NorthWoods Stewardship Center

Woods & Waters Day Camp
2026-06-29 09:00 - 2026-07-03 16:00 (America/New_York) | NorthWoods Stewardship Center, 154 Leadership Drive, East Charleston, VT, 05833, United States
A camp experience steeped in nature between the Clyde River and Echo Lake on the NorthWoods campus where science, education, and action come together to inspire future stewards. This staple camp experience exemplifies all things NorthWoods through fun activities, cool explorations, and amazing discoveries. Whether paddling a lake, jumping in a pond, or hiking to a glacial eractic this camp has it all. Join us as we create memories to last a lifetime in and among the woods and waters of the Northeast Kingdom.
Day Camp. Early drop-off available: 8:30am.

Mountain Bike Adventure Camp (Week 1)
2026-06-29 09:00 - 2026-07-03 16:00 | Burke Mountain Hotel & Conference Center, 2559 Mountain Road, East Burke, VRT, 05832
For kids who love to travel on two wheels – this is a dream camp experience, on Kingdom Trails, the Burke Mountain Bike Park, and in some of our favorite outdoor destinations in the NEK. Personal progression is emphasized, and experienced instructors create a nurturing and challenging environment, appropriate for different levels of riders. Camp also includes an introduction to bike maintenance, a hike up a local peak, swimming, and building connection between campers. Our goal is to share our connection to place, and a spark for stewardship with mountain bikes as the medium.

North Branch Volunteer Lumber Carry (Part 2)
2026-06-30 09:00 - 12:00
Another opportunity for more lumber hauling – same place, same project, new plan, new day!

NorthWoods is seeking volunteers to carry decking and hand railing material from the North Branch Trailhead to the project site – about 1.5 mi (one-way) on a relatively flat trail.

Many thanks to those of you who joined this past Monday! This next carry features LIGHTER wood – dry hemlock. Following the season’s first flooding, NorthWoods and USFWS planned a reroute that will eliminate two longer bridge crossings that are prone to flooding (as many of us have noticed!). Dusty also reports that the new section of trail will add ecologically notable features/viewing, including a beaver pond.

So, we promise a good time, lots of bugs, and more heavy lifting (but not quite as heavy as last time).

RSVP Appreciated: Maria Young maria@northwoodscenter.org 802-723-6551 x305

Meet: Monday, June 29, 9:00 am at the North Branch Trailhead. (directions below)
Bring: Water, Snacks, Lunch if you plan to do more than 1 carry
Wear: Hiking boots, gloves
Optional: hiking backpack with straps* *many elect to carry supplies in hand

More about the Trail: https://www.trailfinder.info/trails/trail/north-branch-trail

Directions to trailhead: From the west, travel 7.3 miles east of Brighton (Island Pond) on VT-105. The trailhead and parking area will be on the left.

Mountain Bike Adventure Camp (Week 3)
2026-07-13 09:00 - 2026-07-17 16:00 | Burke Mountain Hotel & Conference Center, 2559 Mountain Road, East Burke, VRT, 05832

WILD Sciences Camp
2026-07-20 08:00 - 2026-07-24 16:00 | NorthWoods Stewardship Center, 154 Leadership Drive, East Charleston, VT, 05833, United States
Our WILD Sciences day camp welcomes all budding biologists or anyone that loves to learn about nature! With daily themes of Have to Have a Habitat, Furbearers and the Forest, Wonders of Water, Investigating Interdependence, and Fun with the Future, campers will learn about big concepts like ecology and conservation through active and experiential learning with activities and games from Project WILD, Aquatic WILD, and Project Learning Tree. Camp days will be full of games, crafts, and expeditions outside – including hiking and canoeing – that will have campers investigating the hows and whys of our natural world. Featuring lessons from special guest professionals in the field of conservation, campers will get a glimpse into the work of foresters, biologists, and more – all while exploring our local natural communities in fun, hands-on experiences. For kids who can’t get enough of learning about our neighborhood animals and plants, this camp will be sure to inspire and encourage their natural curiosity.
Day Camp. Early drop off available: 8am.

Summer Celebration
2026-07-25 17:30 - 19:30
Come celebrate summer with the NorthWoods community—live music and refreshments on the NorthWoods patio — no agenda, just party time! Bring a potluck dish to share if you’re willing and able (but still come if you can’t!) and we’ll enjoy a Vermont summer evening together!

Kingdom Backpack Expedition -Closed-
2026-07-28 09:00 - 2026-07-30 16:00 | NorthWoods Stewardship Center, 154 Leadership Drive, East Charleston, VT, 05833, United States
Escape to the remote beauty of the Northeast Kingdom on this 3-day, 2-night guided traverse across the Willoughby Gap. Your team will navigate dense boreal forests, scramble over rocky outcrops, and camp in quiet wilderness as you explore one of Vermont’s most scenic, unspoiled regions.
Overnight camp.

