Service, Sweat, and Outdoor Ecstasy in the Green Mountains, Vermont

The Trip

Please join us in the unforgettable, verdant setting of Vermont and the Green Mountains. This service trip is set within the Rochester and Middlebury Ranger Districts of the Green Mountains National Forest, a region with much to offer. The nearby Moosalamoo National Recreation Area features 16,000 acres of hiking trails, mountain biking trails, lakes, and streams for canoeing, fishing, and swimming -- and abundant wildlife. Want to learn more about this scenic gem? Go to: http://www.moosalamoo.org/. 

Historically, the Western Abenaki tribes occupied this area. Many were displaced due to conflict between the British and the French in the 18th century.

The Project

The Forest Service has a variety of engaging activities to keep us busy, with an emphasis on trail repair after the effects of winter. The week could also include activities such as hand-pulling wild chervil, a non-native invasive plant species, from the Upper White River. We may also remove encroaching vegetation on heritage sites to increase their visibility and stability.

Day 1: We meet at the Moosalamoo Campground at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. After a hearty dinner, we’ll get to know each other and discuss our work projects, hiking, and other recreational options.

Days 2-3: Early Monday morning we will get to work. Our Forest Service liaison/supervisor will introduce us to our tools and specific tasks, and how to properly, and safely use all tools. We work full days on Monday and Tuesday. While we are committed to giving our best efforts, rest when you need to. Stay hydrated. Enjoy the company of your comrades.

Day 4: Wednesday is a day off. Time for numerous opportunities for enjoyment -- including hiking in the nearby Moosalamoo National Recreation Area, which is recognized for its abundant trail resources. Lake Dunmore, Silver Lake, and Sugar Hill Reservoir offer opportunities for swimming or fishing (with an appropriate fishing license); or, you may choose to “tube” the White River, a favorite activity of the locals. You may also use Wednesday to explore other Vermont sights, such as the quintessential Vermont town of Woodstock or the Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury.

Days 5-6: Thursday and Friday are work days. We’ll finish our service projects.

Day 7: Saturday morning we will have a farewell breakfast, pack up, and go. Please remember that our trip ends on Saturday morning. When we have our cars with us, sometimes trip members are tempted to leave Friday night, but we ask that you do not. Even though we’re only together for a week, between our sweat and the scenery, we will bond. Friday night’s dinner and campfire, and breaking camp on Saturday provide closure to a group experience.

Getting There

We will camp at the Moosalamoo Campground, at the base of Moosalamoo Mountain, near Voter Brook. The nearest major airport, in Burlington, is roughly ninety minutes north of the Campground. Bus service operates from Burlington to Middlebury, on a route between the airport and campground, and is a point at which participants may be able to arrange a ride-share. Trip members are responsible for getting to the campsite, though the leader’s departure bulletin will include contact information of all members, who may be willing to carpool. Cars are permitted at the campsite. Google Maps will show the access roads from all compass directions to the Campground.

Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader.

Accommodations and Food

All meals from Sunday dinner to Saturday breakfast are included in the trip price. Of course, just calling them “meals” does not give the trip cook proper credit for her culinary skills. There are sous-chef opportunities for all to help out in the outdoor kitchen. The menu will be vegetarian-friendly -- so if meat is served a vegetarian option will be provided. 

Bring all needed tent camping gear. The campsite is rustic, with water pumps and enclosed vault toilets. For more information about the campground, visit http://www.moosalamoo.org/.

Trip Difficulty

For a service trip, this one is moderately intensive. We will put in four full days of work and we may hike a couple of miles with tools to and from our work site. So, before signing up for the trip, determine if you are physically up for the task. Experience is not a prerequisite. Fit, first-time service trippers are welcome.

Equipment and Clothing

Summer in Vermont is brief, but we will get to enjoy it. Bring warm clothing for chilly evenings. Your sleeping bag should keep you warm down to 40 degrees. Daytime highs could be anywhere from 60-88 degrees. Be sure to have rain gear along. Mosquito repellant is also important. Consider treating clothing with permethrin against ticks. The U.S. Forest Service will provide tools, safety equipment, and training on the proper use of them; participants are responsible for bringing work gloves and sturdy hiking boots. Between two and three months before the trip, the trip leader will send out the departure bulletin with specific clothing and gear recommendations.

References

• The Gund Institute for Ecological Economics and the University of Vermont, Considering Vermont’s Future in a Changing Climate: http://dev.vtclimate.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/VCA2014_FullReport.pdf/
• Moosalamoo Association, Moosalamoo National Recreation Area: http://moosalamoo.org/
  
• Green Mountain National Forest, Maps and Publications: http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/gmfl/maps-pubs/
• Vermont Historical Society: http://vermonthistory.org/
• Breadloaf Wilderness: https://wilderness.net/visit-wilderness/?ID=74
• Bristol Cliffs Wilderness: https://wilderness.net/visit-wilderness/?ID=81

Conservation

Vermont’s forests are being affected by global climate change. Sugar maples and red spruce are in decline, being replaced by oak, hickory, and red maple. This shift may have negative effects on Vermont’s economy, as it may reduce maple syrup production and fall foliage tourism. Invasive wild chervil clogs roadsides throughout northern New England. Shorter winters threaten Vermont’s ski tourism. The area’s cultural and scenic heritage are therefore at risk.

Sierra Club National Outings is an equal opportunity provider and when applicable will operate under permits obtained from U.S. federal land agencies.