The Equinox Preservation Trust

06/11/2026

On Tuesday, June 9, forester Caitlin Cusack of the Vermont Land Trust and the Preserve Forest and Trails Steward treated 11 ash trees on the Preserve with an insecticide called emamectin. This is the second round of treatment which began in 2023 on a small stand of trees growing between Flatlanders and across Snicket.
Research has shown that creating numerous small stands of protected ash trees is one important tool to increase the chances that ash trees will remain on the Vermont landscape for future generations.
Emamectin is injected into the trunk of the tree close to the base. The tree's vascular system then transports the insecticide up the tree and into the canopy.
Unfortunately this strategy is both expensive and requires a long-term commitment.
However, the photos will show the reasoning behind our core goal. The tree with the lush canopy is one of the eleven that was first treated in 2023. The other photo shows three canopies of ash trees without protection which are growing mere yards away.
In the coming weeks the Steward will be leading a short hike along the trails, explaining EPT's response to the emerald ash borer (EAB) infestation as will as pointing out signs of beech leaf disease (BLD), first found on the Preserve in September 2025. If you have questions or would like more information on these two non-native introduced forest pests look for more information coming soon.
Thanks to Caitlin and VLT for all the help!

04/22/2026

Maybe you were able to listen today, but if not Vermont Public Radio's Vermont Edition program interviewed Dr Morgan Southgate. Morgan is researching wildflower phenology on the upper slopes of Mt Equinox at two sites, one on the Preserve and the other close by on adjacent TNC property. Specifically she is looking at how small differences in topography, slope aspect, etc influence spring wildflowers.
Morgan explains it better: https://www.vermontpublic.org/show/vermont-edition/2026-04-22/vermonts-forests
Her interview starts at approximately the 34 minute mark.

04/13/2026

Flatlanders trail will be closed tomorrow as we finish felling ash trees for this season. If the trail is cordoned off please use an alternate route.
If time and weather, allow the work will continue on the north end of the Pond Loop on Wednesday.
The photo is of an ash tree that recently came down just a short distance off Trillium.
We thank you for your understanding!

04/09/2026

So it begins.....
Today was Day One of 2026 garlic mustard management (removal).
The Preserve Steward, using a variety of strategies, spends April, May, and into June removing this non-native invasive plant (NNIP) before it puts out seeds. A second NNIP species, narrow-leaf bittercress, is also targeted for removal at the same time.
In the coming weeks you will see the Steward working along Flatlanders and Snicket.
How can you help?
(1) Volunteer! Tough on the knees, lots of ticks and black flies (and nettles, thorns, no-see-ums, mosquitos) but also a great way to see spring wildflowers as they emerge, not to mention the warblers as they return. Go to the EPT homepage and click the "Contact Us" button to send us an email.
(2) Manage your dog! Keep your dog on the trail, on a leash, or by your side when walking along Snicket and Flatlanders. Garlic mustard and narrow-leaf bittercress seeds are spread in the fur of animals as they pass by. Brush your dog regularly, especially before coming onto the Preserve.
(3) Donate to the Trust! We always appreciate donations; your funding shows us how much you appreciate the Preserve and our hard work managing the lands.
Why do we do it? The photo of the garlic mustard (left) was taken just feet away from a small patch of young bloodroot plants (right). With your support our work will help keep those native bloodroot flowers blooming for future generations to enjoy.

03/18/2026

The recent dusting of snow has been helpful for those interested in getting in a few more days of winter animal tracking.
This photo was taken on Maidenhair Trail this morning and shows a complex bobcat communication system consisting of tracks (look at the large pad and small toes), s**t, and scratching alongside the s**t.
This all occurred adjacent to the trail and a quite large boulder; certainly notable landmarks.
This is likely the same bobcat I have tracked all winter from the SVAC Loop, Maidenhair, Trillium, and many points in between. Earlier this winter, when the snow was deeper, it left the remnants of a squirrel it caught underneath a large deadfall higher up the mountain.

