Archive for the 'News' Category

The date for the installation of solar trackers at the Monitor Barns has been moved to early November. A 36 panel installation would require using a portion of conserved land. As such, the Vermont Land Trust, Richmond Land Trust , and the VYCC are working together to balance the legal requirements of the easement with what everyone agrees is the right thing to do – produce alternative energy to reduce our carbon footprint.

The Solar Orchard will produce 210,000 Kwh of energy annually, enough to fully power the VYCC’s needs and send a significant amount to local schools.

The Orchard will be in the upper field between the two barns as one looks north from I-89. This is an exciting venture we hope to announce the final agreement in the very near future!

With the cold late autumn days and the bountiful fall harvest, it’s now the perfect time to roast a chicken or make chicken soup!

We have frozen chickens for sale, all raised on the beautiful pasture behind the Monitor Barn here in Richmond by VYCC Farm interns.  Also, as we head into the holiday season, consider purchasing a local frozen chicken to donate to the food shelf.  Food shelves struggle with acquiring enough protein rich foods to distribute to their clients and this is a great way to help! Chickens are $4.50/lb

We also have eggs for sale for $4.00/dozen.  If you pass the Monitor Barns on a regular basis this is an easy stop to make.

If you are interested, please contact Amanda Payne, VYCC Farm Coordinator at 434-3969 x145 or amanda.payne@vycc.org

Thank you for your support!

Chickens on pasture behind the Monitor Barn.

Last Friday we had about 20 gleaners from Richmond Elementary School (both students and their parents) out to the farm, organized by RES school chef, Karyl Kent.  They gleaned a total of 240 lbs of produce, including paste and slicing tomatoes, broccoli shoots, cabbages, kale and chard.  Karyl’s plans were to make “macaroni and trees” with the broccoli, sauce with the tomatoes and freeze the kale/chard for winter soups.  It was wonderful to see kids trying kale for the first time and others simply enjoying themselves on a rather warm fall day at the farm.  CSA member Wendy Gagliardi was out with her children who made a great big dent in the paste tomatoes.  A great big shout out to Karyl who is doing amazing work at the school, working tirelessly to get as much farm fresh produce to the students as possible given her limited budget.  Gleans such as these are creative ways that help her financially and get kids out on farms!  This week her crew of gleaners will be heading to Jericho Settlers Farm to glean potatoes…

The Farm Crew has been enjoying the cool Autumn weather as the heavy harvest season continues!  While the plants look as if they’re starting to go by, they are still putting out a steady bounty—especially those tomatoes!  The zukes, cukes, and summer squash seem to have quit after a seriously good run, those plants were heavy producers!  Still lots of exciting vegetables to come though(Roots! Brussel sprouts! Hearty greens! Winter squash!).

Delicata Squash

Since we’ve had such a fortunate growing season, we have had the opportunity to share our bounty with some of our area food shelves.  We’ve been bombarding the Richmond Food Shelf with as much fresh produce as they can handle, and taking boxes upon boxes to the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf in Burlington.  To date, the following produce has been donated:

• 1,046  lbs to Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf
• 50 lbs to Our Community Cares Camp
• 40 lbs to Richmond Friday Night Food Affair (community supper free and open to the public)
• 150 lbs to Richmond Food Shelf (on top of the 20 lbs of produce they buy weekly at a much reduced cost)

On top of that, now that school is back in session, we have been making weekly deliveries to schools in Richmond, Jericho, and Bolton.  For the Farm Crew, every delivery we make to a food shelf or school is an important act.  We were all drawn to this farm for the purpose of expanding access to fresh food—getting fresh food to Vermonters who are food insecure, and feeding the growing bodies and minds of our youth has been an excellent way to keep us motivated as the season starts to wind down.

Last week was the conclusion of the Monitor Barns Farm’s pastured poultry season. Since April, 900 chickens have passed though our hands and its a bittersweet feeling to see them go… The three hours dedicated daily to their chores and maintenance can now be focused elsewhere on our bountiful harvest of the coming autumn, but we all enjoyed the daily rhythms and interactions with our little avian friends.