Exploring Forest Ecology By Canoe
2026-07-31 16:45 - 19:30
Join Vermont Woodlands and Northwoods Stewardship Center for a sunset river canoe in the Northeast Kingdom! Northwoods will provide canoes, and staff will lead a two hour paddle along the river to explore the forest and unique natural communities of the area.
This event will start at the Northwoods Stewardship Center in Island Pond, VT and lead us along the Clyde River, passing through cedar wetlands, fens, and black spruce forests where knowledgeable local staff will provide information on these unique natural communities as well as rare plants and the history of the area. There is ample space at Northwoods Stewardship Center to hold a picnic and socialize before or after the event. Northwoods will provide canoes, paddles and life-jackets for free. Registration is limited so sign-up soon!
Register Here

Brunswick Area Butterfly Blitz
2026-08-01 10:00 - 14:00
Let’s go look for butterflies!
Scientists want to know what kind of butterflies live near you. Come join a team from the Vermont Center for Ecostudies and the NorthWoods Stewardship Center for a day of butterflying near Brunswick, VT. This is a great opportunity to meet other nature lovers and learn about butterflies in the field with the experts. No experience necessary—just an interest in butterflies! All ages welcome, but minors must be accompanied by an adult.
We will meet at the NorthWoods Stewardship Center at 10 am to select teams and travel in groups to various sites in the Brunswick and Ferdinand area to conduct butterfly surveys for the Second Vermont Butterfly Atlas. We will have options for low intensity (roadside surveys, minimal walking) or medium intensity (1 – 3 miles of walking).
Grab a friend or come alone and join us for all or part of the day.

Register Here

Backcountry Olympics Camp
2026-08-03 09:00 - 2026-08-07 16:00 | NorthWoods Stewardship Center, 154 Leadership Drive, East Charleston, VT, 05833, United States
Campers will earn badges and medals in this backcountry olympics-style camp. We’ll have challenges on all terrain, all across the Northwoods campus. Campers will participate in activities like cross-cut sawing, ax throwing, archery, and atlatl as a team. Campers will be awarded badges based on their proficiency level within these areas. At the end of the week, we’ll celebrate our accomplishments with a wet and wild obstacle course, flag flying ceremony and team showcases! No experience necessary – all abilities welcome.
Day Camp. Early drop off: 8am.

Singletrack Sisters Mountain Bike Camp
2026-08-03 09:00 - 2026-08-07 16:00 | Burke Mountain Hotel & Conference Center, 2559 Mountain Road, East Burke, VRT, 05832
This camp is an opportunity for girls to share their love of adventures, bicycles and the camaraderie of sisters in a low-pressure, fun and supportive environment. Our instructors will inspire young riders to test their limits and progress their skills. We will also connect with nature and each other during swims, hikes, and games.

Forest Thinning Workshop
2026-08-08 09:00 - 15:00 | Pfalzerwald Tree Farm, 1619 Berry Hill Road, Sheffield, VT, United States
Do you have spruce-fir stands or mixed softwood and hardwood stands that need thinning? Is it something you think you could do yourself if you knew how? NorthWoods Stewardship Center along with VWA can help!
Join NorthWoods Director of Forest Stewardship Jenny Newland and landowner Al Robertson for a forest thinning workshop.
Workshop Basics:
Location: Pfälzerwald Tree Farm, 1619 Berry Hill Road, Sheffield, Vermont
Date: Saturday, August 8 th , 9 AM—3PM
The workshop will include educational training, demonstrations, and hands-on work in the forest:

Typically described as pre-commercial thinning
Thinning Basics-Species, tree size, spacing, reasons, resources, equipment
Safety basics

Come prepared to work in the woods in the hot summer: tough hiking shoes or boots, light outdoor work clothing, bug dope, gloves, and a water bottle- we provide everything else! This is a field event (rain or shine) so dress accordingly. Mild to moderate hiking on rough trails is required.
There is no charge for this workshop, but registration is requested so we know you’re coming!
Register Here

