Registration Policy: To provide the best quality programs, we ask that you pre-register for all programs. Participants must register at least one day in advance of a program and provide: 1) Name, 2) number in party, 3) contact information.

We will contact particpants in event of a cancellation or schedule change. Thank you for supporting NorthWoods!

Want a hard copy of our Calendar? Click here for a print-friendly PDF.

Northern Forest Explorers Winter Trip
Saturday & Sunday, February 4 - 5, $50
Are your kids interested in a winter adventure? This winter exploration trip will be leaving on February 4th and returning February by 5pm. It will be an overnight snow shoe trek to a heated cabin on Wheeler pond for kids ages 10-14. Children will experience traditional winter travel, tracking, fire making, camp cooking & winter ecology. There is a small fee of $50 per child - scholarships are available. A detailed packing list is available for those who are interested, and NorthWoods can provide a limited amount of winter gear to loan out for those in need. For more information, contact Jon.

Center Pond by Moonlight
Tuesday, February 7, 7pm, $10
The ponds of the Northeast Kingdom come alive with light and shadow under a winter full moon. Northwoods staff will lead a snowshoe tour to Center Pond, located in Newark. A gradual half-mile woods trail leads to the pond, a beginner-friendly tour to test snowshoes, winter legs, and explore the winter world. Meet at Northwoods. Snowshoes available to rent. Meet at the Center. Bring a small backpack with warm layers, and hydration.

Ski Touring the Kingdom: Randonnee Rally at Lyndon Outing Club
Friday, February 10, 6pm, $25
Under the lights at the Lyndon Outing Club is the perfect spot for amateurs to test their legs and for experts to show 'em how it's done. The racecourse involves multiple ascents by skin and boot, and descents on both groomed and ungroomed surfaces. Challenge your endurance, speed, and quickness in the transition zones on the Kingdom's only night-skiing terrain. Prizes, fun, and games to follow. Pre-registration $5 off. Registration at 6pm. Race begins at 7pm.

Ice Fishing Demo at Newport's Winter Carnival
Saturday, February 11, 1-5pm, $10/family
The frozen waters of Lake Memphremagog provide the perfect ice fishing grounds for amateur and experienced fishermen. Join in the Carnival fun at our demo station. A campfire with the requisite treats will keep the whole family warm as we celebrate the underwater world in winter.

Game of Logging Chainsaw Safety Training - Levels 3 & 4
Saturday-Sunday, February 11-12, 8am-4:30pm, $150 per level
Building on the skills learned in Levels 1 & 2, these advanced levels delve into safe and efficient limbing and bucking (including oversized and/or dirty logs), as well as difficult situations such as back and side leaners, hung trees, extreme spring poles, using ropes and mechanical advantage, and much more. More information about specific course content is at www.woodlandtraining.com. Early registration is recommended as these courses fill quickly. Contact Jayson to register.

Ties to the Land - Transitioning to the Next Generation
Saturday, February 18, 9:30am-5pm, $10
Lisa Sausville, Executive Director of Vermont Coverts will present this workshop offering landowners valuable guidance on passing land to the next generation. The program covers setting goals, discussions with family members, along with discussion on strategies and professionals needed to make a smooth transition. Participants should come prepared to complete sample exercises to help them move this process forward and will receive a workbook to take home. Attending with multiple generations will be helpful. Please bring a lunch – coffee and tea are provided.

Ski Touring the Kingdom: Westmore Backcountry
Saturday, February 18, 9am, $10
A gladed hillside on recently logged terrain includes both intermediate and steep slopes and a beautiful tour. For intermediate and advanced backcountry enthusiasts - an opportunity to check out some of the less traveled hills of home. Contact Maria for more information and directions.

Kingdom Coffeehouse: The Sky Blue Boys
Saturday, February 18, 7pm, $10/adults $5/children (includes refreshments)
The Sky Blue Boys (Banjo Dan & Willy Lindner) have been playing authentic traditional music around the Northeast for years. Reviving the "brothers duet" format that dominated rural music before the emergence of bluegrass and other band styles, they offer a lively show full of variety, humor and wonderful old songs, along with some originals and a few curveballs. With a carload of stringed instruments and a determination to show the audience a good time, they are a hit with fans of folk, old-time, bluegrass, and acoustic music alike.