Our main goal with the chickens was to allow them to live out their lives with as many natural instincts and inherent chicken traits as possible. In short, we want to raise happy, healthy chickens which in turn provide us with tasty, nutritious poultry. To keep our birds happy and clean, we kept them on pasture and moved their little homes (we call them tractors) twice a day and let them out of their tractors whenever weather permitted.

For anyone who doesn't believe Cornish Cross actually graze, take a look at this picture.

As with any system in its first season, this was definitely a learning process. Through the first two batches we refined our systems to become more efficient and profitable. In this final and last batch of 300 birds, we felt we had finally gotten all of our bumps out and ended up producing a great batch of birds (even with a small incident with a hungry raccoon). One of the crew leaders, Angie, was able to create a holistic budget for the birds that tracked every cent it took to produce them… results will follow. The interns here at MBF were able to learn every part of raising these birds- from raising the chicks in the brooder, to maintaining them on pasture, to processing the birds and finding a market for their sale.

We raised a breed called Cornish Cross or Cornish Rock. This is the generic white breed that commercial poultry producers use and has been hybridized and bred to put on weight quickly with an efficient conversion of grain and produces large breasts and legs. Generally, this is the breed that American consumers want. However, many people in the world of sustainable agriculture look down upon these super-hybrids as lazy and weak. And, while there is definitely more health issues with these birds than more-hardy, heritage breeds we saw excellent results. Our day old chicks were very active and healthy- we got them from Mt. Healthy Hatchery in Ohio. We kept a pretty low mortality rate and tried to get them out on pasture as early as possible (around 2 weeks). It was blatant to us that the earlier we got them out on pasture, the better they were at foraging and utilizing those chicken instincts we were hoping to foster.

We hope you’ll enjoy feeding these chickens to your friends and family knowing how well they were cared for!  Please inquire with Amanda Payne, VYCC Farm Coordinator if you are interested in buying a chicken.  802.434.3969 x145

Raised with care and dedication,

Ben, Angie, Kelly and Melissa (The Monitor Barns/VYCC Farm Crew)

On Thursday, September 9^th the Roxy movie theater in Burlington, Vermont will be hosting two showings of Absinthe Films’ latest snowboard movie NOW/HERE and proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps. Join us for the show and support our work to employ youth in environmental conservation jobs and educational programs.

“Movement can give the illusion of progress. And they say that all the world is illusion. So what is the difference between exploring and being lost? In a winter that brought an exceptional amount of challenges to riders all over the world, Absinthe’s newest snowboard film reminds us how much our reality is affected by what we make of it. Whether you are lost … or exactly where you want to be … all depends on how you look at …it.”

NOW/HERE RIDERS: Dan Brisse, Jake Blauvelt, Gigi Rüf, Lucas Debari, Fredi Kalbermatten, Sylvain Bourbousson, Romain deMarchi, DCP, JP Solberg, Annie Boulanger, Marie-France Roy, Bjorn Leines, Taka Nakai, Tadashi Fuse, Jules Reymond, Cale Zima, Blair Habenicht, Terje Haakonsen, Bode Merrill, Wolfgang Nyvelt, Nicolas Müller

2 SHOWS!

Doors 6:30 pm/Showtime 7 pm
Doors 8:30 pm/Showtime 9 pm

Prizes + Autographs + MORE!

Rider appearances: Bode Merrill, Bjorn Leines and friends

Tickets $10 – available at Maven Boardshop, Darkside Stowe, Ridin High and at the door (if available)

Help the cause- walk, bike, skate, hop a train, carpool to the event.

Proceeds benefit Vermont Youth Conservation Corps + Protect Our Winters

Our second session slideshow is now online! On August 22 all VYCC second session crews gathered at the West Monitor Barn to say their final goodbyes and gather for a last circle up. Throughout the last four weeks, our VYCC crews did a ton of work building new trails, removing invasive species, restoring natural areas, and constructing new bridges –one crew built two 28-foot bridges in three weeks! Whew!

