On Friday evening, August 7, Windham Regional Woodlands Association
presents a walking tour, led by County Forester Bill Guenther, of the
famous black gum swamps located on J. Maynard Miller Memorial Town Forest
in Vernon. This unique forest supports an extensive system of swamps that
include black gum (Nyssa sylvatica). This species is not rare 400 miles
south, but in Vermont it is a survivor from the past when the climate was
warmer. There are some trees here that are believed to be over 400 years
old. We will walk a fairly easy loop trail around the main swamp and
explore the unique ecology that this forest offers. The walk will be held
rain or shine. In fact, this one is almost better in the rain, as the
forest has what Bill has always felt to be a primeval quality.

Maynard Miller, a local dairy farmer for whom the forest is named,
convinced the town back in the early 70s of the importance of this tract,
and persuaded the town to buy it to ensure its permanent protection. He
usually accompanied groups touring his beloved forest. Unfortunately, Mr.
Miller passed away in the late 90s. We’ll miss his presence.

We will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the cul-de-sac parking at Miller Forest, and
depart at 5:40 sharp. To get there, travel south on Rte. 142 from
Brattleboro, going past Vernon Village. After going a bit more than a mile
past the Village, make a RIGHT turn onto Pond Road and go under the train
overpass. Travel down Pond Road to Huckle Hill Road (town swimming pool is
on your left) and make a RIGHT onto Huckle Hill Rd. When you come to a
fork, go RIGHT onto Basin Road and go to its terminus at the paved parking
lot. While the trail is a fairly easy walk, we encourage participants to
wear sturdy walking shoes or boots. We will complete our walk around 7:30
p.m.

For more information, contact Windham County Forester Bill Guenther at
257-7967 x 305, or by email at bill.guenther@state.vt.us

Jan 17, 2025, 5:30 to 8 PM

Jan 18, 2025, 2 to 4 PM

Jan 21, 2025, 10 to 11 AM