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South Lake Champlain Education Center

Poultney Education Trail

Ecosystem Exposition

Poultney Educational Trail

New bridge at the Stonebridge property, built with volunteers, including the GMC Environmental Club and local residents

With assistance from the National Park Service Rivers and Trails program and the support of the Town of Poultney, VT, a walking trail was developed that connects the various educational, recreational and environmentally important sites in the town.

The primary goal of the project was to provide students with outdoor education opportunities accessible within a class period and without the expense of bus trips. The trail connects the three educational campuses in town, Poultney Elementary, Poultney High and Green Mountain College, with the town-owned Stonebridge property. With the Poultney River located behind GMC, the 4.5 acre Stonebridge property across the street from the high school, and the D&H Rail Trail going through Poultney, the possibilities for environmental education of many varieties is now easily available.

Dr. Scott MacLachlan directs the work of volunteers from the Rutland Boys and Girls Club on the Poultney Educational Trail

With funding from the VT Forest and Parks Recreational Trail Grant Program and the Lake Champlain Basin Program, a trail map has been developed and is currently being updated with new sections to the trail. Three new educational signs have been installed along the river, and a kiosk is being developed at the Poultney Visitor’s Center property. This site also includes the office of the South Lake Champlain Education Center, a project of the PMNRCD.

Look for the "Professor Logo" wooden signs that mark the trail in town. The logo was developed by Poultney students Annie Maus-Pugh, Chad Stelzer and Lisa Fast in 1999. Wooden trail signs were constructed by Bethany Clarke, Green Mountain College senior.

For more information about the trail or to get a copy of the brochure and map, contact the PMNRCD office and South Lake Champlain Education Center. Maps are also available at the Poultney Town Hall and Town Library.