03/13/2026

In 2023 Caitlin Cusack from Vermont Land Trust and Rick LaDue, the Preserve Steward, treated 11 ash trees with an insecticide called emamectin benzoate to protect them from emerald ash borer infestation.
EPT's strategy is to use a variety of different methods to keep ash trees on the landscape until a possible solution to the emerald ash borer infestation is found.
Research has shown that creating numerous, protected, small clusters of ash trees on the landscape (10-20 trees covering approximately 2 acres) can be a successful long-term strategy. Treating 11 trees on the Preserve costs EPT $600 every three years. We believe this is a good use of our resources and is done in conjunction with monitoring for "lingering" ash (trees naturally resistant to EAB infestation) which will begin after the initial EAB infestation moves through. Additionally, ash trees we have been felling to protect trail users will create small gaps in the tree canopy, allowing more sunshine to reach the sun-loving ash saplings down below.
If you see ash trees marked with orange flagging tape along Snicket and Flatlanders please do not disturb! These are our eleven treated trees; the orange flagging will help us find the trees in June for the next round of treatment.
If you are interested in helping us protect ash trees on the Preserve please consider contributing to our Protect the Preserve 2026 campaign (links are in earlier postings). Thanks for your interest and assistance!

03/10/2026

Late winter is a great time to look for animal tracks on the Preserve. The snow is softened by the sunshine and warmer temps, and track details will be more clear than during periods of fluffy deep snow. However, the ample sunshine of the past few days will distort tracks, making them larger than the actual feet of the animal that left them.
Additionally, many animals that spend part of the winter in a semi-dormant stage (not hibernating), such as raccoons, skunks, and chipmunks are now active. Many mammals are also looking for a mate, leaving behind numerous signs of their presence for others of their species.
You will find animal tracks along many of the trails, but some of the best spots to find tracks from a wide variety of mammals include the SVAC Loop and Maidenhair.
The photos show tracks of a raccoon along the stream running parallel to the Mtn Bluff trail.

03/05/2026

For the past two winters the Preserve Steward has been measuring snowpack height at a site near the Upper Spring near the Blue Summit Trail. This data is then uploaded to the Community Snow Observations website: https://communitysnowobs.org/.
This data collection is essential for many states out West that depend upon mountain snowfall to provide water for household use, agriculture and recreation, as well as to forecast avalanche warnings. While not as crucial here in Vermont, the runoff from winter snowmelt is very important for many plants, and animals such as brook trout.
This citizen science project collects data from around the world and anyone who enjoys getting outside in the snow can participate. The website provides information on the project, instructions on how to download and use the Snow Scope app, and links to snowpack data collected by citizens around the world.
As of March 4 the snowpack measured 98 cm in height.

01/27/2026

Each year, the Equinox Preservation Trust relies on funding from the Equinox Hotel in accordance with the conservation easements that have been placed on Preserve lands.
This year the Trust wishes to thank the Bank of Bennington for a significant one-time grant that has allowed us to quickly begin felling dead and dying ash trees on the Preserve which are the result of infestation by the emerald ash borer. We are proud to be a beneficiary of this local institution with over 100 years of commitment to the community. Thank you!
In addition, the Equinox Preservation Trust wishes to recognize the following individuals and businesses who have generously contributed to the “Protect the Preserve 2026” campaign to date:
Rich and Nan Forti, Judy Paris, Christine Leonard, Sholeh Patrick, David Topchik, Bobbie Robinson, Rebecca Breslow, Barbara Spizzirro, Constance West, Kathe Dillmann, Heidi Bourhill, Ryan Miosek and Miosek Law, Chip and Kit Chamberlain, Christine Meira, Steven and Susan Fier, Rena and Richard Panush, Andrew and Jennifer Shaw, Jennifer and Matt Samuelson at Samuelson Law Offices, Jack and Mary Ellen Ford, Bob and Robin Steron, Kevin Duffy and Hilary LaForge, David Fielding, Steve Houseman, and Philip Kirstein.
Together, these contributions allow us to fulfill our mission, and ensure that the Equinox Preserve will be enjoyed for generations to come. Thank you!

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/eptfundraising

The Equinox Preservation Trust, EIN 04-3197313, is a 501(c)(3) organization.

Please support Equinox Preservation Trust's campaign to fund 2026 projects that meet the demands of the ever-changing climate and it's impact on the Preserve.

01/15/2026

As happens every year we have experienced recent weather that has transformed the packed snowy tracks into icy challenges. With cold weather in the forecast for the next week, and little snow expected, the trails will remain slick for some time.
We strongly encourage trail users to bring along a pair of microspikes for their boots, it does make a significant difference and also greatly reduces your risk of taking a spill.
Microspikes from companies like Kahtoola and Hillsound are best for the conditions on the Preserve; products using little wire coils for traction will not help much.
What ever product you use be sure they stay on your feet!