Here in Hartland, VT we have starting a new program designed to combat "nature deficit disorder" by encouraging outdoor recreation.  The program is called the "Expedition Competition" and this summer's installment is the "fire tower challenge".  Kids age 10-16 will be traveling all over Vermont visiting Fire Towers during the months of June, July and August.  The more fire towers they visit (with proof in the form of a photo taken at the fire tower while wearing the issued hat) the more points they earn.  Extra points will be awarded to trips taken with two or more family members. 
Upon registration, participants will receive a hat (to be worn in each submitted photo) and a guide book, which includes trip planning, first aid tips, leave no trace, all potential fire towers, trip log and a field notes & drawings section.  Participants are to fill out a trip log for each expedition including a photo taken at each fire tower visited.  Registration is $30/participant with prizes awarded to the top three point earners, best overall photo and worst weather expedition.  For more information and to register contact the Hartland Recreation Department at (802) 436-2790 or email hartlandrecreation@gmail.com or visit our website at www.hartland.govoffice.com. -Andrew Cappello, Assistant Director, Hartland Recreation Department, (802) 436-2790

The Woods at Wihakowi Wants to Partner with Outdoor Proffessionals
 We really want to hook up with guides, program directors, groups, etc.to host some group events here. It is a great location for retreats, reunions, naturalists, recreation, adventures, team building, etc. Cabins, Cottages, Camping, Weddings, Group Events, Reunions in Northfield, Vermont.. Contact Lisa Burr at: inquiries@thewoodsvt.com   Web: www.thewoodsvt.com

Vermont Baitfish Regulation to Help Stop Spread of Fish Virus is Revised
WATERBURY, VT – Vermont’s “emergency” baitfish regulation that went into effect last October has been replaced by a permanent regulation that takes into account many of the concerns of anglers and yet still helps protect Vermont fisheries from a deadly new fish virus called Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS).
 Shawn Good, the Fish & Wildlife Department fisheries biologist heading their Aquatic Nuisance Species Team, says the regulation is necessary to help prevent Vermont’s waters and fish from becoming infected with VHS, which could result in devastating fish kills.  More:

May 7, 2008 - The Jay Peak Area Chamber of Commerce will have having its annual general meeting on May 7th at Jay Peak Resort at 6 pm. Guest speaker is Bill Stenger, President of Jay Peak Resort who will outline the planned developments at Jay Peak Resort and what it means for surrounding businesses. Anyone interested in doing business in this area who would like to join the chamber and network with existing members are invited to attend. For more information, contact Sarita Khan 802-578-7103.

Charlies Northland Lodge Still in Operation
Sad to say "Charlie's Northland" a sporting and fishing business ceased on 12-30-07. Finished after 55 years in business.We deserve a vacation from.Charlie and I will continue to operate our lodging, bed & breakfast called "Charlie's Northland Lodge", City Bay/  North hero Village. This also includes our vacation rental Charlie's on Lake Champlain, Pelot Bay. Our web. page is : www.charliesnorthlandlodge.com/ Dorice Clark

Would You Like to Help Stock Salmon Fry?
WATERBURY, VT – Here’s a chance to help contribute to fisheries conservation efforts in Vermont.  The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department are asking for volunteer help with the stocking of landlocked Atlantic salmon fry into the Huntington River on Saturday, May 24. The inch-long salmon fry will be scatter-stocked into shallow areas where they will grow for two to three years before migrating out to Lake Champlain to mature and eventually return to the rivers as adults. Volunteers are asked to bring a clean five-gallon pail.  You also may want to bring a pair of hip boots or chest waders, but they are not necessary if you don’t mind getting your feet wet and cold.  Unless water flows are unusually high, stocking will take place rain or shine. Interested people should contact Nick Staats at the Essex Junction Fish & Wildlife Office at (802) 879-5679 or toll free instate at 1-800-640-3714.

