community and invest in housing, and this type of amenity makes that opportunity more attractive to those looking to relocate to the Northeast Kingdom.”
Vermont Land Trust, Newport, Vermont: $50,000 to build a boardwalk that connects Newport’s beach area to Bluffside Farm, creating a waterfront recreation corridor.
“Newport City has embraced ‘looking to the lake’ as a way to build economic opportunity that supports residents, and attracts new businesses and visitors,” said Tracy Zschau, vice president for conservation at the Vermont Land Trust. “This project is one of several that are building off each other and leveraging state, federal and private dollars to change Newport’s relationship to Lake Memphremagog and to the outdoor recreation economy. Vermont Land Trust is thrilled to be a partner during this exciting time in the region, and we’re so grateful for the timely support of the Northern Forest Outdoor Recreation grant program,” she said.
