Dear MALT members and friends,

I've been keeping a secret, a very exciting secret from you! The MALT team and partners have been working for over a year on a milestone conservation project. As of last Friday, it's completed and now YOU get to not only read about it, but visit it too!!!

On November 1, MALT closed on its most recent conservation project, the Hurd Grassland in Weybridge, VT. A true collaborative effort in the spirit of conservation, MALT worked with landowner Gale S. Hurd and Otter Creek Audubon Society (OCAS) to protect in perpetuity the scenic, wildlife habitat, and public access elements of this spectacular property. We can't say it better than Gale, who deeded the land to OCAS and entrusted MALT to hold the conservation easement and carry out future stewardship needs:

"The Hurd Grassland, as it has become known, is made up of grassland, brushland and wooded hedgerows. As one of the entry vistas to Weybridge, it reflects the agricultural and natural landscape that is valued by its residents as highlighted in the Town Plan. The formal conservation of the 55.33 acres of the Grassland reflects my love of birds, dedication to the preservation of wildlife corridors and the enhancement of natural habitats for the purpose of protecting and encouraging native bird, animal, and plant species. I am also an enthusiastic supporter of educational outreach and am pleased that the Hurd Grassland habitat and trails welcome everyone, from novice birdwatchers to expert naturalists and those who just want to enjoy the outdoors." - Gale Hurd's vision for the Hurd Grassland

Left to right: MALT Executive Director Jamie Montague, Landowner Gale Hurd, and OCAS President Ron Payne

Access this Weybridge property by turning down Sheep Farm Road from Route 23 or from Hamilton Rd, then enter the Terrace Heights neighborhood. Access the grass footpaths and trails by finding the gravel parking area at the end of Meadow Lane. The property is open to the public from dawn until dusk, for on-foot recreation as well as skiing. Dogs are welcome but we ask you keep them on a leash to preserve important bird habitat. MALT and OCAS will host a joint ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, January 25 from 10:00 to 11:30 am. We'll celebrate the official opening of the Hurd Grassland, offer hot cider, and take guests on a guided snowshoe tour of the property.

In the meantime, we invite you to explore this new conserved land
and to express gratitude to the many people who made this project possible:

• Gale Hurd - thank you for your incredibly generous donation of land, love, and time. You were with us every step of the way and this land will carry on your spirit and love of nature in perpetuity, for all the generations to come.
• Ron Payne and Otter Creek Audubon Society - thank you for your faith and trust in partnering with MALT. Our organizations are closer than ever and we are eager to see all the nature connections that will be inspired on this land.
• Bill Roper - thank you for your steadfast and generous support in developing the best possible partnership for this land. What a wonderful memory to add to your portfolio of conservation success for our communities.
• Eben Punderson - thank you for the technical and legal support you provided during the conservation process. One year later we look back and say "We did it, together!".

Welcome to the Hurd Grassland!

The Blue Trail is part of the North Country Trail, a 4,600 mile trail stretching from North Dakota to Crown Point, New York. The Blue Trail sections are part of a plan to extend the North Country Trail (NCT) from its current end to Moosalamoo National Recreation Area - this takes the NCT right through Middlebury! 



Access the new trail by walking through the Jeffrey Murdock Nature Preserve and following signs for the North Country Trail. Alternatively, park at the middle school and head to the fields, following signs and blue flags.

Keep an eye out for an official updated map of the North Country Trail in Vermont, as well as a TAM map including North Country Trail routes. We'll host a guided winter walk on the trail in December (date TBD) to help you get acquainted with accessing and enjoying the trail. Until then, let us know if you have any questiobs and let us know how you like the new extension!