QuickBooksR Classes Every Month!
QuickBooksR Advanced Beginners May 20
QuickBooksR Online Banking & Credit Card Downloading May 28
QuickBooksR for Beginners June 17
QuickBooksR for Contractors June 17
Do you have a new employee learning QuickBooks? Are you paying too much for data entry? Maximizing your use and knowledge of the QuickBooks Software! Classes are taught by Karen Siewert, Advanced Certified QuickBooks Advisor of the The CertifiedQB Group, LLC 1233 Shelburne Road, South Burlington, Vt. 05403 Register online at www.certifiedqb.com or phone (802)865-1051 for more information.

The Chittenden County Trail Finder Is Here!
We are pleased to announce the launch of the Trail Finder, your source for hiking, biking, inline skating, and cross country ski trails in Chittenden County, Vermont. After two years of development, the site publicly launched on Earth Day, April 22, 2008. 75+ trails from across the county, Over 50 volunteers GPSed and photographed each trail, Collaborative effort between Local Motion and local trail stewards Start your next adventure with the Trail Finder!

Public Meetings Set for Discussion of Big Game Plans
WATERBURY, VT – Vermont’s big game management plans for deer, bear, moose and turkey are being updated, and the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is asking for your help.  Fish & Wildlife staff are holding five “open house” public meetings starting May 7th to share information and get your input. Fish & Wildlife is holding five public meetings to discuss issues and gather comments on wildlife management goals for Vermont’s four big game wildlife species.  The information you provide will help Fish & Wildlife develop a 10-year plan for black bear, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and moose that incorporates the biological needs of the species and the interests of public. The management plan will serve as a “road map” for wildlife managers and the public to follow over the next 10 years to bring about desired outcomes such as population goals, habitat conservation, and nuisance animal policies that are biologically and socially acceptable.  A draft plan is being developed to describe the management history behind each of the four species and the species-specific issues facing them over the next ten years. All of the public meetings below will run from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.:
May 7 – South Burlington Middle School Cafeteria
May 8 – Berlin Elementary School Library
May 14 – Riverside Middle School Cafeteria in Springfield
May 15 – Rutland Intermediate School
May 21 – Lyndon Institute Town House

Vermont Chamber of Commerce Presents the 24th Annual Vermont Business and Industry EXPO 2008
 Booth Registration is Open!
 Booth sales for the 24th Annual Vermont Business and Industry EXPO are going at a record rate this year!  The first floor is almost sold out and the second floor is filling quickly.  Booth reservations are first come, first serve so act now to reserve yours today.  Simply log on to http://www.vtexpo.com/  and click on "Floor Plans" to view the available booths and price sheet.  Remember, Vermont Chamber members receive a 10% discount and any new member receives 25% off their booth cost.  The trade show is scheduled for May 21 & 22 at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center in Burlington, Vermont.  EXPO is northern New England's largest business-to-business trade show attracting over 3,000 business leaders during the two day show.  In addition to the nearly 200 exhibitors, EXPO has a spectacular line up of special events, seminars, award presentations and networking opportunities. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Antonia Opitz, EXPO Director, Vermont Chamber of Commerce aopitz@vtchamber.com

More News

May 1-Sept 30, 2008, 15th Annual LCI All Season Tournament
The 2008 LCI All-Season Tournament will run for five full months. Eligible species include all species of trout, Atlantic salmon, large- and smallmouth bass, northern pike, channel catfish and walleye. All species can be entered throughout the tournament during their respective legal seasons. Fishing in the tournament begins May 1 and runs continuously through September 30th, including right through the LCI Father’s Day Fishing Derby presented by Yamaha. Prizes will be awarded each month for the highest point-value fish entered that month in each division. Lake Champlain International, Inc. , 531 Main Street   Colchester, VT 05446, info@lciderby.com     www.lciderby.com,  Phone:802.879.3466 Fax: 802.860.1746

May 2, 2008 Essex Jct., VT. - XTERRA Training and Informational clinic
Join us on Friday May 2nd and learn what XTERRA is all about, ask questions about the XTERRA Race the Rez course and get training advice from area experts. This is a free event, but we do ask you call ahead for reservations 878-1375. http://www.racetherez.com  Contact: Mark Brislin mbrislin@ccsuvt.org  802-878-1375.

