VERGENNES — Improving habitat for wildlife, looking to maintain connected landscapes and improving forest health are all goals of attendees at the Vermont Coverts: Woodlands for Wildlife Cooperator Training Workshop. The program works with landowners and others concerned about wildlife and land management in Vermont.
The weekend retreats, scheduled for May 17-19 at the Common Ground Center in Starksboro, and September 6-8 at Kehoe Conservation Camp on the shores of Lake Bomoseen, provide an opportunity for those who care about woodlands and wildlife to learn about the resources available to help them define and reach their land management goals.
Habitat is the key limiting factor for wildlife. Maintaining and connecting habitat is important for movement. “The Coverts Training changed the way we think about our woods, from simple concepts like ‘mess is best’ to specific ways we can increase diversity and help improve habitat for a wide range of wildlife.” notes Coverts Cooperator and Council President Rich Chalmers.
The intensive two-and-a-half-day session features presentations by state and local experts in wildlife and forest management and Coverts alumni from past sessions. In lectures, demonstrations and field tours, participants learn about topics such as wildlife and forest ecology, habitat management, invasive control, and land conservation.
Lisa Sausville, Executive Director says, “Participants range from those that are just starting to learn about their woods to those involved in these issues and looking for more information. It is the diversity of participants that creates a wonderful learning environment and gets at the heart of peer to peer learning.”
Once trained, Coverts Cooperators become part of a statewide network connected through newsletters, field trips, reunions and workshops. Through their outreach efforts they are part of a team working to spread the land stewardship ethic.
Past participants have become active in their conservation commission, made changes to their woodland management, hosted a workshop on their land or just talked to neighbors about wildlife habitat. Coverts provides information and resources to these new Cooperators as they learn and pass information on to their community.
The Coverts Training is for anyone who loves woodlands, enjoys seeing wildlife, and wants to learn how a healthy forest can enhance wildlife habitat as well as provide recreational and timber benefits.
“We’re looking for people who have a desire to make a difference for Vermont’s forests and wildlife,” says Sausville.
All materials, lodging, food and other expenses related to the training are covered through donations by past participants. There is a $100 registration fee, refundable upon completion of the training. Visit vtcoverts.org for an application, contact Lisa Sausville at [email protected] or call 802-877-2777.