Deer Run Nature Preserve trail and bridge celebrated with grand opening festivities
DUMMERSTON - The Green Mountain Conservancy is inviting everyone to their bridge and trail opening celebration Saturday, Sept. 17, at 11 a.m. at the Deer Run Nature Preserve Trailhead, 940 Camp Arden Road in Dummerston. The rain date is Saturday, Sept. 24 at 11 a.m.
The brief celebration will be followed by a guided hike on the new 2.5 mile Ravine Trail, led by Roger Haydock. There will also be shorter, easier hikes led by GMC board members to the new bridge and to other beauty spots along the trails on the 913-acre preserve. Bring water bottles (refills available), lunch or snacks, and anything else you need to enjoy during your time on the preserve.
The newly constructed Ravine Trail goes from the top of the southern end of the Putney Mountain Ridge down to the preserve's fields along the West River. It features a meander along a deep ravine, cut through glacial till, aptly referred to as “the Grand Canyon.”
The new foot bridge will ease hikers' passage across a streambed that was deepened in last year's flooding, and into the red pine forest that was planted in 1938 by Charles Brown, the farmer on the nearby Deer Run Farm. For information call 802-257-0012 or e-mail [email protected].
Tai chi classes begin
GUILFORD - Guilford Cares will be sponsoring a new weekly beginner class in Tai Chi for Fall Prevention on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m., starting Sept. 21. at Guilford Community Church. Leah Gessner is the instructor.
Tai chi is an exercise system combining disciplined, graceful movements with an invigorating sense of the body and surrounding space, according to a news release. “Although the movements are slow, they contain great power,” say organizers. Participants will try to coordinate hand and foot movements, breathing naturally and moving with slow continuous flow. By doing so, strength and balance are improved.
All are welcome to come and try the class, no registration required. There is no charge for the classes, but donations are welcome. For more information, contact Guilford Cares at [email protected] or 802-579-1350.
Walk/bike plan to be discussed at public meeting
BRATTLEBORO - A virtual public meeting is planned for Thursday, Sept. 22, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., for a discussion of the locations in Brattleboro most in need of attention from a pedestrian or bicyclist's perspective - and some potential solutions.
This will be the first of two public meetings for the Walk/Bike Action Plan. The goal is to share what the town has heard so far and start determining how best to prioritize and fund the projects and maintenance required to keep bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit riders safe and comfortable as they get around town.
Although virtual, this will be an interactive meeting that includes two-way discussion about potential targeted solutions through live polling and audience questions.
The meeting will take place on Zoom. The meeting link is bit.ly/681-plan. The meeting ID is 829 2453 3273 and the passcode is 005853. Anyone desiring to participate and listen in on the meeting by cell or landline phone should dial 877-853-5247 (toll-free) and enter the meeting ID and passcode when prompted.
If you do not have access to a computer or phone to join the meeting, you may participate by coming to the Selectboard Meeting Room at the Municipal Center.
Monthly free produce available
PUTNEY - The Vermont Foodbank and the Putney Foodshelf will co-sponsor the next monthly drop of free produce and some nonperishables on Thursday, Sept. 22, from 9 to 9:45 a.m. at Putney Meadows, 17 Carol Brown Way (the white building across from the Putney Food Co-op and the fire station).
All are welcome. Because of COVID-19, remain in your car at pickup, and volunteers will bring out bags.