May 3, 2008, Jericho, VT. - 29th GMAA Partners Race 5 Miler
Male and female partners' times are combined. Bring a partner or get one at the start. $5 - on site registration only http://www.gmaa.net/PRinfo.html Contact: Nathan Fields partners@gmaa.net  (802-316-2240).

May 4, 2008, North Bennington, VT.  - 31st Annual Steve Zemianek Bennington Road Race
Races get underway at 9:30AM with a 1/2 Mile Kids Fun Run. The 3.8 mile and 10K start at 10 AM. The Zem-Benn has become a long standing tradition in southern Vermont, with events for all ages and abilities. In 2000, the Bennington Road Race was renamed in honor of longtime Mt. Anthony Union (Bennington, VT) track and field coach Steve Zemianek. http://www.RunReg.com/RacersResource/events/register.asp?eventid=1673  Contact: Pat Zemianek zembenn2008@gmail.com  (802-442-2206).

May 6, Essex, VT. - GMBC/ Sports & Fitness Edge Practice Criterium Series
USCF sanctioned training races on a fast 1 kilometer course. USCF cycling licenses sold on site, all USCF rules apply. Race dates 5/6, 5/20, 6/3, 6/17, 7/1, 7/15 and 8/5. http://www.thegmbc.com http://www.thegmbc.com Contact: Claude Raineault amaclimber20@aol.com  802-899-1250.

May 9 - 10, Essex Jct. - Northeastern Loggers Association (NELA) Loggers Expo
A reminder that the Vermont Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) will again have a large booth at the Northeastern Loggers Association (NELA) Loggers Expo, which will be held Friday, May 9, and Saturday, May 10, at the Champlain Valley Fairgrounds, in Essex Junction.  Our booth will be adjacent to, and connected with, the VFPA booth. The Loggers Expo is a great opportunity to meet and exchange information with loggers, foresters, landowners, others in forest products industry, from throughout the Northeast. http://nefpexpo.net/  More information about SFI in Vermont, and SFI worldwide, is available at: http://www.aivt.org/sfi.html

May 10 - 11, 2008 Burlington, VT. - Vermont Going Green Expo
Join us at Vermont's first Going Green energy and eco-living exposition!  Learn more about environmental construction in the Green Building and Design Zone. Discover the latest in sustainable clothing at the Eco-Fashion Show. Are you curious about a specific topic of conservation?  Explore dozens of workshops taking place throughout the weekend. Gather up the kids for story time, free Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream and a musical puppet show in the Green Kids Zone, all made possible by a team of sponsors dedicated to doing good while doing well, including Host Sponsor groSolar. With new exhibitors signing on daily, the expo promises to be a great Green event for everyone! Advance tickets are available at http://www.ticketsfromtheweb.com  Learn more at http://www.goinggreenexpos.com or http://www.goinggreenmagazine.org    

Questions? E-mail kellie@goinggreenexpos.com or call 603.491.6177  Sat. 10am-7pm, Sun. 10am-4pm Gutterson Athletic Center, University of Vermont campus, Burlington
 

May 10, 2008, Woodstock, VT. - Road to the Pogue - Carriage Trail Race
This 6.1 mile run is along the soft carriage trails of the National Park in Woodstock, Vermont. Incredibly beautiful route, great camaraderie, local foods, excellent run. Limted to first 400 entrants. http://www.roadtothepogue.com Contact: Charlie Kimbell, Race Director charlie.kimbell@verizon.net
 

May 11, 2008, Adamant, VT. - Adamant Black Fly Festival 4 Miler
Beautiful flat out and back dirt road along Sodom Pond; to benefit the Adamant Co-op. http://www.cvrunners.org Contact: Donna Smyers DoSmyers@cs.com.  802-229-4393.

 

May 17, Cabot, VT.  - "Run the Ridges" Cabot! Road Race/Walk
10K (6+ miles) run/walk. Refreshments, lunch, and t-shirts for runners and volunteers. Benefits Faith in Action. Volunteers welcome (802-563-3155), come for the race/walk, or come to cheer on your neighbors and enjoy a beautiful May day in Cabot! Register online at www.active.com. Contact: Sue or Rob sue.freeburn@yahoo.com  802-563-3155.
 

