Do you know what brings Vermonters together? Gardening. Spring is coming and folks are seed-swapping on Front Porch Forum! We’ve noted dozens of events* all across the region where folks are invited to curate their upcoming gardens with the help of fellow neighbors.
Some keep it simple:
“The Barnet Public Library is holding a Seed Swap event. Bring saved seeds, unused seeds or just come pick some up for yourself. We hope people participate in our first seed swap. The more the merrier!”
• Dylan, Barnet Forum
“Many growers have extra seeds that might not ever get used. Bring them to the Sudbury Seed Swap and take home new ones. If you’re a beginner, this is a great opportunity to pick out some seeds & get started.”
• Mike, Sudbury Forum
Some are ready to mix and mingle:
“Local home gardeners are invited to our first annual SEED SOCIAL. Chat about the coming season; share garden plans, stories, and experiences; ask for advice; and be the first to sign out packets of heirloom seeds from the 2025 Seed Catalog! Light refreshments.”
• Linda, Charlotte Forum
“Join the Caledonia #9 Grange – come bearing seeds and some food to swap with each other. Swaps are a great way to try out new varieties, to share leftover seeds, save money, reduce waste, and to introduce others to the varieties you love best. It is also a great way to build community and share knowledge and know-how together.”
• Jeanne, Hardwick Forum
Or, learn tips of the trade:
“Master Gardener Rachel Babin will serve up “Seed Starting 101.” Rachel will demystify indoor seed starting with practical advice and hands-on demonstration. We’ll also be starting seeds for the Children’s Garden that was wildly successful last year in its first year.”
• Judy, Waterbury Forum
“Learn to easily grow fresh, nutritious sprouts, microgreens or mini greens right in your own home—no garden needed. This free class is open to all, but we will have microgreen growing kits available for a $10 fee which includes soil, seeds, and a reusable container for those who wish to buy them.”
• Emily, Bristol Forum
Some need help getting started:
“Wren’s Nest Forest Preschool will be planting its very first garden this spring! We are looking for donations, including mulch, soil, wood for garden beds, native plants, trees, and shrubs, kids’ gardening tools. Your support will allow our children to connect with nature, food systems, and the local community in meaningful ways.”
• Jen, Hinesburg Forum
*Postings are lightly edited for brevity
It’s National Hiking Day. Vermonters often offer up suggestions in their Forums about the best trails.
“For kids, Sunset Rock from the top of Lincoln Gap is a little over a two-mile round trip. Fairly steep for the first quarter mile but then eases up considerably. A couple of place where you’ll need to scramble up rocks, but young kids should be able to handle it. And the reward is a spectacular view of the Champlain Valley.”
• Peter, Mad River Valley Forum
“Just hiked part of the Pitch Pine Trail. Amazing…very hike-able. Colors are gorgeous. What a find…will be an excellent place for snow shoe-ing…thanks for the tip!!! SOME HUMONGOUS TREES.”
• Maura, Salisbury Forum
“Just wanted to say how nice it was when hiking the Catamount trail thru Chase Brook back along German Flats towards SB south – I forgot to take a picture to include but the beautiful artwork by a local student(s) (I believe) and the story that went with it were very pleasant, and I just wanted to let the people know who put that together how much I enjoyed it. Walked it with my son’s family and our 20 month old granddaughter, and while she didn’t get the whole story she did see the artwork and helped capture her imagination. Nice job and appreciate the effort! If it’s still there it would be a nice thing to enjoy if you get a chance to hike it.”
• David, Fayston Forum
“The Colchester Causeway, a crushed gravel rail trail, separates Lake Champlain and Malletts Bay, following the railbed of the old Island Line Railway. From Causeway Park in Colchester, it’s a little over 6-miles round trip out to The Cut and back. The trail features sweeping views of the Adirondacks to the west, and Mount Mansfield, Bolton, Camels Hump, and Mounts Abe and Ellen to the east. This trail is also accessible and bikeable, so it has many recreation options!
Mt. Philo, Vermont’s first state park, is a great warm-up to hiking season. Located in Charlotte, hikers can hike up the paved auto road for beautiful views of Lake Champlain, Vermont’s farmland, and the Adirondack Mountains. The summit includes several scenic overlooks with benches and picnic tables to enjoy a snack and a view. The hike is a little over 2 miles round trip and provides elevation for an excellent training hike.”
• Dwight, Cornwall Forum
In response to a request for a wheelchair accessible trail:
“There is a new interpretive trail at the Dead Creek Visitor’s Center in Addison. It isn’t long, but it’s very flat with a new surface that I’m sure is suitable for a wheelchair. The rain has really made the flowers pop.”
• Rick, Hinesburg Forum
“Try the Nature Conservancy’s Raven Ridge Preserve in Monkton/Charlotte/Hinesburg. From the trailhead parking area on Rotax Road in Monkton there is a lovely accessible boardwalk across a wetland. Once you’re in the woods, the path turns to packed gravel but it is level and leads to an overlook over a small beaver pond. Perhaps 1/2 mile in total length.”
• Lenore, Hinesburg Forum
“This is for runners. Okay maybe bikers and walkers too.
This is the most beautiful ~10 miler you will ever run. The gorgeous Lincoln Loop:
Start at the town center, up Quaker, left on Isham Hollow, left on Colby hill, left onto Atkins, cross the river and up York, follow to West Hill, follow to Browns and left and down back to village.
Gorgeous view 1: Quaker at Isham, east and south.
Gorgeous view 2: Colby Hill, east and south.
Delightful downhill through the woods: Colby to Atkins
Classic Vermont Farm picture: Atkins Road”
• Van, Lincoln Forum
Thanks to the many organizations and volunteers who help to maintain these outdoor treasures!
Search your Forum Archives with the term “Hike” or “Trail” and see what outdoor adventure you might find in your own area!
Ask about or make suggestions for your favorite hikes on your local Forum!
Ghost of Midnight is an online journal about fostering community within neighborhoods, with a special focus on Front Porch Forum (FPF). My wife, Valerie, and I founded FPF in 2006... read more