Check our closure slideshow to relive the memories and see the amazing work we completed. Thank you to all of our 2010 crews for their hard work, passion, and endless energy!

Open Houses for second session crews are quickly approaching! Join us as we listen to crew stories and celebrate each crew’s work accomplishments at their campsites throughout Vermont. All family, friends, and supporters of the VYCC are welcome. For specific details about open houses, please read the below information. For more information, call the contact number listed.

**Roving 1 Co-ed LDC (Crew Leaders: Marcus and Mo)**
When: August 11, 2:30 – 4:30pm
Where: Seyon Ranch State Park, 2967 Seyon Pond Rd, Groton, VT 05046
Google Directions
Seyon Ranch State Park Map
Call Ry for details about specific campsite (881-5023)

**Roving 2 FLDC (Crew Leaders: Heather and Briana)**
When: August 21, 8:00 PM
Where: West Monitor Barn – Hay Mow (top floor), Richmond, VT
Google Directions
Call Mary T for details (881-5028)

UPDATE! **Roving 3 LEAP (Crew Leaders: Cara and Elon)**
When: August 14, 5:00 PM
Where: Meet in front of the EAST Monitor Barn in Richmond, VT (the large barn just east of the West Monitor Barn)
Google Directions
What: Potluck Style! Bring a dish to share with crew and others
Call Eliza for details (881-5025)

**Roving 4 (Crew Leaders: Erin and Kateri)**
When: August 11, 5:30 PM
Where: Moosalamoo Campground, Goshen, VT — look for big blue and green tarps and gray van.
What: Potluck, fun, and campfire! Bring enough for crew of 8 young hungry folks.
Google Directions
Call Ry for details (881-5023)

**Roving 5 (Crew Leaders: Cyndi and Laura)**
When: August 15, afternoon, EXACT TIME TBD.
Where: Silver Lake Campground (NOT Silver Lake State Park)
Directions: from Rte 7. Turn east onto Rte 73. Turn left onto Town Hill Road. From Rte. 100 Turn west onto Rte 73, Turn right onto town hill road. There is a sign for Moosalamoo and Blueberry Hill Inn. Continue onto Capen Hill Road, turn left onto Flora White Road. At stop sign go straight onto silver lake road/forest service road 27. Veer right. Park in lot, trail head on backside of lot. Follow Goshen trail (approx .4 miles.) Be sure to veer right at first trail intersection. At next trail intersection, go right to campground sites 1 and 2
What: Potluck
Google directions
Call Ry for details (881-5023)

**Roving 6 (Crew Leaders: Nikki and Dom)**
When: August 11, 5:30 PM
Where: Hapgood Pond Campground Site 17, Peru, VT
Google Directions
Hapgood Pond Campsite Map
What: Potluck Dinner with project presentation
Call Eliza for details (881-5025)

**Roving 7 (Crew Leaders: Matt and Katie)**
When: August 11, 5:00 PM
Where: Grout Pond Campground, West Wardsboro, VT
Google Directions
Grout Pond Campsite Map
Call Eliza for details (881-5025)

**Roving 8 (Crew Leaders: Chris R and Elizabeth)**
When: August 11, 5-7:00 PM
Where: 4266 VT Rt 14, South Royalton, VT 05068
Google Directions
What: Potluck snacks
Call Eliza for time and details (881-5025)

**Roving 9 (Crew Leaders: Shane and Ashley)**
When: August 11, 6:00 PM
Where: North Hero State Park, Loop 2, lean-to Apple and Cherry
Google Directions
What: Italian-themed Potluck
Call Ry for details (881-5023)

**Roving 10 (Crew Leaders: Patrick and Lisa)**
When: August 11, 7:00 PM
Where: MMU High School, Jericho, VT. Off Packard Road, in parking lot.
Google directions
What: Potluck, no desert please!
Call Mary for details (881-5028)