Winter Day Camp
Monday-Thursday, February 27-March 1, 9am-3pm, $125 (scholarships available)
Winter wonderland awaits during school vacation! We'll explore the snowy habitat, making our own snowshoes and ski tracks as we follow those of other winter creatures. We'll explore winter ecology, test our winter survival skills, and learn about the world around, above, and below us. Pick-up Thursday at 10am. Optional indoor campout on Wednesday. Registration required.

Snow Pack & Track
Saturday, March 3, 10 am—noon, $10
Join NorthWoods Staffer Ben Matthews and explore the art and science of the snow pack and learn tips for identifying the tracks found on it. Be prepared for a short snowshoe trek— snowshoes available.

Bald Mountain by Moonlight
Thursday, March 8, 7pm, $10
Northwoods staff will lead a tour under winter's full moonlight to the summit of this iconic Kingdom peak, home to a fire tower and an expansive view. The tour is four miles round trip and gains nearly 1500 feet in elevation on the ascent. Meet at the Long Pond Trailhead.

Kingdom Coffeehouse: Dana & Susan Robinson
Friday, March 9, 7pm, $10 includes refreshments
Join us for a wonderful evening of blazing fiddle and banjo tunes, harmonies, and poignant songs about the American landscape as Dana returns for a "hometown gig" at the Kingdom Coffeehouse after a six-year hiatus spent touring the National and UK folk music circuit with his partner, Susan.

Oxen and Horse Logging Clinic
Saturday, March 10th, 9:30am-2:30pm, $20
Longtime horse logger Marc Farrow (featured in a 2009 Vermont Life edition) and self-taught oxen logger/homesteader Lee Cooper will lead this clinic. See first-hand the benefits and drawbacks of working with bovines vs equines in the woods. Warning-this program may take your life in a new direction!! Please bring a bag lunch and dress warmly. There will be some walking in the woods. Meet at NWSC and carpool roughly 10 miles to the demonstration sites.

Ski Touring the Kingdom: Sleepy Hollow Cabin Overnight
Saturday-Sunday, March 10-11, 8am-5pm
Off the Sleepy Hollow Nordic trails lies Butternut Cabin, our home for the weekend. This expedition is marked with rustic luxury - an easy one-mile approach ski brings the crew to the cabin where we'll laugh at the idea of winter camping as we warm by the woodstove and enjoy hearty food prepared by Northwoods staff. Expansive views of Camel's Hump will welcome us, and gladed slopes of powder will call to us. Appropriate for beginner and intermediate skiers on xc/bc skis able to ski with a pack. Optional backcountry tours suited for intermediate to advanced skiers with telemark/AT gear. Space is limited to 12 so reserve your spot early! Registration required.

Tree to Board - Lessons of a Landowner/ Sawyer
Saturday, March 24, 9am-1pm, $15
Witness first-hand the steps of converting a standing tree into boards, and simple methods for measuring volume of trees, logs and boards. Allen Yale purchased his woodland in 1973 and has since acquired an inspiring array of forestry skills and equipment- including a bandsaw mill he designed and built himself. Learn from this self-taught landowner/sawyer that –rumor has it – will soon be recognized as Vermont Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year.

Organic Apple Growing and Care
Saturday, April 7, 9am- 1pm, $25
This informative clinic will be led by teacher and arborist Ben Applegate, Orchard Manager at Eden Ice Cider in West Charleston. Ben will provide an overview of holistic apple care with useful tips for all levels of apple growers. Topics will include choosing the best varieties for disease resistance/cold tolerance/taste and storage, nutrient management, pruning, thinning for increased fruit production, high-density planting, and organic pest control. The program will also include hands-on practice with pruning and a tasting & tour of Eden Ice Cider.

Contra Dance & Kroka Expeditions Presents
Saturday, April 7, 7:30 pm, $10 includes refreshments
Share stories and lessons learned while skiing, paddling and honing traditional skills on Kroka's incredible 600-mile journey through VT and NH. Following the presentation, dance to the foot stomping sounds of Mountain Folks - music of the mountains and backwoods.