May 18, Waitsfield, VT. - Mad River Scenic Byway Celebration
Celebrate the expansion of the Mad River Scenic Byway to include Route 100 south from Warren to Granville and Route 17 west to the top of App Gap. Group rides, games, and other activities, with prizes, planned. Riders of all abilities and ages welcome. Contact: Peter Oliver peter@gmsr.info  802-496-5538.

 

May 18, 2008, Mt Ascutney State Park-Windsor VT. - Mountainman Duathlon
This is our second year and we keep getting better. Sponsored by Harpoon, Hammer and Ibex to name a few . This is an International distance USAT sanctioned event: R1=9K, road bike=37.4K, R2=4.3K. Totally great post race BBQ. and the venue cant be beat-complete info and course maps on website. http://www.threezooms.com Contact: Gretel Schuck threezooms@yahoo.com  802-484-0011.

 

May 23, 2008 - Burlington 3 day tri-option
T3.Half or full iron man distance 3 day triathlon 5/23/-5/25. Friday swim 1.2/2.4, Saturday bike 56/112, Sunday run 13.1/26.2 key bank marathon. Check out www.vermontfit.com , registration closes April 28th. http://www.vermontfit.com Contact: Declan Connolly declan.connolly@uvm.edu  802-999-2906.
 

May 25, 2008, Burlington, VT. KeyBank VT City Marathon and Marathon Relay
8,000 runner limit with 3500 marathoners and 500 two-person teams, 650 five person teams. Nationally recognized for its organization, scenery and crowd support. Boston qualifier. http://www.runvermont.org Contact: Info@runvermont.org  800-880-8149.

May 31, June 1, 2008,  Ascutney State Park - Green Mountain Madness Gravity Races
This Gravity Sports International event is an extreme sports dream.  Racers compete in such events as Street Luge, Buttboard, Dirtsurfer, Speedboard, and Gravity Bike on one of North America's most challenging courses. 12:00 PM, May 31 10:00AM, June 1 (Auto road will be closed during this time.)

May 31-June 1 -Waterbury Vermont. -  Novice Whitewater Clinic for Kayak and Canoe,
Sponsored by the Vermont Paddlers Club. $75 includes lunch both days and equipment (if needed). Contact Mark Lienau, mlienau@ncuhs.org, 802-822-5291, or visit: http://www.vtpaddlers.net/paddle/instruction/clinics/index.php

June 3rd to June 8th - Winooski River Sojourn
The Sojourn is a multi day canoe and kayak trip on the Winooski River. Participants may sign up for the entire trip, multiple days or a single day. The goal of the Sojourn is to inspire individual connections to the River and among the communities and users of the resource. The participants will learn about the river’s history, ecology and the challenges facing this precious resource. 2008 programs include: Aquatic ecology and fisheries, water quality monitoring, stream geomorphology, hydropower, nonpoint source pollution, floodplain restoration, sustainable agriculture and fly fishing and paddling demonstrations. These land-based programs will be open to the general public. The cost for all six days is $180. The daily fee is $40 per day. Each day will include 3 meals, programs and shuttle transportation. You will need to bring water and snacks. Camping sites will be included for those staying overnight. You will need to provide your own canoe or kayak, life jacket, and camping equipment. All solo paddlers and at least one member of a tandem boat must have moving water experience. We will have vehicular portage support in some cases. Sojourners are expected to be able to launch, portage and help load and unload their boats onto vehicles. The minimum age is 15. All youths (<18) must be in a tandem boat with an experienced adult paddler. More information and a registration form can be found at the Friends website www.winooskiriver.org  or send an email to fwr@sover.net

For our complete listings, visit:
* General Recreation Events, Visit: http://www.voga.org/event_calendar.htm
* Women's Events and Outdoor Programming, Visit: http://www.voga.org/vermont_outdoors_woman_events.htm,
(Must include discount for members of Vermont Outdoors Woman to be listed)
* Outdoor Education, Training and Certifications, Visit: http://www.voga.org/outdoor_education_events.htm

Get your events listed by contacting us at info@voga.org
 

 
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