Vermont Parks Forever

03/17/2026

Whoa! Did you know Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) has some eagle cams set up and they are capturing all kinds of great footage! Check out a saved clip here, and then take a look at the live cam footage at the link.

03/16/2026

We hope you're finding time to get outside! Even when you're busy--or especially then. Just 15 minutes in nature can calm your nervous system, boost immunity, and improve mood.

It doesn't even have to be enjoyable--it's still an investment in your overall wellness.

03/14/2026

Are you registered yet?

This anytime/anywhere 5k is a great way to jumpstart spring and support Vermont Parks Forever (the foundation for Vermont State Parks) at the same time.

Just $36 plus fees gets you some fun swag like a t-shirt and medal AND this "race" can be done any time, anywhere, and in any happy little style your heart desires. Start now, or anytime!

Join us, and run for the trees 🌳🌲🌳🌴💚

Introducing Run for the Trees: the virtual 5k that lets you run/walk/roll your way to happiness at your own pace, in your favorite setting, AND supports Vermont's State Parks at the same time.

03/11/2026

We hate to say it out loud, but it's true... After 5 years with Vermont Parks Forever, Jessie is moving on to an exciting new chapter, overseas with her family.

Read about some of Jessie's lasting contributions (beach wheelchairs! park access grants! and more!) in the blog post linked below.

🥹

After five years with Vermont Parks Forever, our good friend and colleague Jessie Krust is moving on to a new chapter with her family overseas.

03/08/2026

It's sugaring time!

Vermont is the LARGEST producer of maple syrup in the US, and if you live here then chances are you know first-hand the sweet smell of sap boiling on an early spring day.

For those who aren't so close to home: It takes 40 gallons of maple sap to boil down to one gallon of syrup, and the season is fleeting. Our early-spring freezing nights and warmer days are what send the sap flowing up and down the trunk (and out through any waiting taps).

Do you have a favorite way to enjoy Vermont Maple Syrup?

We'll share a few favorite camp recipes from Vermont State Parks in the comments, in case you need inspiration.

03/06/2026

Thank you, Magic Mann, for this and all your generous support!

Feel like running for the trees?Join us and Vermont Parks Forever for Vermont's first ever Happy Little (virtual) 5k!

Run, walk, hike, skip or roll your way to happy little endorphins, AND support work of the Vermont State Parks Forever. Aside from benefiting Vermont Parks Forever, your registration gets you some fun swag including a t-shirt, race bib, and more.

This fundraiser is a collaboration between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Bob Ross Inc..

The "race" is at your own speed, in your own time, and meant to be low-pressure and fun-- much like Bob himself.

The race can take place anytime 4/17 - 4/26 - a great addition to your 4/20 weekend!

As the only non-profit foundation for Vermont’s 55 state parks, VPF focuses on nature education, access to parks, and equity in the outdoors. Keep the magic flowing and register today!

Learn More: https://magicmann.com/blog/run-for-the-trees-happy-little-5k/

"The Joy of Painting" with Bob Ross

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

03/05/2026

A very big thank you to Kestrel Coffee Roasters for their ongoing generosity as business partners since 2017.

Kestrel Coffee Roasters source and roast specialty coffees from all over the world, focusing on excellent coffees that are ethically sourced single-origin from small farms.

They offer wholesale coffee, coffee subscriptions, and you can also visit them at one of four locations in the greater Burlington area--including their newest cafe at Leahy Burlington Airport.

03/05/2026

In 2025, we launched a first-in-the-nation pilot program welcoming over 100,000 income-eligible Vermonters for free day-use of Vermont State Parks.

🌿 We are thrilled to share: the pilot program of 2025 was a success!

Not only was this program well-used (over 30,000 free visits recorded), but most importantly:

💡 It benefited people who were otherwise unlikely to visit the parks.

Of participants surveyed....

75% would not have visited if it weren’t for the pilot,
61% brought along a child under four years old,
99% of surveyed participants plan to use this program again in 2026.

There's more to share, and much more to do, and frankly we would LOVE your help! 💪

Read more about our findings, and how you can get involved, at our blog post--linked in the comments.

03/04/2026

It looks a lot like sugar snow out there!

Is anyone tapping trees yet?

03/04/2026

Have you ever considered being a campground volunteer at a Vermont State Park? Visit www.vtstateparks.com/volunteering to learn more!

📸: A campfire gives off a warm glow, taken at Emerald Lake State Park by Brittany Levandowski.

03/03/2026

A huge thank you to our newest business partner: the Family Forest Carbon Program

Developed by the American Forest Foundation and The Nature Conservancy, the Family Forest Carbon Program helps landowners reach their goals by providing additional income, expert forestry guidance, and resources to improve their forest's health.

With every acre enrolled, the Family Forest Carbon Program is able to support America’s family forest owners and their communities, as well as wildlife habitats, cleaner water, and more resilient land for the future.

The program is enrolling landowners with 30+ acres of forest land in 20 states. Learn more and check eligibility at the link in the comments.

03/02/2026

“I’ve lived here for years and never walked those trails before. It felt amazing to finally go!”

Does your organization serve Vermonters who face barriers to enjoying time outdoors? We want to hear from you!

We're now accepting applications for our Park Access Program, providing passes to orgs across Vermont! Learn more and apply at the link in the comments.

📸 and quote courtesy of Families First, 2025 Park Access Grantee