Conservation Commission

The Ferrisburgh Conservation Commission is looking for new members. Interested individuals should contact Craig Heindel at cheindel@gmavt.net. Members are required to be residents of Ferrisburgh. 

Ferrisburgh Town Forest Hike (September 16, 2023)

The Ferrisburgh Conservation Commission is leading a hike to the Ferrisburgh Town Forest on Ferrisburgh Day, Saturday September 16.  Interested folks should meet at the parking spot at the tight bend on Robinson Road at 9:00 AM and expect to return to their vehicles between noon and 1:00 PM.  Be advised that the access trail may be muddy, with short sections having steep grades and uneven footing.  Bring water, snack, insect repellent, appropriate clothing and stout footwear.

Gone Batty (March 23, 2023)

Come learn about Vermont’s flying mammals from state wildlife biologist Alyssa Bennett from the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. As these animals prepare to leave their underground hibernation sites and fly north from warmer climates, join us for an update on winter and summer population trends, the latest disease and treatment research to combat White-nose Syndrome, and what you can do in your own backyard to help Vermont’s nine bat species.

Abenaki in the Champlain Valley: Historical, Current and Future (March 23, 2022)

"Abenaki in the Champlain Valley: Historical, Current and Future" presented by Judy Dow, Executive Director & Educator of Gedakina.

University of Vermont Course NR-206 Addressing Problems in the Town Forest (Spring 2022)

Ferrisburgh Conservation Commission teamed up with the University of Vermont School of Natural resources to inventory local bird populations in the town forest and boost community awareness and involvement. Students from the course NR-206 presented their research and findings on Ferrisburgh bird populations.

Birds of Ferrisburgh Town Forest: Presentation Slides  
Avian Populations in the Ferrisburgh Town Forest: Fact sheet  

Atlantic Salmon in Lake Champlain: A Brief Natural History (April 1, 2021)

Matt Harrison, Educational Programs Manager at Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, presented for a virtual program on the natural history of Atlantic Salmon in Lake Champlain.  Matt explained the history, extirpation, and return of Atlantic Salmon in the region.

Understanding and Living with Vermont Black Bears (January 14, 2021) 

Forrest Hammond, Wildlife Biologist and Black Bear Project Leader, VT Fish and Wildlife Dept., presented on the ecology of Vermont's black bears, including management and bear conflict avoidance.

Bear visitation season has begun! Click to learn more about bear ecology and how you can responsibly prepare for their spring arrival. To report a sighting Click here for contacts and instructions.

Public Access to Town Forest with Map
Town Forest Management Plan
Deed Research on Right of Way to Town Forest

The Community Wildlife Program of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department has created this document, which offers an extensive list of resources for Conservation Commissions.

The Ferrisburgh Conservation Commission is collecting pictures of local wildlife sightings. Our hope is to create an historical record of wildlife currently found in Ferrisburgh.

If you have any photos to share, please send them to Barry Estabrook at barryestabrook@gmail.com.

Click here to see what we have so far.

• Lewis Creek Association
• The Watershed Center
• Vermont Invasives
• Association of Vermont Conservation Commissions

General

• A Resident's Guide to Protecting Natural Resources in Ferrisburgh
• Agency of Natural Resources
• BioFinder
• VT Coverts

• VT Water Management Division
• Addison County River Watch Collaborative

• VT Forest Information and Technical Assistance
• Current Use Program
• Invasive Species
• VT Family Forest
  

• Landowner Wildlife Habitat Management
• Forestry for Birds
• Otter Creek Audubon Society
• Hunting & Fishing
  
• Green Mountain Conservation Camp
• Keeping Track