While we now have more snow than we know what to do with, this winter started slowly. If you’ve been following our forest management project at the Andrews Community Forest in Richmond, you’ll know that we struggled with warm weather and soils that didn’t freeze until far later than usual.
A four-page FBI document distributed to water treatment officials in Chittenden County and across the state Friday lays out steps to avoid cyberattacks such as the one that recently happened in Florida.
A high-impact winter storm carrying wind chills as low as -13 degrees hit the region recently. The need to protect pets and stay indoors is paramount, but according to public health experts, the most vulnerable among us are also the youngest.
When forest management is done well, it makes our forests healthier, more complex and more resilient, provides incredible habitat for wildlife and produces local, renewable resources. Responsible forest management supports many things we value, from healthy local economies and ecology to the…
You might have a routine down when it comes to clearing snow away from your house or apartment, but does that routine include paying attention to where your mail is delivered?
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In his inauguration speech Wednesday, President Joe Biden struck a conciliatory tone, calling for those at each end of the country’s political divide to come together.
MONTPELIER — Gov. Phil Scott on Thursday signed Executive Order 02-21, to professionalize and modernize the Natural Resources Board and its district commissions.
Dominated by shades of gray, the landscape appears bleak in winter. Look closer and you may glimpse muted mauves in the distant mountains or the warm glow that envelopes the land at the golden hour.
JOHNSON — Vermont Electric Co-op (VEC), the member-owned electric distribution utility, has announced that it’s continuing its incentives program, which allows members to cut down their bills.
MONTPELIER — Last week, Vermont successfully connected and tested a brand-new backup power system for the Statehouse that will reduce carbon emissions and costs for the state. By Tuesday morning, the state was in position to actually make money off of it.
COLCHESTER — Green Mountain Power (GMP) announced this week that it’s extending popular rebates focused on reducing carbon emissions by switching to electric vehicles, heat pumps, and other products into 2021 instead of expiring them on Dec. 31 like they were scheduled for.
When planning a foreign adventure, adding a garden to the itinerary is an ideal way to be outside, avoid large crowds and leisurely explore on a budget.
This holiday season Christmas trees laden with cherished ornaments and twinkly lights evoking a sense of wonder, peace and warmth will adorn our homes. When the festivities conclude, this cozy haven disappears as we relinquish our trees to the trash. For many, this sharp change in scenery, t…
Someone much smarter than I said, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear.” I strongly agree, but also add: “...and bad habits.” New Englanders especially get this. Having lived and travelled in many states and countries, I feel that our bucolic countryside and climate with its …
I often talk about encouraging “diversity” in our forests. The reaction of most people is that they want their forest to be diverse, but they might not know what that actually means or why it’s important.
As someone who loves forests, one of the hardest and strangest parts of my job is to figure out how to cut trees in a way that supports the healthy growth and development of these complex ecosystems.
As the gardening season comes to a close, gardeners will soon be busy preparing for winter. Of all the chores involved, soil testing is often overlooked.
There are two schools of thought when it comes to managing leaf litter at this time of year. Some people believe in leaving leaf litter as natural mulch on perennial beds and to provide habitat for beneficial insects. Others believe in removing dead leaves to prevent disease and discourage pests.
MONTPELIER — Families earning 80 percent of the median income or less may be eligible for 25 percent off of the purchase of an energy efficient used car.
Many of us have had the experience of walking through the woods, when suddenly the raucous sounds and green-tinted light of a deciduous forest becomes dark and quiet. If this has happened to you, you have already had the unique experience of entering a hemlock forest.
Gov. Phil Scott has signed legislation allowing efficiency utilities to create programs reducing greenhouse gas emissions from Vermont’s transportation and heating sectors.
MONTPELIER – The Vermont Senate voted Tuesday to override a gubernatorial veto of legislation mandating Vermont reach certain carbon emission targets, effectively making the bill law.
Whether you realize it or not, the lives of Vermonters are massively enriched by forests, both aesthetically (we are the Green Mountain State, after all, and the “green” on the mountains are forests), economically and culturally (through our working landscape and our forest-based recreation …
COLCHESTER – Vermonters who receive a call from someone claiming to be from their utility company demanding payment for an overdue bill should hang up, a coalition of the state’s utility companies said Wednesday.
The future of Milton, and what it looks like from the street, was up for debate Monday night at a joint meeting between the selectboard and planning commission.Â
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new federal designation for New England will guarantee more funds for conservation and water quality work in the region, according to the office of Sen. Patrick Leahy, D – Vt.
In 2008, Audubon Vermont and the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation teamed up to create a program called “Foresters for the Birds.” The idea of this program was that, while there is a lot to love about Vermont’s forests – from the way they make our state so beautiful, clean …
MONTPELIER – A new agreement between 15 states and the District of Columbia will see Vermont commit to having all medium- and heavy-duty vehicles sold in the state be electrified by 2050.
ST. ALBANS – Two Vermont utility companies are advising Vermonters to remain safe and conserve power in the coming days as Wednesday storms and high temperatures on Thursday and Friday are expecting to spike energy demands across New England.
Have you noticed lacy-looking leaves on your pole beans or roses lately? Take a closer look and you'll probably spot the culprit--the Japanese beetle.Â
MONTPELIER – The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department says many people are having problems with bears looking for food near their homes, and with the new food scrap ban now in effect the department is providing tips for people who are composting at home so they can avoid attracting hungry bears.
MONTPELIER — On Friday, the Vermont Senate gave its stamp of approval to a bill providing $35 million in coronavirus relief to agriculture and forestry, sending the bill to Governor Phil Scott’s desk.
MONTPELIER – Few birding experiences rival hearing the haunting call of the loon or seeing them glide by in protected coves on a lake. However, for the birds’ protection, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is asking boaters and anglers to enjoy loons from a safe distance this summer.
According to an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) review, Vermont is on track to meet water quality targets mandated under Lake Champlain’s total maximum daily load (TMDL) agreement.
Today the Vt. House of Representatives passed H.926, an Act 250 modernization bill, 88 to 52 with tri-partisan support. The bill strengthens Act 250 environmental protections and supports smart growth by reducing sprawling development while facilitating development in our compact downtowns, …
MONTPELIER – On Monday, Governor Phil Scott today announced the appointment of Peter Walke to serve as commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Walke has served as the deputy secretary for the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) since January 2017, after serving as c…