The Association of Vermont Conservation Commissions (AVCC) is pleased to announce that this year’s Tiny Grant funding will support projects directed by the conservation commissions in Bolton, Jericho, Putney and Richford.

The Tiny Grants program provides seed money or matching funds to conservation commissions for land conservation, education and outreach, stewardship and management, and planning activities. Conservation commissions are non-regulatory bodies designed to advise planning commissions and select boards on natural resources issues.

Here are more details about the winning projects:

Bolton – Funding will allow the commission to construct a 70′ raised boardwalk on the primary access trail to the 403-acre Preston Pond Conservation Area that will reduce trail degradation and maintain beaver habitat. The boardwalk, which will be built by town volunteers, will make the trail accessible year-round.

Jericho – Looking to build on a project started in 2022, the commission will use Tiny Grant funds to expand the pollinator garden in front of Town Hall and install fencing to prevent soil compaction. The JCC will also conduct an educational campaign to inform residents and visitors about the ecological importance of trees in the life cycle of insects, birds, and other native species.

Putney – Funds will be used to purchase special girdling knives and uprooter tools to remove buckthorn from trails in the 50-acre East Putney Forest Block. Once the trails are restored, the commission plans to highlight the conservation value of this parcel, which serves as an important wildlife corridor connecting forested land on either side of Route 5.

Richford – The commission will use its Tiny Grant to purchase flowering shrubs, trees, wildflower seeds, and mulch as it partners with students at Richford Elementary School to create a pollinator garden and raise broader awareness in the community of the benefits of wildlife-friendly native plants.

AVCC also proudly supports the work of conservation commissions by hosting an annual summit for community volunteers engaged in planning and caring for Vermont’s natural resources. As with the past few years, AVCC will be hosting a virtual summit in 2023. More details – including the date and agenda for that event – to follow.

To stay in the loop about conservation initiatives happening near you, or to share your events with other conservation commissions, subscribe to our listserv by emailing vtconservation+subscribe@googlegroups.com.

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