Join Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District in partnership with Friends of Northern Lake Champlain in our two-part Birding on Farms Outings!

Land management practices implemented on farm fields across Vermont have a wide range of impacts on birds, their habitat, and their food. The intersection between agriculture and birds is a complex one, however, farms can offer diverse habitats, food, shelter, and nesting sites when the land is managed with birds in mind. Not only do birds benefit from bird-friendly management, but humans reap the benefit of improved water quality from practices such as riparian buffers, native tree and shrub plantings, pollinator plantings, and much more.

Saturday, June 8th

Limit of 20 participants. Birders of all experience levels are welcome!

Time: 7am-9am, starting from the parking area

Location: 1789 Barry Rd, Fairfield, VT

Led by Lauren Gibson, a soil conservationist with NRCS and lifelong biologist, birding will take place on Dan Pipe’s farm in Fairfield, VT who has done many conservation projects with NRCS. Parking will be available on site next to the barn. The area is a mix of agricultural fields, forests, and wetlands with a potential for a mix of warblers and grassland birds.

Trail Information: The trails will be a mix of wooded trails and grass paths. Both trail types have sections of uneven surfacing, including areas of mud/soft ground and possibly downed wood debris. There will be intermittent changes in gradual slope throughout the route. There will be a mix of shade and sun throughout the walk. Bringing sun protection and plenty of water is highly recommended. Tick protection measures are encouraged, as we will be close to tick habitat on some trail sections. There are no benches available along the paths.

Accessibility: No public restrooms are available. The site is about 15 minutes away from St. Albans City where there are two gas stations on Fairfax Road as you exit from I-89. Field guides will be available to assist with bird identification as well as extra binoculars.

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