Here we go people, we’ve been blogging, tweeting and reporting on the progress of the Cady Hill Forest Conservation Project being conducted by the Stowe Land Trust.  Let’s make the final few days of April count.  If we can raise $100K then the Stafford Family Foundation will donate $25K!

Also the Stowe Mountain Bike Club has signed on to develop and maintain the Mt. bike trails within the forest.  Check it out here.

Here’s an update on the Cady Hill Forest Project.

$100,000 Challenge Announced for Cady Hill Forest

The community is being challenged to raise $100,000 in the month of April, in order to claim a generous $25,000 gift for Cady Hill Forest from the Stafford Family Foundation.

The land trust, which has raised nearly $1.2 million toward the $1.56 million project, is urging the community to pitch in and get the job done.

For everyone who has been thinking about giving to the project, we urge you to donate before April 30^th so we can claim this gift!

Stowe Land Trust works hard to preserve the land in and around Stowe.  This is one of the many reasons Stowe remains pure and natural looking and fantastic.  Their new project will help to conserve the Cady Hill Forest for generations to come.  What the result will be is 320 acres of town forest preserved and put into use with 11 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, walking the dog, snowshoeing and more.  All of this will be a short walk from the village of Stowe.  This will add to the many properties that the Stowe Land Trust has preserved and put to community use over the years like Wiessner & Kirchner Woods, H. D. Burnham Farm and Mill Trail Property.

In order to get there the Stowe Land Trust needs to raise the final $450,000 by May 30, 2012.  Help Stowe Land Trust reach this goal by donating to help preserve this beautiful land.

Visit the Stowe Land Trust site to learn more about the Cady Hill Forest and all their projects.  Donate and Learn Here.

It is my favorite time of year for hiking in Vermont and like a faithful old friend Mount Mansfield still offers her challenging beauty by way of the Long Trail. You will find her trail heads just past the start of the Notch road. To your left you’ll find the trail head. It is about 2.5 miles to the top with some very challenging scrambling at the end. For a less strenuous climb you can also end your  hike at Tafts Cabin. A great place to relax and have lunch as well. If you’re really looking to prove yourself try the Hellbrook trail, and good luck!

For a less challenging day hike follow the Smuggler’s Notch Road to the top and park in the parking area. Across the road you will find the trail head for the Sterling Pond hike. It is 1.1 miles up to the pond. It is a short hike and fairly steep, but a good one for most intermediate hikers and kids. Don’t forget to take some time to discover the caves at the parking area, it will prove to be a memorable day for everyone.

Two other short day hikes worth checking out are the Pinnacle trail and Mt. Elmore. The Pinnacle can be found just out of town off Stowe Hollow Road. It is 3.2 miles of moderate hiking that ends with stunning views of the valley and Mount Mansfield. You can find directions here: http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=HGN202-047

Elmore Mountain Trail is located in Elmore VT, in the state park. It will cost 3$ per person for entry, but the beauty of this hike during peak foliage is well worth the fee. Hike 1.25 miles to the Fire Tower and I dare you to make it past the first flight of stairs! You will be rewarded with beautiful views from vistas along the trail. Hike and additional half mile to Balance Rock and you’ve earned your lunch at the Bees Knees in Morrisville. Here are directions to Elmore State Park: http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=XTM006-019