Game of Logging Chainsaw Training - Levels 1 & 2
Saturday-Sunday, April 14-15, 8-4:30pm, $160 per level
This internationally-acclaimed course is a must for anyone who uses a chainsaw. Levels 1 & 2 cover precision felling techniques, safety equipment/use, and tips for maximizing saw performance and longevity. Includes hands on practice with a trained instructor. More information about specific course content is at www.woodlandtraining.com. Register early—courses fill quickly!

Ski Touring the Kingdom: White Mountain Tour
Saturday, April 21st, 7 am—5 pm $15
NorthWoods Staffer Cody Sayers grew up in the White Mtns. We'll take her expertise on tour, as we look for corn snow in alpine terrain. Appropriate for intermediate and advanced skiers. Exact location tbd.

Earth Day Upcycling
Sunday, April 22, 10am, $5
If you have old pants/shirts/tablecloths/towels or sheets that you don't know what to do with…we do!! Come and learn to make crafty woven rugs and discuss a multitude of other ideas for upcycling that you can use every day.

3rd Annual Mud Season Groove
Saturday, April 14, Doors 7 pm, Music 8 pm, $10
Get into the Groove at Parker Pie in West Glover. There will be dancing music in Village Hall, food and beverage specials, old & new friends, a slideshow, and raffle prizes.

The Steelhead Rainbow Trout of Lake Memphremagog and its Tributaries
Thursday, April 26, 7pm, Cost $5, Location- Hebard State Office Building Suite 250 (2nd floor) in downtown Newport
VT Department of Fish and Wildlife will present this new program on the past, present, and future of the steelhead rainbow trout that annually migrate up the Barton, Willoughby, Black, Johns and Clyde Rivers. Learn about the history, the current population status, and recent monitoring and management activities.

Game of Logging Chainsaw Training - Levels 3 & 4
Saturday-Sunday, May 5-6, 8am-4:30pm, $160 per level
Building on the skills learned in Levels 1 & 2, these advanced levels delve into safe and efficient limbing and bucking (including oversized and/or dirty logs), as well as difficult situations such as back and side leaners, hung trees, extreme spring poles, using ropes and mechanical advantage, and much more. More information about specific course content is at www.woodlandtraining.com. Early registration is recommended as these courses fill quickly. Contact Jayson to register.

Green Up Day: Charleston
Saturday, May 5, 9 am, FREE
Green Up is an annual statewide event held on the first Saturday in May. Meet for coffee and a Green Up Route at NorthWoods on Saturday morning. Then, get outside and Green Up your town by picking up roadside litter. Free bags and disposal info available in late April from NorthWoods or the Town Clerk's Office. Find out more at greenupvermont.org.

Hummingbird Havens
Saturday, May 19, 10am-noon, $5
Come learn about hummingbirds, the jewels of the sky. Discover the incredible journey these little marvels take, their unique physiology, and what you can do to bring them into your garden and your life. Topics include feeder maintenance and placement, non-invasive nectar producers and strategies for meeting hummingbird's needs throughout the season.

Sapsucker Sunday Birding Series
Sunday, May 20th and 27th, 7-9am, $10
Whether you're hoping to improve your ID skills or just want to share the pleasure of bird watching, these outings will start your Sunday off right! We'll visit new habitat types each week (May and June) – exploring the rich diversity of warblers, thrushes, and other species that enrich our Northeast Kingdom biodiversity. Binoculars and field guides available. All are welcome.

Vermont Coverts: Cooperator Training
Wildlife and Forest Management
June 1-3, Free ($50 deposit is required to hold your spot and is refundable upon request at the completion of the training)
Vermont Coverts is a state-wide conservation and education organization devoted to demonstrating that well-planned forest management can enhance wildlife values and provide timber benefits. NorthWoods is very pleased to host the 2012 spring training, which is open to landowners with an interest in wildlife conservation and forest stewardship on their own properties and in their communities. The training includes a mix of outdoor and indoor seminars taught by foresters, ecologists, wildlife biologists and other landowners and focuses on topics relating to forest and wildlife management. The workshop is free and includes all meals, lodging and materials. In exchange, participants agree to return to their communities and share information on forest management with others in the coming year. If you are interested, you can download an application at the Vermont Coverts website www.vtcoverts.org or contact Lisa Sausville at (802)-388-3880 or by email at lisa@vtcoverts.org.