Summer 2023 Newsletter

If you’ve been following the news in South Hero, you may know that South Hero has a new Town Conservation Commission. The Commission is made up of South Hero residents who deeply care about the natural world and local farms, and want to find ways to steward them and connect people with them—just like we do at South Hero Land Trust. One of the first projects of the new Commission was a partnership effort with South Hero Land Trust and the Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife: developing a series of Community Values Maps.

What Do You Love About South Hero?

As a community based conservation organization, South Hero Land Trust is guided by our connection and commitment to the land and people of South Hero. Knowing what you value most about our Island home is vital as we develop projects and programs.

Together with the Conservation Commission, we reached out to South Hero residents and landowners of all ages, and asked them two questions. What places do you love in South Hero? And why? We hosted two community gatherings, (one in person and one online) and invited attendees to circle the places in South Hero they value, and explain why those places matter to them.

This Island is Our Home

It was a powerful experience to be at the table during these gatherings, hearing each person share why they love this place. There were many common themes, like valuing South Hero’s recreational trails and access to Lake Champlain (also called “The Blue Stuff”). And there were unique perspectives too, like appreciation for the bedrock geology of the Islands or the history of the Island Line railroad. There was no question that everyone in the room felt a deep sense of homecoming when crossing the Sandbar onto the Island.

Mapping our Values

Our colleagues at the Department of Fish & Wildlife used the data gathered to develop a series of maps of South Hero. These maps will help South Hero Land Trust and the Conservation Commission understand what land is most important to the community for recreation, farms, community gatherings, and other purposes. The final maps are under development, but soon we will be able to see which farm fields are vital to vibrant farm operations in South Hero, and feed our community. We will see see the walking routes and views of the lake that bring joy to our daily excursions. And we will see the places that are worthy of protection because they bring us a sense of peace and connection to the natural world.

At South Hero Land Trust, we plan to use the maps to guide our strategic conservation planning. What places in South Hero still need to be protected? Where should we focus on building trails or other public access areas? Do farms have access to the land base they need to be successful? Are there needs in the community that are not being met? How can land conservation help?

We look forward to engaging more with you and the entire South Hero community more as we enter this planning phase. You can check out the final report HERE>> and the final maps HERE>>. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please reach out to Emily at Emily@shlt.org