Leisure

DEC scientist collecting water samples on Molly's Falls Reservoir in Marshfield shortly after ice-out in early spring.

DEC looking for ice-out survey responders

As Vermonters patiently wait for spring, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) invites the public to report when Vermont’s lakes and ponds lose their ice cover. Also known as the “ice-out date,” it marks when lakes or ponds become ice-free from shore to shore. DEC scientists use ice-...

Floating row covers are examples of tools that gardeners and farmers alike can use to practice IPM for vegetable crops to exclude insect pests.

IPM allows for pest control without overuse of dangerous chemicals

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a holistic approach that gardeners can use to reduce pesticides when managing insects, diseases, and weeds. The US Department of Agriculture defines IPM as “a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools...

State DEC pauses lake construction projects during spring fish spawning season

During the spring fish spawning season, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) wants to remind Vermonters that permitted lake encroachment construction projects and non-chemical aquatic plant control projects on public lakes and ponds are typically not allowed from now through...

Time for the bird feeders to come in

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (VTFW) is receiving reports of bears coming out of dens and is urging Vermonters to remove bird feeders and take additional steps now to prevent conflicts with bears over the spring and summer. Bird feeders should be removed and yards bear-proofed before...

Michael Clough

Clough leaving museum after 14 years of service

The board of directors of the Vermont Museum of Natural History and Pool Nature Center have announced that executive director Michael Clough will be leaving the organization by early summer. After serving in a variety of capacities, most notably as the organization’s primary educator for 14 years,...

Wedding Expo at Chez Nous

Engaged couples and wedding professionals from across southern Vermont, western Massachusetts, and the Berkshires are invited to attend the upcoming Southern Vermont Wedding Expo, a premier showcase of the region’s most talented venues and vendors. The event takes place at Chez Nous, 665 Rt 9, on...

Bennington Battle Monument, one of five historic preservation sites slated for restoration.

Five state-owned historic sites set to undergo restoration

The Vermont Division for Historic Preservation (VDHP) is pleased to announce that significant historic preservation and restoration projects are underway at five state-owned historic sites. These infrastructure improvements are designed to stabilize and protect Vermont’s cultural landmarks,...

At 13 years of age, Willie Johnston from Salem, part of Derby, remains the youngest individual to receive the Medal of Honor.

March 25, Medal of Honor Day recognized

The words “Medal of Honor,” bring to mind the military men and women who went far beyond the expectations of duty, many dying to save fellow comrades or shipmates. Vermont has a number of Medal of Honor recipients: 64 individuals who were born, enlisted or commissioned in Vermont. Dating to the...

Reggaefest, Sink or Skim, and Duct Tape Derby on tap at Mount Snow

Spring skiing arrives at Mount Snow with the resort’s annual Reggaefest weekend, Friday, March 20 through Sunday, March 22, featuring live reggae music, the 100-foot Sink or Skim Pond Skim, and the creative Duct Tape Derby. Saturday’s pond skim challenges skiers and riders to glide, or...

Friendly volunteers serve up the tasting experience with a warm welcome.

Chamber's beer and chili stroll is coming

The Southern Vermont Deerfield Valley Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Vermont Craft Beer & Chili Stroll on Friday, March 27 from 4 to 7 pm. The event couples Vermont craft beers with delicious chili created by local chefs. Tasting stations will be located at Ratu’s Liquor & Market...