HLT has protected more than 600 acres in its 17-year history, and is currently working to double that amount with its biggest project to date: The LaPlatte Headwaters Conservation Initiative on Bissonette Farm.
Learn more about current and past projects below. All the conserved land described here is accessible to the public, and features many beautiful walking and skiing trails. Many of the preserved areas have been turned over to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (VFWD), and are managed not only for traditional uses of hunting and fishing but have also provided the setting for bird, wildflower and tree-identification walks hosted by the HLT. To organize an outing, or to learn more, contact us.
The LaPlatte Headwaters Conservation Initiative on Bissonette Farm
Welcome, friends & neighbors of the LaPlatte Headwaters Conservation Project on Bissonette Farm. The 620-acre project will help conserve water quality in Lake Champlain, and will protect vital farmland and wildlife habitat in the southern part of Hinesburg. Click here to learn more about the project, and how you can help!
The Lincoln Hill Project
In 2001, the Hinesburg Land Trust acquired 144 acres on Lincoln Hill adjacent to the stated owned: 1150 acres of the Fred Johnson Wildlife Management Area (FJWMA.) With the 850 acres of the Hinesburg Town Forest. Nearby HLT sought to protect the wildlife corridor between these publicly held parcels and insure that habitat is not further fragmented by development. A VAST trail on this property also ensures that this network of snowmobile trails can continue to function. The parcel has now been turned over to the VTDFW.
The Gillespie and Copp-Welch I and II properties
The Gillespie property is 37 acres of peaceful, wooded land, with hiking and skiing trails and also a tucked-away pond loaded with bullfrogs in the summer. Together with the adjoining state-owned Copp-Welch I and II properties there are over 150 acres, with trails through mixed hardwood forests, open meadows and spectacular rocky cliffs. These properties were acquired by the HLT with the assistance of local residents and partner conservation groups. These trails and the wonderful walking along Gilman Road, Lewis Creek Road and Turkey Lane offer recreational opportunities year-round. Click here for a trail map; you may also obtain maps from the Recreation office at Town Hall.
The Isham Farm Project
Keeping agriculture as a part of our heritage is crucial, and recent efforts ensure that farming will continue to be a part of the landscape and economy of Hinesburg. In 2003, the HLT working with the Vermont Land Trust, facilitated the preservation of prime agricultural land in southern Hinesburg that allowed a young farm family to continue to operate the 100 year-old farm. Mountain’s Edge Farm, owned by Sean and Jennifer Lang, is now run with the help of former farm owners, Jean and Rod Isham.
The Russell Family Farm Conservation Project
This project demonstrates that conserving historic, accessible land can be in the best interest of the entire community. Indeed, it is possible to maintain Hinesburg’s “rural character” with a vital village and open farmland, despite increasing development pressure. Made possible through the generosity of the Russell Family and many local donors, the 63 acres conserved by this project has preserved both a natural and cultural asset as the core of the village’s identity. The forested hillside is the scenic backdrop of the village, and the property includes a beautiful trail network accessible from the village center and available to residents throughout our community. The trails are not only for recreation but each spring allow access to the 1,300 sap buckets that have been hung on these trees for over 100 years. Right in the center of Hinesburg, people can see old-fashioned sugaring in action. Community members can watch and help in the process, from maple tree to evaporator. Where else can friends and family see a team of horses drawing sap on a historic village farm?