The Green Mountain Conservancy invites the public to a guided hike at the Deer Run Nature Preserve on Sunday, July 28, at 2:30 pm. The hike will follow the new gradual gradient trail through the future Deer Run Nature Preserve in Dummerston, VT and will be led by Roger Haydock, and other board members of the Green Mountain Conservancy (GMC).
Everyone is welcome regardless of ability. The full hike is 2.2 miles and takes approximately 3 hours. However, leaders will be available to take hikers on shorter lengths of the trail. As everywhere, there may be ticks so dress appropriately and bring water. Refreshments and more information about the Deer Run Nature Preserve will be available. Donations are appreciated.
To get to the trailhead from the Covered Bridge in West Dummerston, follow Camp Arden Road for almost two miles. The trailhead will be on your right and marked with a sign. Volunteers will assist with parking.
Roger Haydock, who has built and maintained trails for the Putney Mountain Association and Pinnacle / Windmill Hill Association, built the trail in the Deer Run Nature Preserve to take hikers from the trailhead on Camp Arden Road, through varied terrain, crossing several streams and hemlock-filled ravines, old stone walls, and areas of red pine and tall hardwoods. The trail climbs gently to a stone monument at the height of land.There are stunning views of the covered bridge, Black Mountain and the West River valley where the trail crosses a power line.
The Deer Run Nature Preserve is located on a 287-acre parcel of woodland in the northwest corner of Dummerston and southern Brookline, one of the few remaining large parcels of undeveloped land in the area. It is a designated wildlife corridor, has amazing biodiversity and will provide essential carbon sequestration into the future. The Green Mountain Conservancy is purchasing and conserving this land and is planning to purchase a second, adjoining, 630-acre parcel. With that purchase, the Deer Run Nature Preserve will span the Putney Mountain Ridge where it meets the West River, with over 3 miles of river frontage.
Information call 257-0012, info@greenmountainconservancy.org
The Dummerston Conservation Commission meets the second Thursday of every month at the Dummerston Town Offices. Anyone who has an interest in supporting the mission of the commission is welcome to attend. Please call 257-0012 for further information.