On June 8, Ethan Tapper, Chittenden County Forester, will lead a walk at the LaPlatte Nature Park in Shelburne. He'll explain how different natural communities provide habitat for wildlife, and how what we call "habitat blocks" need to be linked by "wildlife corridors."

A report completed by Arrowood Environmental in February mapped Shelburne's remaining habitat blocks and corridors. They concluded we are at a tipping point. To maintain diverse and healthy natural communities alongside increased housing for humans will take thoughtful and creative planning. Protecting wildlife corridors is especially important for wide-roaming species like bobcats.

Ethan Tapper is well known for his popular presentations, newspaper columns and video recordings (see https://lintr.ee/ChittendenCountyForester). As Chittenden County Forester for the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, he advises a wide range of public and private landowners and conservation organizations on responsible stewardship of forested lands. Managing for wildlife and minimizing habitat fragmentation are integral to his work.

The walk is sponsored by Shelburne Alliance for the Environment (SAFE), a citizen advocacy group that, among other things, supports the work of Shelburne's Natural Resources and Conservation Committee, which commissioned the Arrowwood report (see
https://www.shelburnevt.org/229/Natural-Resources-Conservation-Committee).

Meet behind Shelburne Market, at the trailhead for LaPlatte trails. Park along the tree line behind the store or in the plaza. Take your usual precautions for mosquitoes and ticks.

May 1, 2024, 5 to 6:30 PM

May 3, 2024, 8:15 AM

May 4, 2024, 9 AM to 12 PM