UPDATE! **Roving 11 (Crew Leaders: Dave and Carly)**
When: August 11, 5:00 PM
Where: Open House in Dummerston, VT at the Congregational Church in the center of town.
What: Potluck
Directions: Take 91S to the Putney Exit and turn left on the East-West Road into Dummerston. The Congregational Church is in the center of town.
Google directions
Call Mary for details (881-5028)

UPDATE! **Roving 12 (Crew Leaders: Pete and Vanessa)**
When: August 15, 3:00 PM
Where: Crew’s campsite at Sand Gate (near Arlington)
Directions: Take Rte 7 south through Manchester. 10 miles South of Manchester take 313 West. Take a left to stay on 313 West. Take a Right onto Sandgate Road. The crew will be greeting guests about one mile down Sandgate Road.
*Note: Destination on this map is approximate. Drive about a mile on Sandgate road until you see the crew! Google directions
Call Mary for directions and details (881-5028)

**Wilderness 1 (Crew Leaders: Carrie and Rick)**
When: August 15, 12:00 PM
Where: Gate on top of Forest Road 58, near Peru, VT
Directions: From rt 11, turn onto Main St in Peru. Bear left Hapgood Pond Road, and then bear left again a few minutes later onto North Rd (there is a sign for Wings XC). Turn left onto Mad Tom Notch Road (FR 21). Take a right onto FR 58, Mad Tom Notch Rd. Travel approx 10 minutes until you see a gate!
Google directions
What: Potluck. Festivities will start at the gate, but if interested, prepare for a one hour intermediate hike to see campsite and work project.

**Wilderness 2 (Crew Leaders: Meg and Brigitte)**
When: August 11, 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Potluck begins at 6:00PM
Where: 2000 Lottery Road Shrewsbury, Vt. On LT/AT. Welcoming crew will be there to escort you to the site.
Google Directions
What: Bring dish to share, preferably your child’s favorite! Expecting 20 people. Bring silverware, plates, and drinkables.
Questions: call Meg or Brigitte at 881-5017 or supervisor Katherine (774-239-2371)

**Wilderness 3 (Crew Leaders: Maureen and Thorin)**
When: August 15, 12:00 PM
Where: At the crew campsite, off of Stony Brook Rd, Notown, VT
Directions: From Richmond: 89 South to Exit 3 for Bethel. Turn right off the exit ramp. Stay on rt 107, after bearing left at intersection in Bethel. Continue for approx 10 – 15 minutes. Turn left onto Stony Brook Rd. Follow for 20 minutes. You’ll see a gold Rav-4 on the left, near a foot bridge. Campsite is through the meadow to the left.
Google Directions *Note destination not exact, keep following road until you see the gold Rav 4!
What: Potluck

Our 2009 Online Yearbook is now live! Check out the huge amount of work our roving, wilderness, park, school, and community crews completed in 2009. We built new trails, removed thousands of pounds of invasive species, ran Elmore and Quechee Vermont State Parks, repaired heavily-eroded natural areas, and helped preserve Vermont’s beautiful landscapes for generations to come. Thank you to all of our alumni and staff who worked long hours to make this happen!

On Wednesday, July 28 VYCC Community Crews will host friends, families, and visitors at their end-of-season open house presentations. Crews will discuss the work they have accomplished and the lessons they have learned throughout the summer. Below are details for each crew:

Burlington Community Crew (Crew Leaders: Catsey and Ryan)
- 5 pm at Starr Farm Park in Burlington

Richmond Career Development Crew (Crew Leaders: Nate and Marissa)
- 5pm at the West Monitor Barn in Richmond
- Potluck!

Rutland Career Development Crew (Crew Leaders: Nigel and Tyler)
- 2 to 4pm at the Pittsford Recreation Area
- Potluck!

Woodstock Community Crew (Crew Leaders: Marie and Erik)
- 5 to 7pm at the Forest Center in the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park, Woodstock

Montpelier Community Crew (Crew Leaders: Carly and Brit)
- 1:30pm at the Ricker Pond parking lot in Groton State Park (Rt 302 East, turn onto rt. 232, can only go left, towards Ricker Mill)

Questions? Call (802) 434 – 3969 x200 or email info@vycc.org.