DIRECTIONS to Pfälzerwald Tree Farm:
Pfälzerwald is located in the town of Sheffield, in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont adjacent to I-91 between
Lyndonville, north of St. Johnsbury, and Barton. Whether traveling north or south on I-91, get off on Exit 24, the Wheelock/
Sheffield exit. The exit puts you on Vermont Route 122. Make a right turn on to Route 122. Travel Route 122 north approximately 6 miles through Wheelock to Sheffield. (For those coming from the west, travel to the south end of VT Rte 16, on VT Rte 15 east of Hardwick, and go north on VT Rte 16, turning on to the north end of VT Rte 122. Travel VT Rte 122 south to Sheffield). As you enter Sheffield, there is an intersection, with the Post Office on the south side. The road on the north side is Berry Hill Road. Turn and proceed up Berry Hill Road. Follow Berry Hill Road about 1.6 miles, past the intersection with Blake Pond Road/ Maple Row. At about 1.6 miles, on the left, is the gated entrance to Pfälzerwald, 1619 Berry Hill Road. There is a large PFÄLZERWALD TREE FARM sign to the side of the entrance. Proceed, elevation- wise, always up about ¼ of a mile to the house and barn.
Workshop sponsored by NorthWoods Stewardship Center and Vermont Woodlands Association.

Kits & Cubs Day Camp
2026-08-10 09:00 - 2026-08-14 15:00 | NorthWoods Stewardship Center, 154 Leadership Drive, East Charleston, VT, 05833, United States
In Kits and Cubs Day Camp, campers are encouraged to explore the wonders of nature through stories, games, crafts, and activities to get them outside and moving! Each day brings new adventures exploring the NorthWoods campus while building on the learning from the day before with fun and informative lessons created by our camp staff, Growing Up WILD, and the National Wildlife Federation. Daily themes include Playing in the Pond, Woodland Wonders, Wildlife Exploration, and Forest Skills. Mid-week will feature a special trip to Brighton State Park for a short hike, time with the park naturalist, and a splash in Spectacle Pond! All participants must be potty-trained.

6th Annual Clyde River Cleanup
2026-08-15 10:00 - 13:00
Volunteers Needed! Join the Memphremagog Watershed Association for their 5th Annual Clyde River Clean Up. We will spend the morning removing all sorts of rubbish from the river to improve habitat, improve river health, and make it safer for recreation!

Canoes and lunch will be provided- just dress for the weather, bring your sunscreen, bug spray, and hats!
Held in partnership with NorthWoods Stewardship Center and Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation District.

Please RSVP to Patrick Hurley, MWA Project Manager at phurley@mwavt.org. Hope to see you there!

Canoe Camp
2026-08-17 09:00 - 2026-08-21 16:00 | NorthWoods Stewardship Center, 154 Leadership Drive, East Charleston, VT, 05833, United States
This rigorous, week-long overnight expedition follows a formidable route designed to test your absolute limits. Venture deep into the wilderness and navigate challenging waters to earn incredible views. Master advanced paddling, read unpredictable moving water, and practice essential Leave No Trace camp craft. Push your boundaries and conquer the wild!
Overnight camp.

10th Annual Westmore Mountain Challenge
2026-09-26 | NorthWoods Stewardship Center, 154 Leadership Drive, East Charleston, VT, 05833, United States
This year marks our 10th annual Westmore Mountain Challenge, on September 26th, 2026! This 1 day, 26 mile Challenge traverses 5 mountains through some of the most beautiful scenery here in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.
You can learn more details about the Challenge, plus sign up for registration notices by visiting our Westmore Mountain Challenge page.
Eager to get signed up? Public registration for the event opens in May. Registration numbers are capped, so make sure to sign up for email notices to hear when we open the event.

Women and Our Woods Overnight Retreat
2026-11-06 16:00 - 2026-11-07 16:00
When: November 6 & 7, Overnight 4pm-4pm
Location: NorthWoods Stewardship Center, East Charleston, VT
Join us for a Women and Our Woods Overnight Retreat. Take time to connect with other women and deepen your relationship with Vermont’s forests during this overnight retreat. Together we will explore forest stewardship, wildlife habitat, and practical skills for being prepared in the woods, while making plenty of time for conversations, questions, and shared experiences. You will leave with new knowledge, confidence, and connections.
Workshops and Activities Planned:
– Stargazing/Evening Hike (Jenny Newland and Jess Colby, NorthWoods Stewardship Center)
– Forest ecology walk:

Winter birds (Fen Levy, Audubon Vermont)
Winter tree ID (Caitlin Cusack, Vermont Land Trust)
Black ash conservation (Jenny Newland, NorthWoods

– Introduction to forestry tools and chainsaws (Presenter TBD)
– Introduction to game cameras and tracking walk (Sophie Mazowita)

The sleeping accommodations are shared in a bunkhouse that sleeps 16. There are stacked bunks with mattresses and privacy curtains, a common area, and 2 bathrooms with showers. The bunkhouse is wheelchair accessible. Participants will need to bring their own toiletries, pillows, towels, sleeping bag/blankets.
Dinner on Friday night and breakfast and lunch will be provided on Saturday. Snacks and tea and coffee will be available through the day.

Register Here
