Come celebrate the donation of 134 acres of conserved land in the center of our community. If you don't yet know this land, you're in for a wonderful surprise. Just across the river from our school, the land is a mosaic of beautiful forests and open fields, with many walking trails. Willard and Caroline Jackson donated the land, which is permanently conserved through a conservation easement held by the Middlebury Area Land Trust. The Sumner family funded the full cost of the easement endowment, in memory of Will Sumner. Many other community members contributed to the project as well. So much to celebrate!

On October 6, from 4:30 to 6:30, we'll gather to celebrate this beautiful new community forest. From 4:30-5:30, folks can explore the land, either on your own or with a guide. At 5:30, we'll gather by a campfire in the meadow, just up the hill from the green gate at the main entrance to the land, for BYO picnic and some words from key people involved. We'll have a celebratory cake and ribbon cutting, and head back down to the road on the main trail, which will be lit by luminaries.

While there isn't parking on the land itself, you have a few good parking options: You can park directly across the street from the entrance on Roy Hutchins' land, or you can park in town and walk along the sidewalk to the land entrance. Matt Atkins has also given permission for a small number of cars to park at the pallet mill, out of the way of the work area. WE WILL RUN A CAR SHUTTLE from the Lincoln General Store for folks with limited mobility (you'll be driven right up to the meadow where the celebration will take place), so please don't hesitate to join the celebration--we'll get you there in comfort! To catch the shuttle, just wait at the park bench in front of the general store.

Bring a picnic if you like, a folding chair or blanket, and warm clothes.

Oct 2, 2024, 6:30 to 8 PM

Oct 4, 2024, 5 to 7 PM

Oct 6, 2024, 4 PM