New Year, New Woodland Adventures

With the new year underway, now is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and set meaningful goals for your woodland stewardship. Winter offers a quieter season to plan for what you’d like to accomplish in your woods over the coming year. Whether you own a small woodlot, manage a larger forest, or simply love spending time in the woods, setting goals can inspire your journey and deepen your connection to the land.

Here are three ideas to get you started:

1. Get to Know Your Woods

Understanding your woodland begins with observation. Spending more time exploring and noticing the subtle changes throughout the seasons can help uncover your forest’s unique story.

• Walk regularly: Take daily, weekly, or monthly walks and visit the same locations throughout the year. Keep a journal to note changes like wildlife signs, tree growth, or seasonal shifts.

• Seek professional insight: Schedule a visit with your county forester or a wildlife habitat specialist from Vermont Fish & Wildlife. These experts can provide insight, answer questions, and help you identify next steps.

• Review your management plan: Looking for a good read on a cold day? Curl up next to the woodstove with your forest management plan. Then, reach out to your consulting forester to discuss upcoming activities and any updates your plan may need.

• Become a wildlife detective: Winter is a great time to discover which animals are visiting your woods by observing tracks and signs. While not all species are active, tracking can offer valuable insights into how wildlife use your land.

Want to sharpen your skills? Join us for the Tracks and Tales Full-Day Wildlife Tracking Workshop with Jonathan Shapiro on March 8.

2. Get Involved in Vermont Woodlands Association

There’s strength in community—and plenty of ways to connect with fellow woodland stewards through Vermont Woodlands Association.

• Attend events: Join workshops, field days, and webinars to grow your knowledge and connect with others.

• Share your story: Consider contributing your land stewardship experiences to our quarterly newsletter or blog.

• Volunteer: Serve on our board or help with events and special initiatives. To learn more, contact Kate Forrer at director@vermontwoodlands.org.